Google Finally Launches Android 15

You may have wondered when the Android 15 software update would hit after Google lifted the lid on its Pixel hardware earlier this time. I was gobsmacked when I realized that Google was shipping new hardware with the previous version of its software, Android 14. That’s a decidedly third-party OEM move, not something you see from the maker of all things Android. There was much speculation in the blogs and forums about why Google delayed the software. However, that’s all null and void now that the Android 15 code has officially entered the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) database. Yay!

In a blog post, Google says the update will be available for supported Pixel devices in the coming weeks. If you have a Pixel 6 and above, you’re covered for the update. Devices from other Android makers, including Samsung, Honor, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, and the rest of the Android-making brood, will also get their software updates in the coming months.

Android 15 is a minuscule software update in the grand scheme of Android updates. Its new features include a remodeled volume panel, partial screen sharing with casting, and the ability to use the Android device as a webcam for your PC in a pinch. You can head to your Pixel device’s settings app to check for a software update. If you don’t see anything soon, don’t fret. This is the floodgates opening for the succeeding operating system’s source code; as Google said, the update will be rolling out in the next few weeks.

TalkBack with Gemini

As part of the maelstrom of news, Google also announced that it would be infusing AI into more parts of its ecosystem. The first is in the accessibility realm. TalkBack, Android’s screen reader designed for people who are blind or have low vision, can now generate “detailed audio descriptions” powered by Gemini.

The nice part about having AI doing the work behind the scenes is that accessibility features typically rely on the people behind the scenes doing their jobs. Sometimes, they don’t and forget to fill out the image description box on their content. If there’s no alternative text to tap into, TalkBack will struggle with image descriptions. At least with some help from AI, the person with low to no vision can more easily navigate a page via audio instruction. 

Circle to Search is also getting a fun little update. Google’s best new Android feature in years can now detect music you’re listening to and help identify the song. It works the same way as traditional Circle to Search: long-press the Home button or navigation bar to activate it, then tap the music button to let it know it’s the sound you’re fishing for. Gemini will let you know the track name and the artist and if there’s a YouTube video to learn more about.

Another feature I’m particularly stoked about is the ability to listen to pages in Chrome. Sometimes, I need to multitask and move around, maybe cut up some cardboard boxes or move my legs a bit. This feature will enable me to listen to web pages read aloud as I get out the wiggles. Android will let you choose a preferred listening speed, voice type, and language, which you could use to help with your daily Duolingo habit.

Offline Maps on Wear OS

Good news for Wear OS watch wearers: Now, when traveling in an unknown part of town, you can download the Google Map of the area for reference on your smartwatch. Downloading the map lets you pan around even if you accidentally leave your phone behind. Larger smartwatches like the OnePlus Watch 2R and Galaxy Watch Ultra seem to benefit most from this helpful feature.

Earthquake!!!

Even if you don’t live on the West Coast of the U.S., you can benefit from Google’s new earthquake alerts. The company announced that the Android Earthquake Alerts System is now available in all states, including the six territories covered by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It’s remarkably ample timing for the feature, considering Twitter/X has become less of a place to tune in live to natural disasters.

The Android Earthquake Alert System builds upon the system Google started building in 2020. On the West Coast only—California, Oregon, and Washington states—the Android Earthquake Alerts will tap into the accelerometer data and crowd-sourcing to warn you of an imminent shake. The alerts come in two tiers: the first is the Be Aware alert, which lightly shakes the device to warn of incoming tremors, and the second is the “Take Action” alert, which essentially means it’s time to duck and cover.