Five ways Android 15 on Pixel will become much more customizable for users
The second Android 15 beta was released not too long ago, on May 15. According to the official Blog for Android developersThe patch continues Google’s efforts to create a platform that improves productivity, maximizes app performance, and protects user privacy.
However, the post didn’t mention all the different ways Android 15 will upgrade system customization. As people have dug deep into the operating system’s files, many of its other features have been uncovered, several of which offer new ways to customize a smartphone.
Below is a list of the most notable of these possible tools. Android 15 won’t be launching for a while, so there’s a chance some won’t appear in the final release. It’s hard to say, but given their apparent advanced status, we think they’ll be available at launch or shortly thereafter.
1. Slideshow screensavers
A mysterious one in June 2023 Google app called Dreams was discovered in the Play Store. It was for the Pixel Tablet and allowed the device to play a âcollection of screensaversâ when docked and not in use. However, nothing really came of it, as Dreams simply disappeared from the store.
However, it looks like it will be the same feature is making its way to Pixel phones as Android 15 Beta 2 refers to “Dreamliner” in its files. When docked at the Second generation Pixel Standusers can select photo albums on their device as slideshow as screen saver. Additionally, the Google Photos user interface has been updated for Dreamliner and not for Google Assistant.
To add widgets to your Android phones, you need to manually drag and drop apps from the home screen. However, there are indications that Google is planning to introduce an ‘Add button’. So instead of having to drag the widget there, you can just press the button and link them that way. Images inside The 9To5Google report shows that there will be a big blue button right where a widget area is available.
3. Pixel avatar
Industry insider Mishaal Rahman discovered an unbundled version of Google Pixel Avatar in the beta files. This is an app that allows users to select an icon as their profile picture. Rahman says the software has been part of Android for a while, but it adds a new feature: âthe ability to use your Google account photo as your (main) profile photo.â
Before this update, Google Account and Android profile images existed as separate entities. Now the barrier is gone, allowing one photo for both platforms. It’s important to note that this capability actually came out in the first beta version of Android 15, but the syncing process wasn’t very reliable. It should be much better now.
There’s no word if it will work with third-party apps, as the current version only connects the Pixel Avatar to SystemUI apps.
4. Volume buttons for casting
Audio company Sonos sued Google in 2020 over âalleged patent infringement,â claiming the tech giant âripped off its patented speaker technology.â Googling eventually disabled the option to use a Pixel phone’s volume buttons to control speaker groups and other “Chrome and Google Cast devices.” Sonos seemingly won the lawsuit, but a California judge overturned the verdict in 2023, clearing the way for Google to bring back the volume controls, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing.
It is the return of a function that was initially thought would never return. Android Authority was able to cast songs from YouTube Music to Nest Hub devices running beta 2 of Android 15. Adjusting the speaker group volume worked without any issues. So after years of waiting, users will soon be able to finally create (or recreate) their ideal listening environment.
5. Vibration strength
Finally, Google adds a new one Adaptive vibration tool for Pixel. According to the text description, the software can automatically adjust the smartphone’s vibration level “based on your environment.” For example, phone vibration won’t be as strong on a table, but if it detects that it’s on a couch, the Pixel will vibrate louder. The device will be able to detect where it is by using its âmicrophone and other sensors⊠to determine sound levels and context.â Perhaps most importantly: no data is recorded.
It is unknown if these features will also be rolled out to third-party Android phones. Google may give Pixel owners the chance to try them out first before expanding their availability.
Check out Ny Breaking’s list of the best Android phones for 2024.