Android 11 is officially launched today after months of beta versions, and it is getting a wider launch than expected, with the latest version of the operation arriving today not only on Pixel devices but also on phones from OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo. and Realme.
As expected, the final version of Android 11 is now available to download on Pixel 2, 3, 3A, 4, and 4A. OnePlus has also confirmed that the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro will receive Android 11 today in North America, Europe, and India through an open beta, just like Oppo X2 and Reno 3. Google also promises to expect “more partners launching and updating devices. over the next several months, ”so today’s launch will likely be the first of many Android 11 update announcements over the next few weeks.
Android 11 adds a variety of new features to Google’s mobile operating system, though as a whole, the update focuses less on adding new features and more on making it easier to manage the myriad things your phone can already do. The biggest change is how Android 11 handles conversations by grouping notifications from messaging apps into its own section in the drop-down notification shade and adding a Facebook Messenger-style bubble interface to make them more accessible.
There are also new media controls, a new screenshot interface, a system-level smart home control menu accessed by long pressing the power button, more restrictive permission settings, and more.
And while Android 11 will be available on various phones today, there are still a couple of features that are exclusive to Google’s Pixel devices, including a new AR location sharing feature meant to make it easier to meet friends, a -in. Gboard’s version of Google’s smart reply feature in more chat apps and smart-named folders.
For more information on the new update, check out our full Android 11 review here.
Update September 8, 1:30 pm: Added additional details about the exclusive Pixel features in Android 11.
Update September 8 at 3:00 pm: Oppo phone details and additional clarifications about OnePlus offering Android 11 as beta version added.
