Android 15 is now available for certain Android phones. It’s been in development since February, went through three phases, and is finally beginning to roll out, starting with Google’s Pixel phones. If you’re waiting for the latest software, well, you don’t have long to wait.

If you’re wondering when your current Android smartphone will get the Android 15 update, here are all the details so far.

When is Android 15 coming out?

As we mentioned already, the typical Android release cycle has three phases: developer preview, public beta testing, and the final release.

The developer preview began on February 16, 2024. With the developer preview, app developers got a look at the upcoming changes so that they can familiarize themselves with the new software. This allows them to plan ahead to add new features to their own apps if desired.

On April 11, we had the first public beta of Android 15. This allows anyone who wants to try out the software ahead of release to test the new features. Beta testers can report issues and bugs to Google, which helps shape the final release of the software. The public beta versions are much more stable and less buggy than the developer preview builds, but remember — it was still considered early software, so it’s wasn’t perfect.

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As of August 20, Google has released Android 15 Beta 4.1 for eligible devices for those who are enrolled in Google’s beta testing program. This is available to the public, so you don’t need a special invite or account. Once you’re enrolled in the program, just download the Android 15 beta.

On October 15, 2024, Google began to roll out Android 15 to select devices. Since Android phones consist of several different manufacturers, major OS upgrades roll out at different times. As Google makes the Pixel hardware, it makes sense that Pixel devices would get Android 15 first.

Since each manufacturer is different, we’ll go over each one individually as far as when they’ll get the final Android 15 release.

Google Pixel

The fastest way to get access to Android 15 is to have a Google Pixel device. That’s because Android is developed by Google, and the Pixel lineup is Google’s own hardware, similar to Apple’s iPhone and iOS, so it makes sense that Pixels would get it first.

Android 15 is available for the following Pixel devices:

Unfortunately, the Pixel 5 and earlier won’t be able to get the Android 15 update. But if you have any of the above Pixel devices, then you’re good to go.

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Samsung Galaxy

Samsung’s One UI 6 was one of the biggest visual upgrades in many years, but the brand is rumored to be doubling on the visuals and improving animations with One UI 7.

Unfortunately, though we originally thought that the One UI 7 beta was to start rolling out soon, it looks like Samsung revealed in a keynote speech that it would be significantly delayed. How delayed? It will likely arrive with the Galaxy S25 launch in January, which means that this delay is around three months at least.

At the moment, Samsung has not announced any concrete plans about which of its devices will be able to get Android 15. But we can make some educated guesses.

First, Samsung offers at least two years of software upgrades, which it recently bumped up to seven for the latest Galaxy S24 lineup. With this in mind, it’s safe to assume that any Samsung device that shipped with Android 13 out of the box will be eligible for the Android 15 update.

Another set of devices that should get Android 15 are any flagships and midrange phones that launched with Android 11 and have four years of major OS upgrades, as that was Samsung’s policy prior to the change to seven years.

Here’s a list of possible Samsung devices that could get Android 15 based on those factors:

Galaxy S Series

Galaxy Z Series

Galaxy A Series

• Galaxy A73
• Galaxy A55
• Galaxy A54
• Galaxy A53
• Galaxy A35
• Galaxy A34
• Galaxy A33
• Galaxy A25
• Galaxy A24
• Galaxy A23
• Galaxy A15
• Galaxy A14

Galaxy Tab Series

• Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus
• Galaxy Tab S9 FE
• Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab S9 Plus
• Galaxy Tab S9
• Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
• Galaxy Tab S8 Plus
• Galaxy Tab S8

There are also Samsung’s Galaxy F and M Series phones. In short, there are a lot of possible Samsung phones that will receive the Android 15 update. We just listed out some of the more popular and more recent devices, but as long as it falls within the criteria mentioned above, it should get Android 15.

We will hear from Samsung later with a confirmed list of supported devices for Android 15 and update accordingly.

OnePlus

OnePlus will announce OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15, at an event on October 24. At that time, it will reveal new features, but in the meantime, it’s highlighting how the software will focus on speed and AI. Also during the event, it will confirm which devices will be eligible, and when the new software will be released.

We can make educated guesses about which OnePlus smartphones will get OxygenOS 15, based on promises by the brand. They include the following:

OxygenOS 15’s arrival follows the availability of Android 15 as a beta for two OnePlus phones, the OnePlus 12 and the OnePlus Open, starting May 15, 2024. It required manual installation, and the specific steps were laid out for the process on the OnePlus forums. It was highly recommended that a backup was performed before installing, and the device needed to be running Android 14.0.0.610 or below.

Problems were reported after installing the Android 15 beta, so approach with caution if you plan to install it on your only phone. If that hasn’t deterred you from installing Android 15 Beta 2 on your OnePlus 12 or OnePlus Open, go ahead and check out how to install it on the forums.

Motorola

Motorola has released a list of its phones that will be eligible to get the Android 15 update. The list is is a bit broad, so your phone is likely covered, especially if you bought it in the past year.

Nothing

At the moment, you can get the Android 15 beta on your Nothing phone, as long as it’s a Nothing Phone 2 or Nothing Phone 2a. Unfortunately, those who have an original Nothing Phone are out of luck.

If you have one of those eligible Nothing Phones, then you should head over to the Nothing Community forums to check out how to download the Android 15 beta on your device.

Based on promises made by Nothing at the time of launching phones, we can expect Android 15 to be delivered to these devices:

Honor

Right now, the Android 15 beta is only available for the following devices from Honor:

If you have one of those devices, you can grab the Android 15 beta right now. Similar to OnePlus, there are some known issues, though a few of them have been fixed. As of July 30, it seems that the only real concern is that there continues to be a low probability of the phone restarting in certain scenarios.

Not a deterrent? Go ahead and check the instructions on how to download the Android 15 beta for your Honor Magic 6 Pro or Magic V2 from the Honor Developers page.

In addition, the following phones are expected to receive the Android 15 update:

Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco

Xiaomi gave its Android skin a complete overhaul — from visuals to the underlying code — with Android 14. In this process, it transitioned the majority of its devices from the landmark MIUI to the new HyperOS that is also slated to run across other smart devices, including its line of EVs.

Xiaomi has already rolled out Android 15 developer preview builds for its flagship, the Xiaomi 14, alongside the Xiaomi 13T Pro and its premium tablet, Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro (12.4-inch only). To download and install the respective firmware updates, head over to Xiaomi’s support page for Android 15 beta updates.

Although the company has yet to declare which devices (in addition to those above) will receive Android 15 updates, we can speculate based on earlier claims about the number of updates. For the sake of simplicity, we limit these to phones only available globally and not limited to specific regions.

Here is the list of phones from Xiaomi and its sister brands Redmi and Poco:

• Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra
• Xiaomi 13, 13 Pro, 13 Ultra, 13 Lite
• Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro
• Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro
• Xiaomi 12T and 12T Pro
• Xiaomi Pad 6
• Redmi Note 13 (LTE and 5G variants), 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Plus
• Redmi 13C
• Redmi Note 12
• Redmi 12 (LTE and 5G variants)
• Poco X6 Pro
• Poco F6 and F6 Pro
• Poco M6 and M6 Pro

As previously with MIUI, Xiaomi’s HyperOS updates are not necessarily tied to Android updates. This means that two phones can get the same HyperOS versions with similar features while running different generations. This is good news for cheaper and older phones that are excluded from receiving Android 15 updates, such as the flagship Mi 11 and Mi 10 series.

Realme

Realme, OnePlus’ sister brand, is fairly popular in Asia and is slowly creeping up the charts in other parts of the world. Though the interface it runs is called Realme UI, the interface closely resembles OnePlus’ OxygenOS, which itself is drawn largely from parent Oppo’s ColorOS.

Just like OnePlus, Realme also has an Android 15 beta program, but specifically for the Realme 12 Pro Plus but only for users in India. The instructions are listed in a Realme community post if you have an Indian unit.

However, a larger batch of devices in more regions can be expected to roll out following Google’s and Oppo’ release of their respective updates. Based on previous promises, here are all the Realme phones expected to get the Android 15 update:

Like Xiaomi, we have limited the list to devices widely available globally.

Keep this in mind while installing Android 15 or its betas

Though Google has officially released Android 15, only select devices have the final build, namely Pixel phones. Other manufacturers will be rolling out their own custom user interfaces based on Android 15 on their own schedules, and Samsung is typically the first one in this race, though its One UI 7 interface has faced big delays.

If you don’t have a Pixel, you could still access the Android 15 beta, but it’s important to remember to keep a backup of any crucial data just in case there are any malfunctions in the beta before the final version is released on non-Pixel phones.

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In today’s hyper-connected world, mobile technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. From communication and shopping to banking and personal identification, smartphones and mobile applications are now central to the way we interact with the digital space. However, the rise of mobile technology has also brought with it an increase in cyber threats, particularly in the form of fraud. As cybercriminals develop more sophisticated ways to exploit vulnerabilities, businesses and individuals face growing risks to their financial and personal information.

In this landscape, identity verification services have become crucial for mitigating fraud in mobile technology. These services, which range from biometric authentication to AI-driven identity checks, serve as the digital gatekeepers, ensuring that the people accessing sensitive information or financial accounts are who they say they are. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways mobile technology both contributes to and combats fraud, while highlighting the importance of robust identity verification services in maintaining digital security.

The growth of mobile fraud

Mobile technology offers incredible convenience but also opens up new avenues for fraudsters. According to research, fraud committed via mobile devices has been on the rise, largely due to the increasing use of mobile payments, online shopping apps, and digital banking. These platforms are prime targets for cybercriminals, who exploit weaknesses in mobile apps, operating systems, and network security.

A common method of mobile fraud is phishing, where criminals send fake emails, text messages, or push notifications that trick users into providing their login credentials. Another rising concern is SIM swapping, a technique where fraudsters hijack a mobile phone number by duping a mobile carrier into switching it to a new SIM card. Once the criminal has control of the number, they can intercept two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, granting them access to sensitive accounts.

Moreover, mobile malware and spyware have become increasingly sophisticated, often going undetected on users’ phones while collecting data or even remotely accessing applications. This surge in mobile fraud is a pressing issue for businesses, financial institutions, and consumers alike.

The role of identity verification services

Identity verification services play a pivotal role in preventing fraud, especially in the mobile space. By verifying the identity of users before granting access to sensitive accounts or approving transactions, businesses can significantly reduce the chances of fraud. Here are some common methods used in modern identity verification services:

1. Biometric Authentication
Biometric verification has become a standard in mobile security. Many devices now come equipped with fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, or even voice recognition features. These methods are highly effective because they rely on unique physical characteristics that are difficult to replicate. The convenience of biometric authentication also makes it a preferred method for consumers, as it streamlines the process without sacrificing security.

2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
2FA is an added layer of security that requires users to provide two types of identification—something they know (like a password) and something they have (like a one-time passcode sent to their phone). This makes it much harder for fraudsters to gain access to accounts even if they have stolen the password. However, as mentioned earlier, SIM swapping has emerged as a threat to SMS-based 2FA, leading to the development of alternative methods like app-based authentication.

3. AI and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning are now widely used in identity verification services to detect anomalies in user behavior. For instance, if a user’s account is suddenly accessed from a different country or if there are attempts to make unusual transactions, the system can flag the activity as suspicious and require additional verification steps. Machine learning algorithms are continuously improving, making fraud detection faster and more accurate.

4. Document Verification
Identity verification services often require users to upload official documents, such as a passport or driver’s license, to confirm their identity. These systems use optical character recognition (OCR) and other technologies to validate the authenticity of the documents. Advanced systems can even cross-check the information with government databases, ensuring a higher level of accuracy in the verification process.

How mobile technology can strengthen fraud prevention

While mobile technology introduces certain vulnerabilities, it can also enhance fraud prevention efforts when combined with robust identity verification services. Here are a few ways in which mobile technology is being leveraged to improve security:

1. Mobile-First Identity Verification
Many companies are now adopting mobile-first verification systems that are optimized for smartphones and tablets. These systems offer a seamless user experience while still employing advanced security features like biometric verification and AI-driven risk analysis.

2. Geolocation Services
Mobile devices can track a user’s location in real time, adding another layer of security for transactions and account access. For instance, if a login attempt is made from a device that is far from the user’s typical location, additional identity verification steps can be triggered to prevent fraud.

3. Behavioral Biometrics
This is an emerging field in identity verification that analyzes a user’s behavior, such as their typing patterns, swiping motions, or even how they hold their phone. By identifying and recording these unique behaviors, systems can detect when an unauthorized person is attempting to access an account.

4. Push Notifications for Fraud Alerts
Mobile devices allow businesses to send real-time fraud alerts through push notifications. If suspicious activity is detected on a user’s account, they can be immediately notified via their smartphone, allowing them to quickly take action to secure their account.

The future of mobile fraud and identity verification

As mobile technology continues to evolve, so will the methods used by cybercriminals. In response, identity verification services will need to keep pace, adopting more sophisticated technologies to stay one step ahead. Blockchain technology, for example, holds promise in creating decentralized identity systems that are nearly impossible to hack. Meanwhile, advancements in AI will continue to refine the ability to detect and prevent fraudulent activity in real-time.

In conclusion, mobile technology presents both challenges and opportunities in the fight against fraud. While cybercriminals are constantly developing new ways to exploit mobile vulnerabilities, identity verification services have risen to the challenge, using cutting-edge technology to ensure secure access to digital accounts. As these systems become more advanced, businesses and consumers alike can benefit from enhanced protection in the mobile era.

Bloober Team unveiled what it’s been working on at today’s Xbox Partner Showcase event. The studio showed off a cinematic trailer for Cronos: The New Dawn, which is a brand-new IP.

The developer describes the game as “a twisted time travel story set in an unforgiving post-apocalyptic future.” It’s a third-person survival horror title that looks to have plenty of action. This is a far cry from the type of psychological horror games the studio cut its teeth on, like the Layers of Fear series. We spoke to Bloober Team last year and were told it was moving away from psychological horror and, well, here’s the proof.

The trailer primarily consists of a lengthy scene in which a character who looks sort of like Isaac from Dead Space and a bit like a Big Daddy from Bioshock plays chess with a lady before wandering an apocalyptic hellscape. There is actual gameplay here, but only toward the end of the trailer.

Bloober Team says players will need to successfully navigate that “deadly wasteland” and fight off “monstrous abominations.” It also says the game mixes the “eerie atmosphere of horror with the boundless potential of science fiction.” The trailer certainly confirms that sentiment.

Despite being announced at an Xbox event, Cronos: The New Dawn isn’t exclusive to Microsoft consoles. It’ll be available on PC, PS5 and, of course, Xbox Series X|S systems sometime in 2025. The studio just released its remake of the iconic horror game Silent Hill 2.

Make no mistake about it – there is nothing quite like seeing your favorite band or artist live. Part of that could be it being your first show, or it might be your first chance to hear cuts off their latest album – or, if you’re like me, to hear the chance to belt out Born to Run with 50,000 others.

Either way, Apple wants to replicate that experience a bit, albeit in terms of the setlist. Apple Music now has a new tool for musicians and bands to let them create playlists of their setlists and show them off in the app.

Simply put, the next big thing in pop, a folk artist, or country singer, among other genre types, can turn a set list into a playlist available in Apple Music. It’s giving a bit of the power back to the artists. Still, you might see Apple Music’s editorial team creating playlists themed around anything, including recent tour stops – I remember this appearing for the Jonas Brothers.

In a shared guide titled ‘Promote your shows with Set Lists’ on the Apple Music for Artists site, Apple suggests connecting your Apple Music Artists account with concert-info website Bandsintown so that it can automatically sync upcoming show dates. When creating a playlist, you can choose a new setlist option and even specify the type of show – part of a tour, residency, or one-off concert. After this, you can link it to an event with Bandsintown, as it will pull in that list, or if you haven’t connected, you can manually enter a date – but it must be “a date that is no earlier than one day in the future.”

The New York Times has introduced the next title coming to its Games catalog following Wordle’s continued success — and it’s all about math. Digits has players adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing numbers. You can play its beta for free online right now. 
In Digits, players are presented with a target number that they need to match. Players are given six numbers and have the ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide them to get as close to the target as they can. Not every number needs to be used, though, so this game should put your math skills to the test as you combine numbers and try to make the right equations to get as close to the target number as possible.

Players will get a five-star rating if they match the target number exactly, a three-star rating if they get within 10 of the target, and a one-star rating if they can get within 25 of the target number. Currently, players are also able to access five different puzzles with increasingly larger numbers as well.  I solved today’s puzzle and found it to be an enjoyable number-based game that should appeal to inquisitive minds that like puzzle games such as Threes or other The New York Times titles like Wordle and Spelling Bee.
In an article unveiling Digits and detailing The New York Time Games team’s process to game development, The Times says the team will use this free beta to fix bugs and assess if it’s worth moving into a more active development phase “where the game is coded and the designs are finalized.” So play Digits while you can, as The New York Times may move on from the project if it doesn’t get the response it is hoping for. 
Digits’ beta is available to play for free now on The New York Times Games’ website

TSMC is the latest US target over dealings with Huawei. According to The Information, the US Commerce Department has decided to investigate Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC).

The US is now investigating TSMC over dealings with Huawei

To be more accurate, the investigation will determine whether TSMC has been making artificial intelligence or smartphone chips for Huawei. If that ends up being the case, it would be a clear breach of US export rules.

As many of you know, Huawei has been in the US crossroads for quite some time now. Since 2020, the company has received a number of sanctions, including a ban from buying chips manfuactured using American equipment. National security concerns were cited.

In addition to that, Huawei was also banned from using US technology to make its own chips without the Commerce Department’s clear approval. TSMC was recently asked whether it was involved into making chips for Huawei, which TSMC denied.

TSMC issued a swift response to the allegations

TSMC issued a swift response to the probe, by saying that it’s a law abiding company, which is committed to complying with lawas and regulations. TSMC specifically mentioned export controls.

TSMC added the following: “If we have any reason to believe there are potential issues, we will take prompt action to ensure compliance, including conducting investigations and proactively communicating with relevant parties including customers and regulatory authorities as necessary”.

In related information, TSMC shares hit a record high today, after the company posted forecast-beating third-quarter earnings. That gave TSMC a market capitalization of about $874 billion, the highest of any company listed in Asia.

It remains to be seen what will happen next with the investigation. Huawei has been making some headway with its processors, in collaboration with SMIC, and the US has its doubts, apparently. We’ll be hearing more about this in the near future.