Android 15 begins rolling out to Pixel devices alongside October Pixel drop

After a small wait, Google has finally released the Android 15 update for Pixel devices today, alongside the October Pixel Drop update. 

While the Android 15 update offers some new features, there’s also a lot more on-board this month with the October Pixel Feature Drop also coming along for the ride. 

Android 15

The Android 15 update includes a host of new features including advanced, AI powered theft protection for your device which can sense if someone snatches your phone as well as letting you remotely lock your device. There’s also a new Private Space for storing apps and private information and media.

There’s also been improvements to camera, messaging and passwords with a new low light boost and in-app camera controls for third-party apps including more precise flash control – which means we’ll see intensity settings in flashlight apps. You can now also utilise satellite connectivity on your phone (With the right plan!) for carrier messaging without Wi-Fi or mobile connection. You’ll also see better support for PassKeys in apps that support them for authentication. 

Google has also baked in improvements to large screen devices like foldables and tablets in Android 15, with the taskbar now able to be easily pinned and unpinned on the screen. You can also personalise your experience with app pairing combos to make getting things done easier. 

For anyone not using a Google Pixel, the Android 15 update will be managed by the manufacturer, with updates expected for select devices from  Samsung, Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo and Xiaomi.

October Pixel Feature Drop

While Android 15 tends to be a lot of system level changes, the Pixel Feature Drops each month can be a bonanza of new features, and this month’s is not going to disappoint. 

The October Pixel Feature Drop will be heading to not only phones, but to the Pixel tablet, Pixel Watch (all three generations) and Pixel Buds including the Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Buds A-Series or the original Pixel Buds. 

The update includes Gemini updates of course, with the Pixel Buds getting the ability to talk to Gemini. Gemini will offer things like walking directions, as well as check your emails for info. You can also talk things out in a brainstorming session with Gemini Live by saying “Hey Google, let’s talk”.

Google is also updating Gemini with the ability to check your Pixel Screenshots – something Scott and I found lacking in the Pixel 9 – with Gemini able to find the screenshot you want and bring it up.

The October update also includes Underwater camera improvements for divers, or just people who love the water. Grab an underwater case, and your Pixel will make photos and videos taken underwater look more accurate with richer colours. 

There’s camera improvements, with the Astrophotography mode now able to be manually engaged in the camera app, and your Instagram low-light shots will see improvements with Night Sight for Instagram now letting you take crisp, true-to-life nighttime and low-light pics without a flash.

For Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro/XL users, the Temperature Sensor will be more useful, with the ability to select objects in the frame. You can get live readings, as well as save the readings. 

The new AI powered Pixel Weather App launched on the Pixel 9 series is also being rolled out to more phones. The app is also getting improvements, with a pollen tracker for checking current pollen index levels, pollen types and forecasts – though it doesn’t appear to be including Australian data as yet.

Android has long had widgets on-board, but the new Widget Discovery tool will help you find the right one for your needs. With the update you’ll now see recommendations in the Widget tool, with categories of widgets, like Social or Entertainment, and a preview of how they’ll look on your home screen.

Google is also making it easier for your phone to automatically adjust the vibration intensity of ringtones, notifications and alerts.

The Pixel Watch will be receiving a few new features including an individual contact tile to help you stay in contact with your favourite people, offering quick actions to call, message or open the contact for more details with just a tap.

You can also now send and view select emoji reactions to Gmail notifications and in the Gmail app from your wrist. 

The Pixel Tablet is also getting some love, with Cast to nearby Pixel devices finally arriving. WIth this feature you can cast from your Pixel tablet to your Pixel phone, letting you move things like Spotify and YouTube between devices. 

Pixel Tablet owners can also take advantage of the Pixel notification sync, which means you won’t come back to a ton of old notifications when you use your tablet next. 

The docked Pixel Tablet can be great for both screensavers, and for showing photos and Google is updating both with a new Clocks to try for the screensaver, and a new Panel ScreenSaver which lets you show your smart home controls when the tablet is docked and charging. The Photo Frame will now let you share photos it’s showing. 

Android 15, and the October Pixel Drop is now available for Pixel phones from the Pixel 6 and above, as well as the Pixel Tablet through an Over-The-Air (OTA) update. You can check if it’s available by going to Settings > System > Software Updates on your Pixel now.