Google has released Android 15 Developer Preview 2, which provides early access to new features and APIs. One of the most important innovations was satellite connection support through the operating system. So how will satellite connection work with Android 15?
Satellite connection era on phones with Android 15
According to Google, the new operating system will include a standard user interface for devices connected to satellites. Apps will also be able to detect whether a device is using a satellite network and adjust the connection accordingly. Basic messaging services such as SMS and RCS will work over satellite connections.
This will pave the way for improved connectivity in areas not served by standard cellular networks. It will also help provide emergency communication and messaging when cellular networks are unavailable due to natural disasters and similar situations.
Android 15 Developer Preview 2 also brings other features. This includes improved support for viewing and interacting with PDF documents. Developers will be able to incorporate features such as password protection, annotations, and in-document search, edit, and select into their apps via a new PDF.
Google said the PDF experience on Android should now be faster and use less memory. Other improvements include smoother NFC payment, customized app skins for foldable devices, automatic language switching for voice recognition.
All features, including satellite support, are currently only available for developers to test in Android 15 Developer Preview 2. However, a public beta is expected to be released in April.