After months of testing, Google released Android 15 on October 15, 2024. At first glance, it might not seem like a big upgrade — there are no flashy redesigns to the home screen, quick settings, or other elements. However, beneath the surface, Android 15 brings a host of useful improvements and exciting features that improve the overall software experience.
While features like Private Space, satellite connectivity, predictive back gesture, and app archiving have grabbed the headlines, there are some lesser-known features that can just be as useful.
6 useful Android 15 features that many people don’t know
1. Turn your Android phone into a high-quality webcam
Android 14 also lets you use your Android phone as a webcam for your PC, but Android 15 takes it a step further by introducing a new high-quality mode that improves the video quality over a wired connection. While it improves the video quality, your phone might get a little hot because it turns off several optimizations.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Connect your phone to a PC via a wired connection.
- Tap the USB notification and choose Webcam.
- Tap the HQ button in the upper-left corner.
2. Limit charging to protect battery health
Smartphone brands now offer longer software support so that the devices stay relevant for years to come. Hence, it’s necessary to keep the battery in good condition. Android 15 makes it easy by allowing users to limit charging to 80%.
This new feature is Charging optimization, which, when enabled, stops charging the device when it reaches 80% to keep the battery health in check.
Here’s how to activate it on Google Pixels:
1. Open Settings and tap Battery.
2. Click Charging optimization.
3. Toggle on Use charging optimization and choose Limit to 80%.
Samsung phones running One UI 6.1 (based on Android 14) already have access to the charging limitation feature, now comes as a part of Android 15.
3. Hide your device name from Wi-Fi networks
Android 15 introduces many security features, including one that’s lesser-known to most people. This feature hides your device’s name from Wi-Fi networks, particularly useful when connecting to public Wi-Fi in cafés, restaurants, airports, etc. You can also hide your device’s MAC address to prevent others from tracking your online activity.
Follow these steps to boost your privacy:
- Open Settings and go to Network & internet.
- Tap Internet and then the gear icon next to the connected Wi-Fi network.
- Select Privacy.
- Toggle off Send device name option.
- Tap Use randomize MAC for better privacy (optional).
4. Save time by creating app pairs
While split-screen mode has existed for years, switching through your favorite split-screen combinations has always been time-consuming. Android 15 makes it easy by introducing app pairs, which lets you create a shortcut icon for split-screen apps. So, you can launch two apps on a split-screen with just one tap.
To create a split-screen shortcut icon, open two apps in the split-screen mode, tap the app icons in the recent apps menu, and choose Save app pair.
Additionally, Android 15 lets you pin apps on the taskbar on Pixel 9 Pro Fold or Pixel Tablet for quicker access.
5. Protect your data from thieves
Our smartphones have plenty of crucial data, and losing access to it can be a nightmare. Android 15 takes a big step in that direction by introducing new security layers to stop thieves from accessing your data.
Even if your device gets stolen, Android 15 won’t let others wipe the phone and set it up using a new account. During the process, the device will ask to confirm the original lock screen or sign into your Google account to proceed. This ensures the stolen devices remain locked and unusable.
Google has also strengthened Android to detect if it’s being snatched. Using sensors and AI, it can predict if the phone is being stolen, and instantly lock the screen. While this feature isn’t exclusive to Android 15 (available on older versions as well), its integration makes your phone more secure.
To strengthen your device security, go to Settings > Security & privacy and enable theft protection features.
6. Set third-party app as your default wallet app
With Android 15, you don’t have to rely solely on Google Wallet. You can set your favorite app as the default wallet app. This can be useful in regions where Google Wallet is not accessible.
Here’s how to change your default wallet app:
- Open Settings and choose Apps.
- Tap Default apps.
- Choose Wallet app and select your favorite wallet app.
While this change is small, it ensures users have more control over their digital payments.
Android 15 brings subtle yet impactful changes
While Android 15 may not be a groundbreaking update, it brings many small changes that save our time, and improve data security and the overall experience.
Also Read:
1. 5 Reasons why Android 15 is better than Android 14
2. Galaxy devices that may get Android 15/One UI 7 update
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