Android
Android 15 to revamp settings app for better organization
Key Points:
- Android 15 will likely feature a reorganized settings page.
- The new layout will group related settings.
- Some settings, like “Google” and “Digital Wellbeing,” will be moved or updated.
If you check the latest beta version of Android 15, you won’t notice any changes to the Settings app yet. But, based on an analysis, upcoming releases might include a redesigned top-level settings page.
An APK teardown—a method of analyzing app code—suggests that future Android 15 updates could bring a more organized settings layout. This change aims to make it easier for users to find and access settings by grouping related options in distinct sections.
Currently, the top-level settings page in Android 14 on Pixel phones lacks clear organization, making it hard for users, especially newcomers, to navigate. The new design for Android 15 will place similar settings next to each other, making the layout more intuitive. While this revamped layout isn’t available in the latest Android 15 Beta 3, we have a preview of how it might look.
Here’s a comparison of the top-level settings in Android 14 versus the planned arrangement for Android 15:
Android 14 Top-Level Settings Layout:
- Network & internet
- Hub mode (Pixel Tablet only)
- Connected devices
- Apps
- Notifications
- Battery
- Storage
- Sound & vibration
- Display
- Wallpaper & style
- Accessibility
- Security & privacy
- Location
- Safety & emergency
- Passwords, passkeys & autofill
- Digital Wellbeing & parental controls
- System
- About phone
- Tips & support
Android 15 Top-Level Settings Layout (Upcoming):
- Network & internet
- Connected devices
- Apps
- Notifications
- Sound & vibration
- Hub mode (Pixel Tablet only)
- Display
- Wallpaper & style
- Storage
- Battery
- System
- About phone
- Security & privacy
- Location
- Passwords, passkeys & accounts
- Safety & Emergency
- Accessibility
- Tips & support
Notably, the entries for “Google” and “Digital Wellbeing & parental controls” are missing from the upcoming layout. This isn’t because they are being removed but because they are managed differently. These settings use a special API to appear in the Settings app, so their exact placement in the new layout is uncertain. They might be listed under “Passwords, passkeys & accounts.”
The new layout also introduces sections to categorize settings more clearly, though there are no headers between these sections yet. Categories include Account, Connectivity, Personalize, System info, Security & privacy, and Support. The first “Account” section is currently empty, so its contents are still unknown.
Additional Changes in Android 15 Beta 3:
- The “Device & app notifications” setting has been renamed to “Notification read, reply & control.”
- “Screen turn-on control” has replaced “Turn screen on” under special app access.
- The description for “Allow camera software extensions” now mentions support for HDR, Night, and other camera features, but not “Eyes Free videography.”
This update signals that while some new features are being introduced, others might be delayed or adjusted.
Android
Android Auto gets a behind-the-scenes update
Google has released a new version of Android Auto, version 13.0. While you won’t see any big changes on the surface, some important updates are happening under the hood.
What’s New?
- Car Media: Google is working on a new feature called “Car Media.” This feature will allow you to easily control your car’s AM/FM radio and local media.
- Bug Fixes: The update includes bug fixes and improvements to make Android Auto run smoothly.
When Will Car Media Be Available?
Google hasn’t announced an official release date for Car Media yet. But they’re actively working on it, and we might see it in a future update.
How to Get Android Auto 13.0
The Android Auto 13.0 update is available now on the Google Play Store. Just search for “Android Auto” and install the latest version.
Android
Google Maps incident reporting now available on Android Automotive
Android Automotive users can now report traffic incidents directly from their cars, thanks to a recent update that brings this feature to Google Maps on the in-car operating system. This is a significant improvement over the previous limitations, which restricted incident reporting to mobile devices only.
With this new functionality, Android Automotive users can easily report a variety of traffic issues, such as accidents, road closures, traffic congestion, and other hazards. To report an incident, simply open Google Maps and tap the yellow hazard triangle. You’ll then be presented with a list of options to choose from, allowing you to accurately describe the situation.
This feature is particularly useful for keeping roads safe and improving traffic flow. By reporting incidents promptly, users can help other drivers avoid potential dangers and plan their routes more efficiently. Additionally, the data collected from these reports can be used by traffic management authorities to make informed decisions about road closures, detours, and other measures to alleviate congestion.
Overall, the ability to report traffic incidents directly from Android Automotive is a valuable addition that enhances the user experience and contributes to safer roads for everyone.
Android
Google cancels One-Click Chrome OS on Android
Google’s dream of turning Android phones into powerful PC replacements has taken a hit. The company has decided to stop developing an app that would have made it super easy to run Chrome OS on Android devices.
What does this mean?
It used to be that you could run Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system designed for computers, on your Android phone. This would have turned your phone into a mini-laptop, allowing you to do things like work, browse the internet, and use productivity apps.
Why did Google cancel the app?
While Google didn’t give a specific reason, it seems like they might be focusing on other projects or exploring different ways to integrate Chrome OS into their Android ecosystem.
What’s the big deal about Chrome OS on Android?
Imagine being able to use your phone like a computer. You could use office apps, run multiple apps at once, and even connect a keyboard and mouse for a more desktop-like experience. It’s a cool idea that many people were excited about.
Is there still hope?
Even though Google canceled the app, they might revisit this idea in the future. Plus, there are other ways to run Chrome OS on Android, although they are more complicated and require technical know-how.
So, while Google’s one-click Chrome OS dream is on hold for now, it’s still something to keep an eye on. Who knows what the future holds for Android and Chrome OS?
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