Android Gets an AI Boost: Google I/O Showcases New Features for a Smarter Phone
AI takes center stage at Google I/O
This year’s Google I/O developer conference was all about artificial intelligence. From Search to Photos, AI is getting smarter across Google products. Even though Android wasn’t mentioned on the first day, Google reassured developers that Android remains a priority. On day two, they unveiled exciting new features for Android smartphones, many powered by AI, to make your phone experience more personalized.
Google is boosting security in the newest Android update, unveiled at their recent developer conference. New features include a theft detection lock and a private space to keep your data safe.
Focus on theft prevention:
- Android 15 prioritizes security with features that fight against phone theft. “Theft Detection Lock” uses the phone’s smarts and motion sensors to lock down your device if it detects a potential snatch.
While similar to Apple’s “Find My iPhone” lock on reset, Android 15 introduces “Theft Detection Lock.” This AI-powered feature uses motion sensors to automatically lock stolen phones. Google hasn’t confirmed the exact release date, but it’s expected on various Android devices from Google, Oppo, Honor, Lenovo, OnePlus, and others by the end of the year.
Android 15 introduces “Private Space,” a game-changer for data security. It creates a separate, secure zone on your device to house all your sensitive apps. This private space functions as a separate user profile, pausing apps and making them inactive when locked. You can even completely erase this space for ultimate privacy.
- One-time passwords, crucial for secure logins, are now hidden from your notifications, making it much harder for scammers to steal them.
- Safer sideloading: Downloading apps outside the Play Store? Google is expanding security restrictions for these apps, giving you extra protection.
This update acknowledges the growing vulnerability of SMS-based OTPs and the potential risks of notification-based systems.
Android 15 introduces a built-in app archiving feature. This means you can free up storage space on your phone by temporarily removing unused apps. Don’t worry, your data will be safe and sound! Archived apps can be easily restored when you need them again. Plus, you can set your phone to automatically archive apps when storage gets low.
Heads up on scam calls! Google is testing a new feature in Android 15.
This feature, powered by Google’s AI technology, Gemini Nano, will analyze your calls in real-time and warn you if the caller might be a scammer. If Gemini detects suspicious speech patterns, a red warning will appear on your screen with a “Likely Spam” alert. It will also provide a brief explanation and suggest ending the call.
While the exact launch date is unclear, Google says users will have the option to activate this feature and will share more details about data usage later this year.
Circle to Search is having a moment!
This handy feature, originally launched on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series and then Pixel phones, is reaching a wider audience. Google is expanding Circle to Search to 100 million more devices! Now, you’ll be able to easily search anything on your screen simply by circling, highlighting, or scribbling on it.
The developer preview that gave app makers a sneak peek? It’s been evolving ever since, with a public beta for early adopters. Now, Google’s I/O conference has unveiled even more exciting features coming to Android 15 later this year.
Speaking of access, the second public beta is live! It’s available on select Google Pixel devices, along with devices from other brands like iQOO, Honor, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi.
Google is putting AI at the center of Android with the new Gemini 1.5 model. This means exciting features are coming to your phone in the next few months:
- AI on the go: Imagine generating images directly within your favorite apps! With Gemini 1.5, you can overlay it on any app and create AI-powered visuals to drop into emails, messages, and more.
- Smarter video and document interactions: Need info from a YouTube video or a PDF? No more endless scrolling! “Ask this video” and “Ask this PDF” will let you use AI to get answers directly within the app.
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These updates promise to make your phone experience more intuitive and efficient. Get ready for a smarter Android! This update acknowledges the growing vulnerability of SMS-based OTPs and the potential risks of notification-based systems.
