Live threat detection
Google, the tech-giant founded in the late 90s, has officially announced an Android 15 update introducing live threat detection on Pixel phones, aiming to close the security gap with iPhones. The feature uses on-device AI to warn users of malicious app behavior.
In this gallery, we take a closer look at the newest feature.
Apps and services
Google stated that the feature “will analyze additional behavioral signals related to the use of sensitive permissions and interactions with other apps and services.”
Suspicious behavior
Google added, “If suspicious behavior is discovered, Google Play Protect can send the app to Google for additional review and then warn users or disable the app if malicious behavior is confirmed.”
Samsung Galaxy
While Pixel users received these updates, Samsung Galaxy users awaited similar features. Samsung’s Android 15 beta is anticipated, but a stable release is unlikely before the S25 series launch.
Official store
Google improved Play Store security by reducing available apps, raising quality standards, and intercepting malicious apps. Play Protect monitors all apps, encouraging use of the official store.
Without collecting data
Google stated, “All of this protection happens on your device in a privacy preserving way through Private Compute Core, which allows us to protect users without collecting data.”
Focusing on stalkerware
Live threat detection analyzes app behavior for suspicious activity, focusing on stalkerware. It operates privately on the device, allowing users to delete malicious apps before broader warnings occurred.
Android 15
Android 15 also introduced scam call detection, using on-device AI to identify scams in real-time. The feature alerts users with audio and visual warnings, initially for English-speaking Pixel users in the U.S.