Google officially introduced Android 15 October 15, 2024 after extensive testing. Although at first glance the update looks insignificant, with no noticeable changes in design or functionality, under the “hood” there are many useful improvements that can significantly improve the user experience. Gizmochina tells more about these innovations.
Using a smartphone as a high-quality webcam
The function of connecting a smartphone to a PC in webcam mode was available back in Android 14, but with Android 15 this process has become even more convenient. Now there is a high quality (HQ) mode, which improves video when connected via a wired connection. However, it should be noted that during use, the phone may heat up due to the reduction of some optimizations.
How to enable HQ mode:
- connect your smartphone to your PC via USB;
- select the connection notification and select “Webcam”;
- press the HQ button in the upper left corner.
Limit charging to 80% to save batteries
As smartphone manufacturers have begun to extend the software support period for their devices, it's important to keep battery life in mind. In Android 15 ’the “Charging Optimization” function has appeared, which allows you to limit charging to 80%. This will significantly extend the battery life.
How to activate (on Google Pixel):
- open “Settings” and go to “Battery”;
- select “Charging optimization”;
- enable “Limit charging to 80%”.
This feature was available on Samsung with One UI 6.1 (based on Android 14), and has now become part of Android 15.
Hiding device name on Wi-Fi networks
Android 15 also received new privacy features. You can now hide your device name when connecting to Wi-Fi, which is especially useful on public networks like cafes, airports, or hotels. There's also the option to hide your MAC address to make it harder for people to track your online activity.
How to activate:
- go to “Settings” — “Network & Internet”;
- click “Internet” and the gear icon next to the active Wi-Fi network;
- open the “Privacy” tab;
- turn off “Send device name”;
- optionally activate “Use random MAC address”.
Quickly launch split screen via “app pairs”
Although split screen mode has been available for a long time, switching between different It was quite inconvenient to use app combinations. Android 15 solved this problem by adding the ability to save pairs of apps as shortcuts. This means that launching two apps at the same time is now possible with just one tap.
How to create a shortcut:
- open two apps in split-screen mode;
- in the recent apps menu, tap the app icon;
- select “Save App Pair”.
In addition, Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel Tablet owners can pin apps to the taskbar for even more convenient access.
Protect your data in case of theft smartphone
Data security — is another important aspect that Android 15 developers paid attention to. If your device is stolen, attackers will not be able to reset it to factory settings without confirming the initial screen password or logging into your Google account. This makes stolen devices practically unusable.
In addition, the system uses sensors and artificial intelligence to determine the moment of theft. If the phone is snatched from your hands, the screen will be instantly locked.
How to activate protection:
- go to “Settings” — “Security and Privacy”;
- enable anti-theft features.
While Android 15 doesn't bring radical changes, it offers a host of small but important improvements that improve usability, security, and performance. With new features, users gain even more control and protection over their data.