Android 15 it looks like it will introduce several features that allow users to perform simple tasks and view information at a glance. These include a new screensaver that lets you control your Google Home devices, restore lock screen widgets for tablets, and change the default wallet app to Google Wallet.
All three new features are found in the Android 15 Beta, which was released on April 11, 2024, and can be downloaded for Pixel devices. However, it’s probably better to wait for the full release to ensure the best stability.
We can expect the full release of Android 15 around the third quarter of 2024, with announcements of some of the new features of Android 15 on Google I/O 2024held on May 14.
Widgets could return to Android tablet lock screens as part of the Android 15 update.
Widgets offer quick access to key app information without opening the app itself, allowing you to see things like notes, email, and calendar at a glance, but they’re only available from the Android home screen.
Lock screen widgets were available on both phones and tablets back in 2012 as part of Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, but were later removed in Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Currently, with a locked device, you only have access to three apps: Google Calendar, Google Watch, and the Google app. However, the potential update means you won’t have to unlock your tablet to access handy widgets like YouTube Music or your photos, contacts and more, adding an extra layer of customization to your device.
As previously publishedat first it was thought that the widgets would only be available for Google Pixel tablet. However, lock screen widgets are expected to appear on Android tablets with Android 15, but not on Android phones.
Android Authority discovered the return of the widget after digging through the Android 15 Beta code. It found a new “common space” that allows users to add widgets from select apps. This area can be accessed by swiping in from the right side of the lock screen.
More details refer to the “glanceable hub”, where the widgets will be stored. They are not placed directly on the lock screen, but on a page that can be accessed from the lock screen, which is still faster and more convenient than opening apps directly.
2. Screen saver control of your smart home
The Android 15 update could introduce a new screensaver called ‘Home Controls’, allowing users to access their home controls directly from the screensaver.
The update will add home controls to that list, allowing you to control your compatible Google Home devices while your phone or tablet charges.
This can include Google Nest devices such as cameras, thermostats and doorbells. Once selected and when the screensaver is active, Home Controls will display your favorite controls for enabled devices.
However, the Home Controls screensaver apparently only supports Google Home devices and not other device controls, which means other smart home apps will have to develop their own dedicated screensavers.
Screensavers have been part of Android phones since Android 9, allowing you to display photos, colors or a simple clock while charging. Adding home controls could be helpful, and while it will be available on Android phones and tablets, it’s likely to be used more on tablets.
Currently, to access the Google Home settings, you should open the Google Home app, activate it using the Google Assistant, or using the lock screen shortcut or selecting the quick settings tile.
While none of this is too difficult, adding a screen saver could be a handy time saver if you want quick access to your smart home settings and have an idle tablet on the dock.
3. Google Wallet as default wallet app
Finally, Android 15 could introduce the ability to set your preferred default wallet app for making payments and storing wallet data.
Digital wallets allow users to store credit cards, discount and loyalty cards, train tickets and boarding passes, and event tickets.
Android is well known for allowing you to set your preferred apps as the default for most phone functions, such as web browsing, file management, media playback, and calendars. However, NFC payments currently only require the use of the Google Wallet app.
That could change with the Android 15 update, which appears to let you choose from a list of apps to use your phone’s NFC function to make payments and store wallet data. This is in contrast to Apple users who are currently forced to only use Apple Wallet on their devices.
However, 9to5Google reports that currently only the AMEX app can be selected, which is not working yet. In the future, we hope to see other wallet apps and banks offer compatible digital wallet apps, giving Android users more options for paying and storing wallet data.
Android 15 alerts
As with all leaked beta features, it’s important to note that some, if not all, of the possible Android 15 additions we’ve discussed are not guaranteed. Code inspections can often be open to interpretation. They may be introduced in a later update like Android 16 or 17, or they could be abandoned entirely.
Those brave enough to try Android 15 Beta should keep in mind that as an early version of the OS, it is unstable and can lead to glitches and possible crashes. So it’s best to backup your device first or wait until the official release.