Google's Android 15 Beta 2 is here, and it's packed with some intriguing enhancements that both end users and developers will appreciate. Following on from Beta 1.2's fixes for app crashes and battery drain, this latest update introduces a polished volume panel, making it even easier to manage your device's audio settings. The upgrade also includes new features like app pinning to the taskbar and refined notification vibrations, pushing the user experience to new heights.
The volume panel, which hasn't seen significant changes since Android 10, now boasts a bottom sheet-based UI that expands upon tapping the overflow button. This new design brings all volume controls, including media, call, ring, notification, and alarm, into a single, streamlined interface. A convenient arrow button allows users to collapse the menu, showing only the media volume control. Additionally, a handy shortcut for Live Captions now sits at the bottom, making accessibility options more readily available.
One of the standout features in Android 15 Beta 2 is the introduction of an "Audio will play on" output switcher widget at the top of the volume panel. This widget simplifies the process of connecting Bluetooth devices, directing users to the Connected devices menu in Settings. However, it's worth mentioning that the old volume panel UI can still be accessed via Tasker or similar apps, though this is likely to be phased out by the stable release.
In our hands-on experience, we noticed a discrepancy in how the expanded volume panel remembers user preferences. Some users, like those at 9to5Google, found that the menu retained their settings, while others did not. Despite this, it's expected that the final stable build of Android 15 will resolve these inconsistencies, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone.
Android 15 Beta 2 is now available for installation on a variety of devices from manufacturers like Google, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and more. This release not only polishes existing features but also introduces new functionalities that promise to enhance everyday usability. As we move closer to the final release, it will be exciting to see how these updates evolve and what additional improvements Google has in store.