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Every single new feature in Android 15

by sengideons on
Every Android 15 Feature We Know About so Far

Every Android 15 Feature We Know About so Far

Introduction

Android 15 has officially arrived, marking a significant step forward in mobile operating systems. Packed with cutting-edge features, this latest update pushes the boundaries of multitasking, security, and user experience, building on the solid foundation laid by Android 14. With its improvements across the board, Android 15 cements itself as a must-have for tech enthusiasts and everyday users alike. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at every single new feature in Android 15 that you need to know about, from multitasking improvements to enhanced privacy and security features.

Key Features of Android 15

The key features of Android 15 introduce game-changing tools for enhanced productivity, privacy, and system performance. With significant changes to the user interface and underlying architecture, Android 15 redefines mobile computing for both personal and professional use.

Multitasking Improvements

One of the most anticipated updates in Android 15 is the permanent taskbar for tablets. This feature ensures that multitasking becomes smoother and more efficient, making it easier for users to switch between apps on larger screens. Additionally, Android 15 has introduced app pairs that allow users to launch two apps simultaneously in split-screen mode. These multitasking enhancements are perfect for productivity-focused users, as they streamline processes and save valuable time.

Private Space

The introduction of Private Space in Android 15 adds another layer of privacy to mobile devices. This feature creates a secure area where users can store sensitive apps and information, similar to Samsung’s Secure Folder. With Private Space, users can better manage their privacy, keeping personal and work-related data separate, ensuring that only authorized users have access to their most sensitive apps and files.

Predictive Back Gesture

Navigation on Android just got a lot smarter with the predictive back gesture. In previous versions of Android, the back gesture could be confusing and inconsistent. However, with Android 15, this functionality has been significantly improved, offering a universal back gesture that predicts what the user wants to do. This enhances the overall navigation efficiency, making moving between apps and menus much more intuitive and seamless.

Screen Recording Enhancements

Screen recording has become an indispensable feature for many Android users, and Android 15 takes it a step further by allowing users to record specific parts of their screen. This partial screen recording feature means users no longer need to record their entire display when they only want to capture a specific window or app. The improved screen recorder tool also supports various resolutions, making it ideal for tutorials, presentations, and troubleshooting.

Enhanced PDF Management

Android 15 introduces several PDF management enhancements, enabling users to annotate PDFs directly within the system. Additionally, users can now apply password protection to their documents, ensuring sensitive information remains secure. These features are particularly useful for professionals who handle important documents on their mobile devices, allowing for better document security and usability.

Widget and User Interface Enhancements

Android 15 brings a suite of improvements to the overall look and feel of the operating system. One area of focus is on widgets and the way users interact with them. These enhancements, along with new customization options, make the experience more personal and responsive.

Richer Widget Previews

Android 15 introduces richer widget previews, allowing developers to showcase more interactive and aesthetically pleasing widgets. These new widget capabilities improve both user engagement and the overall appearance of the home screen. This update is beneficial for users who rely on widgets for quick access to information, as they can now enjoy more functional and visually appealing layouts.

Improved Camera Features

For photography enthusiasts, Android 15 brings notable upgrades to the camera system. Users can now take advantage of low-light photography improvements, offering better quality images in dark environments. Additionally, there is more granular control over flash settings, giving users finer control over their photo-taking experience. These updates help Android 15 devices compete with dedicated cameras in terms of image quality and customization.

Custom Vibration Patterns

In Android 15, users can create custom vibration patterns for notifications. This feature enables personalization on a new level, allowing individuals to set unique vibrations for different apps or contacts. Whether it’s for emails, messages, or social media, custom vibrations make it easier to differentiate notifications without checking the screen.

Security and Privacy Updates in Android 15

Security and privacy have always been core pillars of the Android platform, and Android 15 introduces new technologies to keep user data safe. With AI-driven features and stricter security protocols, Android 15 is better equipped to protect your device from theft and malicious activities.

Anti-Theft Protection

The AI-driven anti-theft features in Android 15 offer advanced methods to detect and prevent device theft. These enhancements use machine learning to recognize suspicious behavior and automatically lock down the device if a theft attempt is detected. This adds an extra layer of protection to the Android ecosystem, giving users peace of mind.

Security Enhancements

Android 15 also includes stricter intent matching and secure background activity launches, both of which help prevent malicious apps from exploiting system resources. By improving how apps communicate with each other and restricting background activities to secure processes, Android 15 minimizes the chances of harmful code affecting your device.

Connectivity and Communication Features in Android 15

Android 15 also brings advancements to how users connect and communicate, especially in challenging environments. With improvements in satellite messaging and Bluetooth functionality, Android 15 offers greater flexibility in terms of communication options.

Satellite Messaging Support

One of the standout features in Android 15 is SMS over satellite networks. This capability is particularly useful in areas with poor or no cellular coverage, allowing users to send and receive messages even when there’s no traditional network available. This feature is expected to be a game-changer for travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and emergency responders.

Bluetooth Enhancements

Android 15 also improves the overall Bluetooth functionality by making it easier to manage Bluetooth connections via the Quick Settings menu. These improvements result in a more seamless and reliable experience when using wireless headphones, speakers, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Android 15 is packed with features that improve everything from multitasking to privacy. With the permanent taskbar for tablets, the predictive back gesture, and enhanced security and privacy features, Android 15 delivers a robust update that sets a new standard for mobile operating systems. Whether you’re a power user or someone who just wants a better mobile experience, Android 15 has something for everyone.

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Reviews

Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II review: What Makes it Stand Out for Portraits?

by sengideons on
Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II review: a spectacular portrait lens
8.75tech score

Introduction

Portrait photographers are constantly in search of lenses that offer a perfect balance of sharpness, bokeh, and speed. The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is a lens that has captured the attention of professionals for its remarkable ability to deliver spectacular portrait images. With the high expectations set by its predecessor, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM, this new iteration brings significant improvements. This review dives deep into the lens’s design, optical performance, autofocus capabilities, and user experience to determine if it truly lives up to the hype.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first noticeable aspects of the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is its design. It’s lighter and more compact compared to the first-generation model. Weighing just 516 grams, the new version is significantly lighter than its predecessor, making it easier to handle during long shooting sessions. Its 99mm length and 87mm diameter contribute to its compact design, adding to its portability. These physical changes are welcome, especially for photographers who spend long hours on shoots or prefer to travel light without sacrificing performance.

Another crucial feature is the weather sealing, which protects the lens from dust, moisture, and light splashes. For outdoor photographers, especially those who often work in unpredictable weather conditions, this level of protection is essential for maintaining equipment longevity.

Lens Weight Comparison:

  • Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II: 516g
  • Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM: 820g

The weight reduction has improved the handling experience while maintaining the same sturdy, premium feel that users expect from Sony’s G Master series.

Optical Performance

Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II: One-minute review
(Image credit: Rod Lawton) – techradar.com

When it comes to optical performance, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II shines. The lens is built with Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements and Extreme Aspherical (XA) elements, which help reduce chromatic aberrations and ensure high resolution across the entire frame. The result is impressive image clarity, even when shooting wide open at f/1.4.

A key feature of this lens is the Nano AR Coating II, which significantly reduces flare and ghosting, even in challenging lighting situations. This is particularly useful for portrait photographers who often shoot in backlit environments or during the golden hour.

Bokeh Quality Test:

Portrait photography enthusiasts will appreciate the lens’s ability to create beautiful, creamy bokeh. The 11-blade circular diaphragm enhances the out-of-focus areas, making backgrounds melt away while keeping the subject tack-sharp. This makes the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II perfect for isolating subjects in portrait shots and adding a professional aesthetic to the images.

Additionally, the sharpness of the lens remains consistent across various aperture settings, allowing photographers to maintain excellent detail at both wide apertures and smaller ones, depending on their creative needs.

Autofocus Capabilities

Autofocus speed and accuracy are critical in portrait photography, and the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II excels in this regard. Thanks to four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors, the autofocus is both faster and quieter than the previous model. This improvement makes it ideal for capturing spontaneous moments, especially during dynamic portrait sessions where subjects may move unexpectedly.

One of the standout features is the AI-driven Eye Detection AF, which ensures that the eyes of your subject are always in perfect focus. For portrait photographers, eye sharpness is non-negotiable, and this lens ensures you never miss the mark. Even in low-light conditions or fast-moving shoots, the lens maintains precision, delivering stunning portraits every time.

Bokeh Effects and Focus Breathing Control

Bokeh refers to the aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus areas in an image, and it plays a vital role in portrait photography. The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II offers some of the best bokeh effects you’ll find in its class. Thanks to its wide f/1.4 aperture and 11 diaphragm blades, the lens produces soft, creamy bokeh that perfectly complements the sharpness of the in-focus subject. This creates a striking separation between the subject and background, allowing for stunning, professional-looking portraits.

Focus breathing, a common issue in lenses that causes a slight zoom effect when adjusting focus, is controlled well in the FE 85mm F1.4 GM II. Sony has implemented focus breathing suppression to minimize changes in framing while focusing. This is especially useful in video work or when shooting portraits where you want consistent composition.

Pros:

  1. Exceptional Optical Quality: The lens offers superior sharpness and clarity, thanks to its ED and XA elements that minimize chromatic aberrations and deliver high-resolution images.
  2. Lightweight and Compact: Weighing just 516g, the lens is significantly lighter than its predecessor, making it easier to handle during extended shoots.
  3. Beautiful Bokeh: With its wide f/1.4 aperture and 11-blade diaphragm, the lens produces creamy and pleasing bokeh, perfect for portrait photography.
  4. Fast and Accurate Autofocus: The lens features four XD linear motors, offering fast, quiet, and precise autofocus, which is crucial for dynamic portrait sessions.
  5. Weather Sealing: The lens is equipped with weather sealing, protecting it from dust and moisture, making it suitable for outdoor photography in various conditions.
  6. Excellent Eye Detection AF: Paired with Sony’s cameras, the Eye Detection AF ensures perfect focus on your subject’s eyes, making it ideal for portrait photography.
  7. Focus Breathing Control: The lens includes technology to suppress focus breathing, which helps maintain consistent framing when adjusting focus.
  8. Smooth Handling: Ergonomically designed with easy-to-access controls like an aperture ring and focus hold button, enhancing usability during fast-paced shoots.

Cons:

  1. High Price: The lens is quite expensive, which may not fit the budget of hobbyist or beginner photographers.
  2. Lacks Image Stabilization: There’s no built-in image stabilization, so using the lens in low-light conditions might require a tripod or a camera with in-body stabilization.
  3. Still Heavy Compared to Other Lenses: While lighter than its predecessor, the lens might still feel heavy for some users, especially when paired with larger camera bodies.
  4. Limited to Portrait and Low-Light Scenarios: Although it excels in portrait photography, the fixed 85mm focal length can be limiting for other types of photography, such as landscape or street photography.
  5. Expensive Accessories: Some accessories, such as filters or lens hoods, may be costly due to the lens’s size and premium quality.

Quick specs

Lens mount Sony FE (full frame)
Focal length 85mm
Maximum aperture: f/1.4
Lens construction 14 elements 11 groups
Aperture blades 11
Filter size 77mm
Dimensions (L x W) 107.3x 84.7mm
Weight 642g

Source: techradar.com

Compatibility with Different Camera Systems

The Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is designed for Sony’s full-frame E-mount cameras, but it also works with APS-C camera formats. When paired with an APS-C sensor, the equivalent focal length becomes 127mm, making it a fantastic choice for those looking to achieve more telephoto perspectives in portrait photography.

The lens performs exceptionally well when paired with Sony’s high-performance cameras, such as the Sony A9 III. The combination of the camera’s fast processing power and the lens’s sharp autofocus ensures that you’ll be able to capture quick movements and expressions with ease.

User Experience Insights from Professional Photographers

Professional photographers who have tested the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II consistently praise its handling and usability. The lightweight design makes it comfortable for long shoots, and the intuitive placement of controls, such as the aperture ring and focus hold button, adds to its overall ease of use.

Ergonomically, the lens is well-balanced, even when mounted on heavier camera bodies. Photographers have found that the lens’s ability to switch between manual and autofocus with ease is crucial during fast-paced shooting scenarios, where adjustments need to be made on the fly.

In terms of overall usability, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II offers a seamless experience, making it a go-to choice for portrait photographers who need a reliable lens that delivers both performance and comfort.

Conclusion: Is the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II Worth It?

In conclusion, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is undoubtedly one of the best portrait lenses available in the market today. Its combination of lightweight design, superior optical performance, fast and accurate autofocus, and stunning bokeh effects make it a top choice for both amateur and professional portrait photographers. The improvements in autofocus speed, weight reduction, and optical quality compared to its predecessor make it a worthy investment for anyone serious about portrait photography.

If you’re looking for a lens that delivers spectacular portraits with beautiful background separation and flawless focus, the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II is an excellent choice. Its price point may be high, but the performance and image quality it offers make it a lens that will stand the test of time, ensuring that your portrait work remains top-notch for years to come.

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