Android 15 is poised to introduce a new feature known as “notification cooldown,” designed to make smartphone notifications less intrusive without entirely eliminating them. This feature first came to light during the Android 15 Developer Preview and has been particularly appealing to users overwhelmed by frequent alerts.
The notification cooldown function, which is off by default in the Dev/Beta versions of Android 15, intelligently adjusts the volume of notifications from apps that frequently alert you, gradually reducing the disruption they cause. Initially, the feature did not include settings for managing vibration alerts, which was a significant drawback for users who prefer silent notifications.
However, according to Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority, the latest update, Android 15 Beta 1.2, introduces a pivotal enhancement. A new toggle option, “vibrate when unlocked,” has been added to the notification cooldown settings. This setting ensures that the device vibrates only when it is in use, preventing vibrations when the phone is locked. Notifications continue to appear on the home screen, but the phone remains silent when locked, significantly reducing disturbances.
This update is especially beneficial for users in active group chats or those with devices like smart security cameras that send frequent notifications under certain conditions, such as windy weather. The notification cooldown feature enhances user experience by providing more control over how and when notifications alert them.
Despite these advancements, access to the notification cooldown settings remains limited in the Android 15 Beta 1. According to reports, these settings are hidden, requiring some tinkering to activate. It’s expected that the full, stable release of Android 15 later this year will make these features more accessible and possibly introduce more refined controls, such as per-app notification settings.
For now, those eager to try the notification cooldown feature can do so on select Pixel smartphones participating in the Android 15 beta program. However, given the current limitations in the Beta 1 release, some users may prefer to wait for the Beta 2 release expected in May. The final version of Android 15 is slated for release in August, promising broader availability and potentially additional enhancements to this thoughtful feature.
Source: Android Authority
