Google has unveiled the first Developer Preview of Android 15, designed to enhance productivity, media experiences, battery usage, app performance, and user privacy and security across various devices. The VP of Engineering at Google, Dave Burke, highlighted the platform’s focus on leveraging premium device hardware and the latest AI advancements.

Here are some key features and enhancements in Android 15:

– Privacy and Security: Updates to Android AD Services and Privacy Sandbox integration, along with new APIs for file integrity through the FileIntegrityManager.
– Partial Screen Sharing: Users can share or record just an app window with user consent required for each MediaProjection capture session.
– Support for Creators: New camera controls for low light enhancements and flash strength adjustments, along with extended support for virtual MIDI 2.0 devices.
– Dynamic Performance and Developer Productivity: Further investment in the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF) and OpenJDK APIs for improved app quality and developer productivity.

The platform stability milestone is expected to be reached in June 2024, allowing developers ample time for final testing before the official release. Developers can start testing Android 15 by flashing a system image onto a Pixel device or using the Android Emulator in Android Studio. Beta releases are coming in April.

For the best development experience with Android 15, Google recommends using the latest preview of Android Studio Jellyfish. The preview release is available for manual download to ensure thorough testing and feedback from developers.

As Android 15 progresses through its release cycle, Google will update system images and SDK regularly. Future updates will be available over-the-air for those who manually install the preview build. The Android Beta program will open for consumer enrollment at a later stage.

Stay tuned for more updates on Android 15 as it continues its development journey!