What to know

  • Google has released Android 15 Developer Preview 2 for Pixel devices. 
  • The preview hosts various noteworthy features, like better satellite connectivity, improved NFC payments, loudness control, cover screen support, etc.

Android 15’s Developer Preview 2 is now out for early testers. With it we get a glimpse of upcoming features that have been leaked and talked about in the tech realm for some time. These include better satellite connectivity, improved tap to pay with NFC, loudness control, cover screen support, and much more.

DP 2 comes out a month after DP 1, which included new features and quality-of-life improvements, though they pale in comparison to what the latest release has to offer.

Apart from under the hood changes, of which one can assume there would be several, the following features are the most noteworthy:

  • Satellite support: Developer Preview 2 notably improves the satellite connectivity UI. Whenever the device is connected to a satellite network, users will be notified by apps, highlighting the limited connectivity on offer for the network in use. Additionally, users will be able to send and receive SMS/MMS and RCS via satellite.
    Image: Android-developers.googleblog
  • Improved tap to pay for NFC: NFC payments are made more seamless via an ‘observe mode’. This will allow the device to listen for readers, thereby allowing payment authorization even before the device touches the reader. So, in case the payment fails, the user won’t have to tap the reader again and again.
  • Screen record detection: Developers will now be able to make their apps respond based on whether the screen is being recorded or not, which can then be used to notify users of the same or prevent the content of the apps from being recorded.  
  • Loudness control: With added support for the CTA-2075 loudness standard, the level of volume across apps will be more consistent. So you won’t have to reach for the volume buttons every time you switch between apps playing media.
  • Cover screen support: This update is mainly for devices that have a cover screen, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. Developers can make their apps such that they can detect if the device has a cover screen and be displayed on it.

The Android 15 Developer Preview 2 is officially released for the following devices: Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, Pixel 7, 7a and 7 Pro, Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold. To get an overview of the timeline of future updates and the eventual release of Android 15, refer to Android’s Developer website.