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Google brings numerous improvements to Pixel 6a through Pixel 8 Pro plus Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet with first Android 15 beta

Google has kicked off its spring and summer public beta testing period for Android 15. For now, Android 15 Beta 1 remains exclusive to Pixel devices, starting with the Pixel 6a. The first beta packs various changes from current Android 14 builds and is also to open the Pixel Fold, as well as the Pixel Tablet.

Google has now published the first Android 15 public beta, following months of distributing developer builds. As usual, Google has left Android 15 beta distribution to its OEMs. Thus, only recent Pixel devices are eligible for Android 15 Beta 1; typically, Android OEMs wait until the summer before opening their Android beta programs. Consequently, Android 15 Beta 1 can only be tested on the following devices for now:

Pixel 6a

Pixel 6

Pixel 6 Pro

Pixel 7a

Pixel 7

Pixel 7 Pro

Pixel 8

Pixel 8 Pro

Pixel Fold

Pixel Tablet

Please note that Android beta builds often contain various bugs that would make them unsuitable to install on daily drivers. This is especially true of Android 15 Beta 1, which is likely missing many of Android 15's most notable changes. Although Google has not confirmed as much yet, it will probably use I/O 2024 on May 14 to showcase many of the improvements between Android 14 and Android 15 that it will deliver this autumn.

Nonetheless, the first Android 15 beta features several changes from Android 14. For reference, Google introduced a new desktop mode within Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2, details and a video for which we have provided separately. By contrast, Android 15 Beta 1 ships with few features like a privacy option that allows you to send a wireless router a random MAC address and hide the device name.

Moreover, the first Android 15 beta will automatically re-enable Bluetooth after 24 hours of it being manually disabled. Despite not being fully explained, it would seem that this new feature is designed to help improve the reliability of Google's nascent Find My Device network. Please see Mishaal Rahman's Twitter thread below for a full explainer of what changes Google has made within Android 15 Beta 1.

mundophone