Android 15 is now rolling out to Pixel devices

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It has taken a while for those who bought a new Pixel phone right away, but Google is now beginning to launch Android 15 for qualifying gadgets. Although Google made the source code available for the open-source version of the software last month, the version of the mobile operating system designed for retailers has begun to appear in phones and tablets.

As would be expected, Android 15 is now available for Pixel devices exclusively. The Pixel 9 lineup was launched in August and while Google usually launches a new OS update together with its latest flagship devices this year it didn’t. Android 15 will be coming to eligible devices from other OEMs in the coming months; however, certain handset and tablet manufacturers will be using customized versions of the source code.

In Android 15, the two most important aspects that are being given prominence are security and privacy. Google on its part has stated that the Theft Detection Lock uses artificial intelligence to facilitate the process of securing your data. As; the ability to remove SIM and switch off find my device should also assist in making your device more secure and, other layers of authentication. In Android 15 you will be able to define a locked-down zone where those apps and others you choose to lump in with them are hidden from the eyes of other users.

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Other new features include an easy way to pin and unpin the taskbar on foldable and tablet devices, allowing for more layouts and apps. An app pairing option is said to improve multitasking. You’d be able to ‘dock’ several apps together and then open them by tapping on the home screen icon, which should theoretically make it very easy to transfer files from, say, Google Drive to Gmail, etc.

Google is opening up more camera options to third-party apps, such as more granular control over the flash. You’ll be able to log into apps that use passkeys with a single tap. And, perhaps most significantly of all for some folks, carrier messaging apps will be able to support messaging via satellite when you’re out of range of cell and Wi-Fi networks.

In addition, Google is releasing a Pixel drop today, which includes support for Theft Detection Lock on devices running Android 10 and later.