Android 15 could bring new notification controls when it launches later this year, preventing you from being distracted while watching a video, and a “tiny” taskbar on your phone, according to results from the latest Android 15 beta.
Taskbars are already present on many Android devices, but due to space requirements, they are currently only found on tablets and the large unfolded screens of foldable devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. However, they are a useful tool because they act as an always-on carousel of apps, making it easier to multitask on your device.
This utility is perhaps why Android Authority found code that references a “tiny” taskbar that can be displayed on non-foldable phones. The YouTube video demo below shows that it can even be used to display two apps on the screen at the same time (a bit squashed). Into the frame.
Keep looking
However, the taskbar on large phones doesn't stay alone. Google aims to give users the ability to switch between two styles: the older permanent style and the current floating style. The permanent option always takes up space, which can be annoying, but accessing the ephemeral floating island (which smaller devices use) can be harder to achieve. Android 15 allows you to choose which style best suits your needs.
Distractions begin
Additionally, Android 15 makes changes to heads-up notifications. This pop-up style is reserved for your most important notifications — like a text message from your parents — but when you're watching a video, they can take up a large portion of the screen.
I know that sometimes I just use Do Not Disturb mode when I want to relax with Netflix or YouTube, but then I run the risk of missing an important text. Android 15 will offer a medium option, with the beta adding a “compact” layout option that significantly reduces notification.
It still displays over the full-screen video, but is much smaller (via Android Authority).
One thing to note, however, is that neither tool is likely to be ready for Android 15's official launch. Although these features are included in the code of Beta 4, they are not live yet and users will have to manually tweak things to enable them. Since this is the final beta before Android 15's release, there's a good chance we'll have to wait an update or two to see it in action. We just hope they aren't held back until Android 16.