Key Points:

1. Desktop Windowing: Allows multiple apps to run in resizable windows, enhancing productivity on Pixel Tablets.
2. Settings Redesign: Streamlined organization with Material You updates for easier navigation.
3. Lock Screen Widgets: Brings back lock screen widgets, but only on Pixel Tablets.

Android 15 QPR1 Beta: New Features and Installation Guide for Pixel Devices

Google has introduced several new features with the Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2, focusing on improved multitasking and usability on Pixel devices, especially tablets. Let’s explore the key updates in this release and how to install the beta version on your device.

Desktop Windowing on Pixel Tablet

One of the major highlights is the new desktop windowing mode, now available in Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 for Pixel Tablets. This feature allows users to resize app windows and run multiple apps simultaneously, giving a more desktop-like experience. You can pin apps on the taskbar, and each app window now has a customizable header bar with window controls. These controls let you switch between fullscreen and windowed modes with ease.

To enable this mode:

1. Go to Settings > System > Developer options.
2. Turn on Freeform Windows.

Once activated, you can adjust app windows by dragging a handle at the top of each app window, making multitasking even more flexible. The desktop windowing mode can be controlled through keyboard shortcuts for added convenience.

Settings Redesign with Material You

Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 also brings a redesigned Settings app, improving organization and aesthetics. The new layout groups related preferences under visually distinct sections, helping users navigate more easily. The search bar has been revamped into a taller, pill-shaped design, and the app items are displayed in clear cards, making them easier to distinguish. These tweaks enhance the overall user experience while giving a fresh look.

Lock Screen Widgets Return (Tablet-Only)

Lock screen widgets, previously removed from Android versions, have made a comeback in Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2. These widgets are available by default on Pixel Tablets and allow users to add app widgets like Spotify, Google Clock, and Google Weather directly on the lock screen. Users can customize their lock screen widget panel without unlocking the device, although unlocking is required to access the full app.

Currently, this feature is exclusive to tablets, with no support for phones in this beta version.

How to Install Android 15 QPR1 Beta on Pixel Devices

The Android 15 QPR1 Beta is available for Pixel devices released since 2021, including Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series. You can install the beta via two methods:

1. OTA Update via the Android Beta Program:
   • Visit google.com/android/beta and opt in with your Pixel device.
   • After enrolling, check for the OTA update on your device and install it.
2. Manual Installation via Sideload:
   • Download the Android 15 Beta OTA file for your specific device.
   • Boot your device into Recovery Mode and navigate to ADB Sideload.
   • Connect your phone to a computer with ADB tools and use the command adb sideload to install the update.
   • Once completed, reboot your device.

Make sure to back up your data and enable OEM Unlocking before attempting a sideload.

Most people will be installing via the Android Beta Program, but you can also flash or sideload.

• Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Factory Image — OTA
• Pixel 9 Pro XL: Factory Image — OTA
• Pixel 9 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
• Pixel 9: Factory Image — OTA
• Pixel 8a: Factory Image — OTA
• Pixel 8 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
• Pixel 8: Factory Image — OTA
• Pixel Fold: Factory Image — OTA
• Pixel Tablet: Factory Image — OTA
• Pixel 7a: Factory Image — OTA
• Pixel 7 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
• Pixel 7: Factory Image — OTA
• Pixel 6a: Factory Image — OTA
• Pixel 6 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
• Pixel 6: Factory Image — OTA

Conclusion

With Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2, Google is enhancing the user experience with features like desktop windowing, a revamped settings app, and the return of lock screen widgets for tablets. These updates push Android closer to a more flexible, desktop-like environment, especially on larger devices like the Pixel Tablet.

For those interested in trying out these features, the beta is available now for Pixel devices. Be mindful, however, that these updates are still in beta, and you may encounter bugs or unfinished features.

Top 3 Key Points:

1. Gemini Live Available to Free Users: Google extends Gemini Live for free Android users, allowing conversational AI interactions.
2. Chrome Enhances Security with One-Tap Unsubscribe: Google Chrome adds a feature to easily unsubscribe from web notifications and revokes permissions from unwanted sites.
3. Google Photos Boosts Clutter Management: New options to control backed-up content and third-party app images are coming to Google Photos.

Google is expanding its popular Gemini Live feature, initially available to Advanced subscribers, to all free Android users. Gemini Live enables users to interact in real time with an AI, allowing fluid conversations where users can interrupt and add new information during a session. You can access it via a circular waveform icon at the bottom-right corner of the Gemini interface. Once activated, Gemini Live runs in the background, and users can stop the session by either tapping a button or saying “Stop.”

Although the feature is still missing Gemini Extensions that will let it access apps like Gmail and YouTube Music, these capabilities are expected soon. Gemini Live also introduces 10 new voices, each with different tones and characteristics, allowing users to personalize their experience further.

Currently, Gemini Live is available in English on Android devices, with more languages on the way.

Chrome’s New Notification Controls

Google Chrome is also improving user safety and control with a new one-tap “Unsubscribe” button for web notifications. Initially available on Pixel devices, this feature is rolling out to more Android devices soon. Chrome will automatically run Safety Check in the background, checking for compromised passwords, and outdated versions, and ensuring Safe Browsing is turned on. Chrome will also take steps to revoke permissions from sites no longer in use or flagged as deceptive.

Safety Check’s one-time permissions for camera and microphone access will be revoked after leaving a website, ensuring better privacy. On desktop, the tool will also flag risky Chrome Extensions and offer quick removal options. Chrome’s proactive security approach has already reduced notification volume by 30% on supported devices, and it is expected to have a wider impact as more users adopt the feature.

Google Messages Shrinks Gemini Button

Meanwhile, in Google Messages, the floating action button (FAB) for Gemini has been scaled back to its original size. After being enlarged last month, the button is now smaller, providing a more subtle experience without covering significant screen space. The more compact design makes it less obtrusive, which could encourage more users to keep it enabled.

Google Photos Enhances Clutter Management

Google Photos, a favorite app for managing photos and videos, is working on improved clutter management. Users who back up content from third-party apps will soon have more control over how these images appear in their feeds. An option to show only backed-up images from third-party apps is under development, giving users a cleaner, more organized view of their photos.

Additionally, Google Photos will soon show how many photos in each device folder still need to be backed up, helping users manage their storage more effectively. Although this feature is still in development, it promises to offer more control over cloud backups.

These improvements are expected to make Google Photos even more efficient for managing device folders and third-party app content, though the feature isn’t live just yet.

Top 3 Key Points:

1. Enhanced Restrictions: Android 15 expands security measures for sideloaded apps, limiting their access to powerful system permissions.
2. Focus on User Protection: Google aims to curb malware risks associated with sideloading while still allowing users to bypass restrictions if needed.
3. Future Expansions: Android 15 opens the door for more permissions to be restricted in future updates.

One of the key features that make Android different from iOS is the ability to sideload apps, meaning users can install apps from outside the Google Play Store. For many tech-savvy users, this freedom is one of Android’s biggest advantages. However, this flexibility also brings security risks, as hackers often exploit sideloaded apps to spread malware. In response, Google is tightening the rules in Android 15, making it more difficult for sideloaded apps to access sensitive permissions that could compromise user security.

Why Google is Tightening Sideloading Rules

Sideloading apps can be risky because it bypasses Google’s security checks, making it easier for malicious apps to infiltrate devices. To address this, Android 15 builds upon earlier versions by adding stricter controls for sideloaded apps. While some may question Google’s motives—wondering if it’s a move to push users to the Google Play Store—the main goal seems to be protecting users from malware.

It’s also worth noting that these restrictions don’t apply to apps installed from legitimate third-party app stores that use Android’s official app installation API. In short, this new update doesn’t restrict users who rely on safe, alternative app stores.

Android 13’s Security Foundation

Android 15’s changes build on a feature introduced in Android 13 called “restricted settings.” This feature limits sideloaded apps’ ability to request access to certain high-level system permissions, such as accessibility and notification listener APIs. These are among Android’s most powerful tools, often abused by malicious apps to control devices or steal personal information.

In Android 15, this feature is expanded to cover more sensitive permissions, such as access to SMS, device admin, overlay controls, and even roles like default dialer and SMS apps. Google’s goal is to block sideloaded apps from easily gaining control over these critical functions without user knowledge or consent.

How These Changes Affect Users

With Android 15, the system will automatically deny certain permissions to sideloaded apps unless they are installed via approved app stores. However, advanced users who understand the risks can still manually override these settings, providing a balance between security and flexibility.

Google has also made it clear that these protections will likely be expanded in future updates, covering even more permissions. They are encouraging device manufacturers to adopt these security practices and explore additional controls.

Looking Ahead

Android 15 marks a significant step forward in securing sideloaded apps without completely removing the flexibility that Android users value. By expanding restrictions on powerful permissions and maintaining an open door for future updates, Google is reinforcing its commitment to user security while still supporting the open nature of Android.

These changes demonstrate Google’s long-term strategy to protect users from malicious apps while giving knowledgeable users the freedom to make informed decisions about their device security.

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