what you need to know
- The latest Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 brings new features for private spaces that may debut with Android 15.
- Google has revamped the feature’s “setup process” and provided new options to automatically lock private spaces and keep sensitive information outside the lock screen.
- The company will urge users to create a Google account for Private Spaces to ensure their data remains private, the code shows.
Progress on Android 15 has been slow, and Google appears to be continuing to iterate on its previously discovered “Private Spaces” feature.
As Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman details, Private Spaces has come a long way from its original discovery last year as Google revamped its “setup process.” Things start from its first page, which informs users that their private space cannot be transferred from one device to another. This may be because Private Spaces are activated by creating a new Android profile specifically for this feature.
Additionally, Google has added a way for users to automatically “lock” their private spaces, as well as the option to hide “sensitive information” on the lock screen.
In Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1, Google urges users to create a Google account to “keep their data private.” Presumably, this is because certain information/data about the user may be leaked from the private space, such as their synced photos, files, emails, etc.
Additionally, your browsing history and saved passwords are visible outside of your private space, even without a Google Account.
Elsewhere, Rahman noted that the company has added app download support for Private Spaces in the Pixel launcher. It looks like users using the feature will be able to download apps directly to their Private Space profiles.
Rahman reiterated that users can decide to use their pre-existing lock screen passwords/PINs, etc. Users will also have the opportunity to create a new password for their private space if they wish. However, using a fingerprint must be paired with a password, PIN, or pattern.
image 1 of 2
This new security and privacy feature was first spotted during Android 14 QPR2 Beta 2 last December. The feature is similar to Samsung’s Secure Folder, which is said to let users create a separate, private space on their phone to hide apps. The code shows that hidden apps “will not appear in the permission manager, privacy dashboard, and other settings when the private space is locked.”
Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1 started rolling out on Monday (April 1) with a host of bug fixes for eligible devices. Some of the most important fixes involve solutions to Pixel launcher crash issues, charging issues, glitches, and more. We’re adjusting Google’s planned Android 15 development timeline as April marks the start of early adopter betas.
A major OS release isn’t expected until later this year.