Vivo Surprises with Early Android 15 Release, Outpacing Google and Samsung

Vivo Surprises with Early Android 15 Release, Outpacing Google and Samsung
Vivo unexpectedly takes the lead, releasing Android 15-based Funtouch OS 15 ahead of Google and Samsung. Early access is available for select devices, offering AI-powered enhancements and Android 15 features. This unexpected move could mark a shift in the Android update landscape.

In a move that has caught many off guard, Vivo has taken the initiative and released its Funtouch OS 15 update, based on Android 15, to its flagship devices. This puts them ahead of both Google and Samsung, companies that are traditionally known for leading the pack when it comes to rolling out the latest Android versions. It’s an unexpected development that has certainly stirred up the Android community.

Early Birds Get the Worm: Vivo Users Enjoy Android 15 Ahead of Schedule

The official launch of Funtouch OS 15 is slated for September 30th. However, a select group of Vivo users have been granted early access to the Android 15 experience. Devices that are part of this early rollout include the Vivo X100 series, Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, and the iQOO 12. This is especially noteworthy considering that Google’s own Pixel devices, even the recently launched Pixel 9 series, are still waiting in line for their Android 15 update, which is anticipated to commence in mid-October. Samsung, another heavyweight in the Android arena, also finds itself trailing behind Vivo in this update cycle.

Funtouch OS 15: More Than Just Android 15

Vivo’s custom Android skin, Funtouch OS 15, doesn’t just bring the standard Android 15 features to the table. It also introduces a range of enhancements, including AI-powered tools like an AI Eraser in the Gallery, which is likely similar to Google Photos’ Magic Editor. There’s also a shadow removal tool for enhancing photo editing capabilities. Additionally, the update includes a Live Transcribe tool, improving accessibility by allowing users to follow conversations in real-time.

Android 15: A Glimpse into the Future

Android 15 itself comes packed with exciting features. There’s Private Space for managing private apps, a functionality Vivo devices already had. It also brings partial screen sharing for improved privacy during presentations or collaborations. Additionally, Android 15 natively supports satellite connectivity, a feature that could be a game-changer in areas with limited or no cellular coverage.

A New Era in Android Updates?

The most striking aspect of this development is Vivo’s ability to outpace both Google and Samsung. This is unprecedented, as it marks the first instance where a non-Google smartphone has received an Android update before Google’s own Pixel lineup. This could potentially signal a shift in the Android update landscape, where other manufacturers might step up their game and challenge the established order.

For tech enthusiasts, witnessing new Android updates is always a thrill. Vivo’s unexpected lead in this update cycle is a refreshing change. It sparks curiosity about how Funtouch OS 15 stacks up against the stock Android experience. It also raises questions about the future. Will other manufacturers follow suit and expedite their update processes? Or will Google and Samsung reassert their dominance in the coming update cycles? Only time will tell. For now, we can only wait and watch as this intriguing story unfolds.

About the author

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Gauri

Gauri, a graduate in Computer Applications from MDU, Rohtak, and a tech journalist for 4 years, excels in covering diverse tech topics. Her contributions have been integral in earning PC-Tablet a spot in the top tech news sources list last year. Gauri is known for her clear, informative writing style and her ability to explain complex concepts in an accessible manner.

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