Vivo launches Android 15 update; Beats Google, and Samsung for the first time

Vivo has recently made headlines by becoming the first to roll out Android 15, with Funtouch OS 15 update for its flagship smartphones ahead of both Google and Samsung. This is quite unusual as Google and Samsung have always been the ones to determine when the new version of Android should be released.

The Chinese brand has started releasing Android 15 with their overlay Funtouch OS 15 on some of their devices. The devices that will get this early update are the Vivo X100 series, the Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, and the iQOO 12.

This is rather timely as Google’s Pixel devices, including the recently launched Pixel 9 series, are still waiting for their Android 15 update, which is expected to start rolling out in mid-October. Samsung, another Android vendor, is also behind Vivo in this update cycle.

Funtouch OS 15 features:

Vivo’s customized Android version, Funtouch OS 15, adds several new features to the standard Android 15. These include an AI Eraser in the Gallery which works like Google Photo’s Magic Editor and a shadow removal tool for photo enhancement. It also adds a Live Transcribe feature that enhances communication by transcribing spoken words into text in real time.

Android 15 also adds new features like private space for handling personal apps, which is already present on Vivo phones, split-screen mode for increased privacy during presentations, and built-in support for satellite connectivity to send messages in regions with no or low network coverage.

The update brings many new features for the Vivo users such as the AI-based Eraser tool and the shadow removal tool for photo editing. A unique feature known as Live Transcribe is also added that can be helpful for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

Funtouch OS 15 release date:

Vivo officially announced the release of Android 15 on September 30^th, 2024 but some users are already enjoying the new software. While Vivo is now the first to grab the crown in the Android update race, it is yet to be seen how the brand will perform in the consecutive updates.