Android 15 vs Android 14 - Disappointing Update!

Summary

In the latest video, the presenter discusses the subtle yet noteworthy updates in Android 15 compared to Android 14. Key visual changes include a redesigned volume menu and a revamped settings interface that mirrors iOS. New features such as 'Private Space' for hiding apps, app archiving for storage efficiency, and improved screen sharing enhance user privacy and functionality. The update also introduces theft protection, allowing users to locate their devices if stolen. Overall, while the improvements are appreciated, the update feels more incremental than revolutionary, prompting a call for more significant changes in future Android versions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Android 15 has subtle visual changes compared to Android 14, with a redesigned expanded volume menu featuring a smooth rounded design.
• 📱 The Settings app now has a larger search bar at the top, and the Google account icon has been moved to a separate page.
• 🧩 New widget management includes an 'Add Widget' button and an additional recommendations row, streamlining widget access.
• 🔒 The 'Private Space' feature allows users to hide apps and set up fingerprint protection, enabling app duplication for privacy.
• 📦 Users can archive apps similarly to iOS, freeing up storage while retaining app data for future use.
• 📺 A new feature lets Android devices act as webcams when connected to a PC, enhancing functionality for video calls.
• 🔍 Partial screen sharing is introduced, allowing users to share just an app while hiding personal notifications from view.
• 🚨 The Theft Protection feature can automatically lock the phone if it's snatched, helping locate it even if the thief locks it.
• 📊 Adaptive Vibrations adjust vibration intensity based on ambient noise, providing a more tailored experience for users.
• ✨ Overall, the changes in Android 15 are seen as minor, with a call for more significant updates and visual overhauls in future versions.

Q & A

What are the major visual changes in Android 15 compared to Android 14?

The visual changes in Android 15 are very minor, including a redesigned expanded volume menu with a rounded pin-like design and changes to the settings app layout, where the header has vanished, and the search bar is now larger.

How does the new private space feature work in Android 15?

Private space allows users to hide and add apps within a designated area in the app drawer, including the ability to set a fingerprint lock and clone apps, similar to app cloning features found in other Android skins.

What is the new archiving feature in Android 15 inspired by?

The archiving feature in Android 15 is inspired by iOS, allowing users to offload apps while retaining their data, thus freeing up storage space.

How does the screen sharing feature differ in Android 15?

Android 15 allows for partial screen sharing, enabling users to share only the app they want, while keeping personal notifications hidden.

What security enhancement has been added to Android 15 regarding theft protection?

Android 15 includes theft protection features that automatically lock the device if stolen, allowing users to locate and remotely wipe their data, similar to Apple's Find My network.

Can Android 15 devices be used as webcams?

Yes, Android 15 allows users to connect their phones to a PC via USB and use them as webcams.

What is the purpose of the adaptive vibrations feature in Android 15?

Adaptive vibrations adjust the intensity of haptic feedback based on the surrounding environment, increasing in loud places and decreasing in quiet ones, but requires a flagship phone for optimal functionality.

What are some of the subtle animation improvements in Android 15?

There are minor animation upgrades, such as smoother transitions when minimizing apps and subtle visual enhancements in the settings page that provide glimpses of the previous screen.

What improvements have been made to the brightness slider in Android 15?

The brightness slider now includes a marker for the 50% level, which is a useful visual enhancement.

What is the overall sentiment towards the changes in Android 15 compared to previous versions?

The changes in Android 15 are seen as incremental rather than substantial, with the update feeling more like a minor revision rather than a major overhaul, lacking significant visual updates over the past few generations.