Key Takeaways:
Google has released Beta 3 for the upcoming Android 15 mobile operating system, and it has a new adaptive screen timeout feature that was hinted at in prior releases.
Google Tests Adaptive Display Timeout Feature on Android 15 Beta 3
The new toggle found in the Google Pixel’s display settings will allow users to go beyond the current Screen Timeout controls that can be set from 15 seconds to 30 minutes. Previously, the phone would lock itself after this predetermined period to keep it safe.
The ‘Screen Attention’ toggle found below the timer will use the phone’s front-facing camera to work out whether you are glancing at the screen to prevent the phone from locking itself based on your timeout preference.
Android 15 also presents an ‘Adaptive Timeout’ option, which automatically turns off the screen if you are not using the device. While it is not clear how the software detects user inactivity, chances are that it could be using the phone’s front camera or proximity sensors to determine whether to keep the phone unlocked or locked.
The Screen Attention feature made its appearance in Android 15 Beta 2.2, released earlier this month, while Adaptive Timeout debuted with the Android 15 Beta 3 that rolled out on Tuesday.
The idea behind Adaptive Timeout is impressive, but early testing reported that the feature wasn’t fully functional in the initial Beta 3 release, even though it was already present in settings for some users. In some cases, the Pixel phones continued to adhere to the standard screen timeout settings even after enabling Adaptive Timeout.
This is not much of a concern because Beta versions of operating systems are released specifically to test new features and iron out bugs. So, it is perfectly normal for some features to be incomplete or non-functional.
That said, the Adaptive Timeout option adds to the list of quality-of-life improvements in Android 15 Beta. We will have to wait and see how this feature evolves as the soon-to-be-announced Android 15 continues its beta cycle.
Android 15 Beta 3 Gets Single-Step Sign-In Functionality With Passkeys and Biometrics
Google also let enrolled testers try out other features of Android 15 with Beta 3, like the single-step sign-in functionality.
Earlier users were given two sub-menus: one asking for a “saved passkey” for a given service and another for their biometrics like face, fingerprints, or screen lock. Now, users will see a single sub-menu detailing the service they are signing into and a prompt for their biometrics or PIN.
Even if a user accidentally closes the prompt to use a passkey, Google’s Credential Manager will display autofill suggestions on their keyboard.
Google Encourages Developers to Prepare their Apps for Android 15, Which will be Released With the Pixel 9
Beta 3 encourages app developers to prepare their products, libraries, tools, and game engines for Android 15. Google hopes developers will prepare their apps for the new changes to ensure their operation remains stopped until a user’s manual input is detected.
Google’s next beta for Android 15 will be coming in July. The OS will officially launch with the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro when the devices are unveiled in September.
Read more: Samsung Is Bringing Foldable-Specific AI Features To The Galaxy Z Fold 6 And Z Flip 6.
