Google has announced a major reorganization across several of its key areas, including Gemini, Assistant, and Search. CEO Sundar Pichai explained the changes in a recent company update, stating that these shifts are aimed at improving efficiency, innovation, and product development, particularly in AI-powered solutions.

Gemini Team Moves to DeepMind

The Gemini app team, previously part of Google’s Knowledge & Information (K&I) division—responsible for Search, Ads, Maps, and Commerce—is now being moved to the Google DeepMind organization. DeepMind is Google’s AI research lab, and this move is intended to enhance collaboration between teams and accelerate the deployment of new AI models.

Pichai noted, “By bringing these teams closer together, we can improve feedback loops, speed up deployment of new models in the Gemini app, and make our post-training efforts more efficient.”

Assistant Now Part of Pixel and Android

Google’s Assistant team, previously linked to the Gemini team, will now be part of the Platforms & Devices division, which oversees Pixel and Android. This realignment allows Assistant developers to work more closely with the hardware and software products they’re supporting, with a stronger focus on enhancing user experience in AI-driven home and device integrations.

This shift brings Google’s AI-powered initiatives, especially in the home automation and device ecosystem, under a unified team, which is expected to streamline efforts and drive better results.

Prabhakar Raghavan Transitions to Chief Technologist

Another significant change involves Prabhakar Raghavan, who has stepped down from his role as Senior Vice President of Search. He will now take on the role of Chief Technologist at Google, where he will partner closely with Sundar Pichai and other Google leaders to provide technical direction and leadership.

Raghavan’s contributions to Google have been vast, spanning across products like Gmail, Drive, Ads, and Search. He played a key role in launching AI-powered features such as Smart Reply and Smart Compose, while also driving AI advancements in Search, including the introduction of AI Overviews and visual search tools like Lens. His transition to Chief Technologist marks a new phase in his career, where he will continue to influence the technical growth of the company.

Nick Fox Takes Over Knowledge & Information Division

Following Raghavan’s move, Nick Fox, a long-time Googler and Senior Vice President, will now lead the Knowledge & Information division. Fox has been instrumental in shaping Google’s AI product strategy, working on initiatives that span Search, Assistant, Ads, and more. He has launched successful consumer products like Google Fi and has led complex projects such as RCS messaging.

Fox’s new role signals Google’s commitment to continuing its innovation in AI-driven products and services, particularly in Search, Ads, and other K&I-related areas.

Google Wallet Testing Digital Passport Feature

In another exciting development, Google Wallet has begun testing a feature that allows users to store digital versions of their U.S. passports. This feature is currently in beta for users enrolled in Google Play services and is available for domestic flights in select U.S. airports.

The process to add a passport to Google Wallet involves scanning the passport’s information page, detecting the embedded security chip using NFC technology, and submitting a brief video to verify the user’s identity. Google will then match the video to the passport photo to confirm the authenticity of the document.

This feature, much like the existing state ID option in Google Wallet, offers users the convenience of securely carrying their identification digitally. If a phone is lost, users can remotely remove the digital passport from their devices.

New Security Features in Android 15

As part of Android’s upcoming updates, Google is introducing a new security feature called “Failed Authentication Lock” as part of its enhanced theft protection suite. This feature will lock down devices after multiple failed login attempts, preventing unauthorized access.

This new layer of security adds to Android’s existing protections, which include Theft Detection Lock, Remote Lock, and Offline Device Lock. These features are part of Google’s continued efforts to strengthen user privacy and security across its ecosystem.

Conclusion

Google’s recent organizational changes reflect its ongoing efforts to streamline AI development, enhance product efficiency, and bolster security. Moving the Gemini app team to DeepMind, refocusing Assistant on device integrations, and adding digital passport functionality to Google Wallet demonstrate the company’s commitment to innovation. With the introduction of new security measures in Android 15, Google continues to prioritize user safety and a seamless experience across its services.

After a late start, Android 15 is now gradually becoming available, with Pixel devices leading the way. Other brands are quickly following suit, opening the door for a broader rollout across the Android ecosystem.

Android 15’s Slow Start and Gradual Expansion

Google officially launched Android 15 to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) in September. However, the update for Pixel devices was delayed and only started arriving this week. Despite this, it marks the beginning of a wider release, as other Android phone manufacturers prepare to follow.

Motorola: Early Adopter

Motorola has already taken a step forward by rolling out Android 15 to its Edge 50 Fusion. This release also includes the October 2024 security update. It seems to be part of a beta phase, though, and the company has yet to provide a clear schedule for other devices. An unofficial list of Motorola phones likely to receive the update surfaced last week, but no firm dates are available.

Vivo and Asus Join the Race

Vivo announced plans to begin rolling out Android 15 a few weeks ago, with devices like the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, Vivo X100, and iQOO 12 among the first to receive the update. Asus, on the other hand, just launched a preview program for the ROG Phone 8, giving users a chance to experience Android 15 early.

Oppo and OnePlus: Updates on the Horizon

Oppo is expected to reveal more information about its Android 15 rollout today (October 17). OnePlus is also anticipated to share details about OxygenOS 15 later this month, as the company has been teasing the update across social media channels.

Samsung’s Delay: One UI 7 Pushed to 2025

While many manufacturers are pushing ahead, Samsung has confirmed that its Android 15-based One UI 7 will be delayed until 2025. This means Samsung users will have to wait longer than others for the update, which is a significant disappointment for fans of the brand.

Conclusion: Android 15 is Gaining Momentum

Although the Android 15 rollout began later than expected, it’s now picking up speed. Google’s Pixel devices are receiving the update, and other major brands like Motorola, Vivo, Asus, Oppo, and OnePlus are following close behind. While Samsung users face a longer wait, the Android 15 floodgates are officially open for most manufacturers.

Source

Google has started rolling out the Android 15 stable update to Pixel devices currently running Android 15 Beta 4.2. This update comes shortly after the release of Android 14’s OTA (Over-The-Air) update. Android 15 Beta 4.2 was originally released in mid-August, marking the last major update before the introduction of the Android 15 Quarterly Platform Release 1 (QPR1) Beta, which is expected to launch in December.

Android 15 Beta 4.2 and the Stable Update Rollout

The Android 15 Beta 4.2 update featured the August 2024 security patch and was initially made available to Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL users. However, many users opted to wait for the final stable version of Android 15 rather than diving into the Android 15 QPR1 Beta. For those who wanted to avoid the QPR1 Beta testing, Google recommended opting out of the Android Beta Program and ignoring the downgrade OTA back to Android 14. This meant that users had to stick with Beta 4.2 for a couple of months, with no additional updates in September.

The stable Android 15 update is now arriving for users who remained on Beta 4.2. The size of the OTA update is around 200MB, which is significantly smaller than the Android 14 update that was over 1GB.

Features Removed from Stable Android 15

While Android 15 Beta 4.2 introduced several new features, not all of them made it to the stable release. Notably, Google removed the Device Diagnostics and Adaptive Timeout features, which had been part of the Beta 4.2 release. These changes are part of Google’s refinement process, ensuring that the final public version of Android 15 is optimized for users.

QPR1 Beta and Expected Updates

As for Android 15 QPR1, the last update, Beta 2, was released on September 12, but Google has not provided any new patches or updates since then. Some known bugs, like issues with capturing screenshots, missing lock screen shortcuts, and problems with exiting apps while on the lock screen, have yet to be addressed. However, Google is expected to release another update, either Beta 2.1 or Beta 3, before the December launch of QPR1.

In summary, the Android 15 stable update is now rolling out to Pixel devices on Beta 4.2, offering a smooth transition to the final version. Google continues to work on the upcoming QPR1 release, with more updates anticipated before the end of the year.