Android
Android 15 might stop some apps from reading notifications with OTP
The countdown for the next iteration of the operating system has begun, as Google already dispatched the first Developer Preview of Android 15. Therefore, the code within Android 15 suggests that Google might stop untrusted apps from reading notifications with OTP.
The QPR3 Beta 1 update of Android 14 shows a new option named RECEIVE_SENSITIVE_NOTIFICATIONS. This permission has a protection level of role signature, which means it can only be granted to applications with the requisite role or to applications that the OEM signs.
While the exact role that grants this permission hasn’t been detailed yet, likely, that Google doesn’t intend to open this permission up to third-party apps. Hence, Google might be planning to crack down on a known Android security attack method with the upcoming OS – Android 15.
Various apps use passkey or enable two-factor authentication. While some forms of two-factor authentication are more secure than others, some platforms only support the most basic methods, wherein your one-time passwords (OTPs) are sent via email or text.
These methods are convenient since they don’t require additional setup, but they are also less secure since they’re easier to intercept. So, to reduce the risk of data loss, Android 15 might add a new feature that will stop untrusted apps from reading notifications with OTP.
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However, currently, it’s hard to describe which apps will count as an untrusted app but we can say that Android will have many ways to protect users from leaking their 2FA codes to third parties. Like the OTP_REDACTION, which suggests that Google will stop users from leaking their 2FA codes on the lock screen.
While the RECEIVE_SENSITIVE_NOTIFICATIONS permission suggests that Android will stop untrusted apps from reading notifications with 2FA codes.
Google is preparing to bring contextual video search support to the Circle to Search feature. AndroidAuthority spotted strings in the latest Google app for Android suggesting the potential arrival of contextual video search support.
In the recent past, Google significantly improved the Circle to Search feature. It added quickly sharing clipped on-screen items, song search, and QR code scanning support. Now, Circle to Search is preparing to upgrade with video search support.
Google’s AI-powered Circle to Search tool will allow you to search within any video. You will be able to trigger Circle to Search on locally stored videos apart from those available on the internet and social media.
Earlier this year, Samsung debuted the Circle to Search feature with the Galaxy S24 series. The company announced that the function will remain exclusive to select Galaxy and Pixel phones till October 2024.
In the meantime, Samsung and Google updated their Galaxy and Pixel phones with Circle to Search feature. Galaxy phones received it with the One UI 6.1 update, while Pixel phones added it with the June 2024 Feature Drop.
Recently, Samsung released Circle to Search for Galaxy A55 and A35. The AI-powered search tool is now available on a wide array of Pixel and Galaxy phones. Google is also preparing to optimize it for Android so a vast audience can make use of it.
Google is working to make Circle to Search functional with messaging bubbles in Android 15. Currently, the unique way to search doesn’t function when a messaging bubble is active, but that will change in a future Android 15 release.
MishaalRahman spotted code in the Android 15 source code that enables Circle to Search to be run when messaging bubbles have been expanded. This development indicates that Google is aware of the limitations and working to address them soon.
Circle to Search won’t activate if you have a messaging bubble active on the screen. It renders the user opt for an alternate way to search like opening Chrome. It becomes frustrating if you have to search for something right from the chat bubble.
It’s worth noting that the required code debuted in Android 15 Beta 4. The company has not used it in Android 15 nor the latest Android 15 QPR1 Beta 2 release. Mishaal activated the feature manually by making some changes in the code.
Android currently doesn’t allow the home button or navigation handle to be long-pressed if a messaging bubble is active. Google would simply make improvements in this aspect so the handle/home button to be long-pressed.
Messaging bubbles
Google introduced the messaging bubbles feature in Android 11. This feature allows Android smartphone users to have active conversations floating as bubbles on top of other apps, making it easier to multitask while chatting.
Circle to Search is reportedly coming to more Android devices next month. In an exciting development, Tecno announced that the Circle to Search will be available on its new foldable, the Phantom V Fold 2, starting October 2024.
Samsung debuted Circle to Search with the Galaxy S24 series. It’s developed by Google in close partnership with the Galaxy maker. Google also expanded the feature to all of its Tensor-powered Pixel smartphones with Feature Drop.
We knew Circle to Search wouldn’t be available on non-Galaxy and Pixel phones till this October. Samsung already announced the availability of this feature will remain limited to certain phones made by either Samsung or Google.
It seems Samsung may have reached an agreement with Google. In order to showcase Galaxies supreme in the Android ecosystem, both firms may have restricted the expansion of the Circle to Search for at least 10 months.
Google has been regularly working to optimize Circle to Search for all Android phones. As it’s coming to Tecno phone next month, we expect other leading vendors including Xiaomi, Vivo, OnePlus, and OPPO will also be joined.
Well, Google hasn’t officially announced the expansion of Circle to Search. As Tecno is also a Google partner, this spirited claim couldn’t be untrue. Pay attention, Google has an ambitious plan to fuel 200 million Androids with Circle to Search.