As promised, Google delivered Stable Android 15 with brand-new features. The company included the latest security improvements for your smartphone. The new OS will pave the way for several custom skins for millions of Androids worldwide.

Google specifically notes Stable Android 15 introduces features and improvements for large-screen devices. These updates will help users of foldables and tablets to get more done, while functions like camera, messaging, and passkeys are also included.

Highlighting additions at a glance:

• Talk to Gemini hands-free on your Pixel Buds
• Use Gemini with Pixel Screenshots
• Isolate sounds with Audio Magic Eraser to elevate your videos
• Get amazing underwater images
• Capture beautiful images with improvements to Astrophotography in Night Sight mode
• Measure temperatures in a more detailed way
• Beat seasonal allergies with Pixel Weather App
• Discover more helpful widgets for Pixel
• Improvements for Call Screen in the UK and Japan
• Enjoy more protection for your phone
• Keep your information private

Here’s a look at what’s new:

Pixel Camera app’s Low Light Boost and in-app controls now work better in low-light conditions. In apps that use Passkeys for authentication, you can log in with a single tap. Satellite communication support is also added to work without mobile and WiFi.

Android’s Theft Detection Lock utilizes AI to help keep your data safe. If your phone senses someone has snatched it and is trying to run, bike, or drive away, the smart feature will automatically lock your device.

• Available for most Android 10+ devices.

For additional security, Android 15 brings authentication requirements for settings targeted by thieves, like removing your SIM or turning off Find My Device, and will lock down your device if we sense multiple failed attempts for apps and settings.

Inspired by Samsung’s Secure Folder, Android 15 added Private Space. The feature acts like a digital safe on Google’s Pixel phones. You can create a separate private space to organize sensitive apps, like your social, dating, or banking apps.

• To access private space, there’s an additional layer of authentication to keep apps secure and away from prying eyes.

Features for foldables and tablets.

Android 15 adds new productivity features for foldables and tablets. Now, users can easily pin and unpin the taskbar on the screen, allowing customization of layout and keeping favorite apps, like Google Photos or Gmail, within reach for quicker access.

You can open Google Drive and Gmail at the same time to easily drag and drop files. Besides, the App pairing provides a quick shortcut to make multitasking easier. With just a tap, you can quickly retrieve app pairs in split-screen for faster access.

Google has reportedly kicked off the Stable Android 15 update rollout for Pixel devices. The company briefly informed the rollout and then pulled the announcement. The document suggests Android 15 is available starting today.

AndroidPolice reports Google accidentally confirmed that Android 15 will roll out to Pixel phones today. The new OS will be available as the October Pixel Feature Drop with new features for eligible Pixel smartphones and tablet.

Seasoned Pixel owners can expect the official announcement and the OTA around 10 AM PT. Despite the confirmation pulled back, we still believe the rollout to begin today – aligning with Google’s mid-October pledge.

Google Pixel owners have been waiting for the Stable update for a long time. The company has started the Beta Program earlier this year. The Beta testing switched to Android 15 as QPR but Stable was being delayed due to unforeseen reasons.

This rollout will pave the way for several Android smartphone vendors. Samsung, in particular, is also preparing to open the Beta Program of One UI 7. Galaxy users could expect an imminent Beta Program for Developers followed by the Public.

Android 15 Update Changelog

The October 2024 Update includes bug fixes and improvements for Pixel.

• Battery and charging
  • Fixed an issue where the device occasionally restarted unexpectedly[2]
  • General improvements in charging and battery usage[3]
• Biometric method
  • Fixed an issue where face unlocking did not work reliably under certain conditions[8]
• Bluetooth
  • Fixed an issue where connecting to certain Bluetooth devices or Bluetooth accessories was occasionally not possible[7]
• Camera
  • General improvements to camera reliability under certain conditions[7]
• Display and graphics
  • Fixed an issue where a gray shadow appeared on the inner display under certain conditions [10]
  • General improvements to the reliability and performance of certain system apps[7]
  • General improvements in display reliability[9]
• Framework
  • Fixed an issue where apps could occasionally not access media files[7]
• System
  • Fixed an issue that affected system reliability and performance under certain conditions[1]
• Telephony
  • Fixed an issue that affected the reliability and performance of adaptive connectivity services* [6]
  • General improvements in network connection reliability and performance under certain conditions[5,9]
• User interface
  • Fixed an issue where Android icons were not displayed correctly under certain conditions[1]
  • Fixed an issue where the animation was not displayed correctly when launching Google Assistant on the lock screen*[7]
  • Fixed an issue where the center button would stop responding under certain conditions[3]
  • Fixed issue with incoming call notifications under certain conditions[3]
  • Fixed an issue that occurred with layouts and animations under certain conditions during transitions[7]
  • Fixed an issue that affected the view and reliability of transitions between certain UI elements and animations[3]
  • General improvements to the view and reliability of transitions between certain UI elements and animations*[1]

Version Numbers

Global

• Pixel 6: AP3A.241005.015
• Pixel 6 Pro: AP3A.241005.015
• Pixel 6a: AP3A.241005.015
• Pixel 7: AP3A.241005.015
• Pixel 7 Pro: AP3A.241005.015
• Pixel 7a: AP3A.241005.015
• Pixel Tablet: AP3A.241005.015
• Pixel Fold: AP3A.241005.015
• Pixel 8: AP3A.241005.015
• Pixel 8 Pro: AP3A.241005.015
• Pixel 8a: AP3A.241005.015
• Pixel 9: AP3A.241005.015
• Pixel 9 Pro: AP3A.241005.015
• Pixel 9 Pro XL: AP3A.241005.015
• Pixel 9 Pro Fold: AP3A.241005.015

Credits – 1, 2

Google is preparing to bring contextual video search support to the Circle to Search feature. AndroidAuthority spotted strings in the latest Google app for Android suggesting the potential arrival of contextual video search support.

In the recent past, Google significantly improved the Circle to Search feature. It added quickly sharing clipped on-screen items, song search, and QR code scanning support. Now, Circle to Search is preparing to upgrade with video search support.

Google’s AI-powered Circle to Search tool will allow you to search within any video. You will be able to trigger Circle to Search on locally stored videos apart from those available on the internet and social media.

Earlier this year, Samsung debuted the Circle to Search feature with the Galaxy S24 series. The company announced that the function will remain exclusive to select Galaxy and Pixel phones till October 2024.

In the meantime, Samsung and Google updated their Galaxy and Pixel phones with Circle to Search feature. Galaxy phones received it with the One UI 6.1 update, while Pixel phones added it with the June 2024 Feature Drop.

Recently, Samsung released Circle to Search for Galaxy A55 and A35. The AI-powered search tool is now available on a wide array of Pixel and Galaxy phones. Google is also preparing to optimize it for Android so a vast audience can make use of it.