Google has released a second developer preview of Android 15. In the preview, Google detailed what new features it plans to bring with the upcoming system update and how developers can use those features. Some of the new features mentioned include satellite communication support, cover display support for flip smartphones, screenshot detection and more. Here are the details:
Android 15: Satellite support
With Android 15, Google will expand the platform’s support for satellite connectivity. Apps on the upcoming version of Android will be able to detect when a device is connected to a satellite. In addition, SMS/MMS applications and applications using RCS messages will be able to send and receive messages via satellite connection, without using mobile or Wi-Fi networks. Google said Android 15 will also include some UI elements to “ensure a consistent user experience across the satellite connectivity landscape.”
Notification when the device connects to the satellite (Image: Google)
Android 15: Easier touch payment experience
With Android 15, Google plans to improve the tap payment experience on Android smartphones. Google said that on supported devices, with Android 15, apps will be able to make a NFC (Near Field Communication) request to the device’s adapter to enter “Watch” mode. This means that the device will be able to connect, but will not respond to NFC readers. This will allow applications to authenticate before first communicating with an NFC reader.
Android 15: Cover screen support
Developers will be able to declare that their app or activity can be displayed on the cover display of the foldable device. Although Google said that “screens are too small to be considered compatible targets for running Android apps,” a developer can still choose to make their app available on the home screen.
Screen capture detection
One of the biggest privacy features coming to Android devices with Android 15 is the ability for apps to detect if they’re being recorded. Google said that apps on Android 15 will gain the ability to detect whenever it’s visible to a screen recorder. With this, if an application is performing a sensitive operation, it can notify the user that the process is being recorded.
First published: March 22, 2024 | 15:57 IS