Google Announces 10 New Features Across the Android Ecosystem

Separate from its Android 15 Beta 2 reveal, Google announced 10 new features coming to the Android ecosystem this year.

“Yesterday, we shared how Android is reimagining the smartphone with AI at the core,” Google senior director Menaka Shroff writes in the announcement. “Today, we’re introducing the second beta of Android 15 and sharing more ways we’re improving the OS to help you stay safe and get the most out of your device ecosystem.”

Here’s what’s new.

Private space. Coming in Android 15, Private space will help you create a separate space on your phone with an extra layer of authentication, keeping sensitive apps secure. “It’s like a digital safe within your phone for the apps you don’t want others to easily access or see,” Shroff says. “For example, you can hide health or banking apps in your private space to keep your personal information for your eyes only. With direct OS integration, private space offers enhanced protection for sensitive apps, isolating their data and notifications from the rest of your phone. You can also set up a separate lock for private space and hide the existence of it altogether.”

Theft Detection Lock. Coming later this year, Theft Detection Lock uses Google AI to keep your personal and financial data safe if your phone is lost or stolen. It detects “theft motions” and locks down the phone automatically.

Improved protection against fraud apps with Google Play Protect. Later this year, Google Play Protect will be updated to use real-time AI capabilities to spot apps that might engage in phishing or other fraudulent activities. When it detects suspicious behavior, the app is reported to Google for additional review, and it will warn users or disable apps as needed. It does this without collecting any personal information.

RCS in Japan. Google is working with KDDI and other partners to bring RCS messaging to customers in Japan.

Easier pass importing in Google Wallet. Today, you can add digital versions of passes and other items to Google Wallet using bar codes and QR codes. Soon, Google Wallet users in the US will also be able to take photos of passes and other items and add them that way as well.

AR content in Google Maps. Google Maps on the phone will soon be updated with new AR capabilities in preparation for the Android-based extended reality (XR) platform that Google is building with Samsung and Qualcomm. These experiences will help you learn more about a location in new and immersive ways, Google says.

Google Cast and more apps in the car. Today, users of select cars with Google built-in can access apps like Max and Peacock and games like Angry Birds. This capability is expanding to additional vehicles from Acura, Ford, and others, and developers are porting over more phone and tablet apps all the time. Additionally, Google will soon bring Google Cast (formerly Chromecast built-in) to Android Automotive OS, starting with Rivian, in the coming months, so you can cast content from your phone and tablet to the car’s display.

AI in Google TV. Google TV now claims over 200 million active users, and Google is improving the experience with AI-based recommendations so you can find something to watch more easily.

Wear OS 5 updates. Wear OS usage grew by 40 percent in 2023, thanks in part to new devices from Pixel and Samsung, and new adoption by OnePlus, OPPO, and Xiaomi. And Google will improve the platform later this year with battery life optimizations, improved performance, and expanded support for fitness apps and services.

Fast Pair and Find My Device integration. Google is integrating Fast Pair and the new Find My Device service so that you can track your devices’ battery life and locate missing devices from a single interface. Find My Device will expand to support Chipolo and Pebblebee devices later this month. And Bluetooth tags from eufy, Jio, Motorola, and others will be supported later this year.