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 Chrome will automatically run Safety Check in the background, checking for compromised passwords, and outdated versions, and ensuring Safe Browsing is turned on.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.

Source

Key Points:

1. Android 15 may introduce colorful notification icons, making alerts more visually appealing.
2. Changes could extend to the Always-On Display, offering more customization options.
3. Google’s focus is on improving both the design and functionality of notifications.

Android 15 is Set to Transform Notification Icons and Interface Design

Android 15 is expected to launch on phones soon, and early glimpses from the source code suggest some exciting updates. One of the most notable changes involves the notification icons, which might become more colorful and dynamic. This move is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Android experience by improving both the design and usability of its interface.

What’s New in Android 15?

Android 15 isn’t officially out yet, but hints from its source code in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) reveal potential features that are already generating buzz. A key discovery by Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority suggests that Android 15 could offer a redesigned notification panel and Quick Settings. These tweaks seem aimed at creating a more visually engaging and user-friendly interface.

Colorful Notification Icons

One of the standout features found in the early code is the introduction of vibrant notification icons. In contrast to the current subdued tones, Android 15 may display app icons in their original colors, making them easier to notice and recognize at a glance. This change could be especially useful for users who rely on quick visual cues, like those with visual impairments or those who prefer a more colorful experience.

Additionally, Google is experimenting with bringing these colorful icons to the Always-On Display (AOD). This would add a pop of brightness to the typically monochrome AOD, though users may still have the option to keep a more minimalist look with tinted, monochrome icons, depending on their theme preferences.

Customization Continues to Be a Priority

Customization has always been a strength of Android, and Android 15 seems to push that further. With more color choices and flexibility in how notifications appear, Google is catering to users who value both aesthetics and functionality. By making notifications more vibrant, Android 15 could make it easier for users to quickly identify important alerts.

Final Features Are Still Unconfirmed

It’s important to remember that these features are not guaranteed. While the source code gives us a glimpse of what might be coming, not all changes may make it to the final version of Android 15. However, Google’s continued focus on experimenting with new ideas shows its commitment to refining the Android experience.

Overall, Android 15 is shaping up to be an exciting update, bringing fresh visual elements and improved usability to notifications and beyond.