Android 11 is here. The new version of Android is not intended to provide an operating system overhaul, but rather to provide “easier ways to help you manage your conversations, connected devices, privacy, and more.” One of the main additions that Android 11 brings to your phone over Android 10 is a dedicated space for conversations. However, the latest version of Android also adds new changes focused on privacy. Google has released Android 11 for the Pixel 2 and later models. But if you don’t own a Pixel phone, Android 11 is coming to select OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, and Xiaomi phones.
Android 11: How to download, install
If you have a Pixel 2 or later phone, Google will notify you to download Android 11 over the air. Alternatively, you can check the update by going through Settings > System > System updates. Google has also released the Android 11 OTA update files for all supported Pixel phones that you can download manually after downloading to your phone. Also, Android 11 factory images are available to enable you to update the new operating system on your Pixel phone. However, if the new update flashes, all existing data will be erased.
The list of eligible devices for Android 11 initially includes the Google Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, and Pixel 4a. However, OnePlus has confirmed that the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro will also receive the Android 11 update via an open beta of OxygenOS 11 in North America, Europe, and India. Oppo will initially bring the open beta version of Android 11 for the Oppo Find X2 and Oppo Reno 3 series. Similarly, Realme has announced the release of Android 11 Preview for Realme X50 Pro. Xiaomi is also bringing Android 11 to Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro.
Google expects that, in addition to OnePlus, Oppo, Realme and Xiaomi, other phone makers will bring Android 11 to their phones “in the coming months.”
Android 11: Major New Features
Android 11 is designed to emphasize what is important on your phone and the ease with which you can manage it. So instead of offering a number of interface-level changes, the new operating system brings a list of new features to make it easier for you to manage different things on your phone.
Conversations
The first notable change that Android 11 brings to your phone is the dedicated space for all your text and instant messages that is available in the notifications section. It’s called conversations. The new addition makes it easy for you to see any of your important conversations at a glance. You can also prioritize the conversations you don’t want to miss. Additionally, an option is available to mute notifications for certain conversations to keep you focused on your work and not be distracted by regular messages.
Bubbles
After Conversations, the second big change coming through Android 11 is Bubbles. It works the same way as Chat Heads on Facebook Messenger and allows you to view your important conversations without leaving the work you are doing on your phone.
Built-in screen recording
If you are a user of a Pixel phone, you may have installed a third-party app for screen recording, as Google didn’t offer that support by default until now. However, it was there on various phones that were running a manufacturer UI, like Zen UI or MIUI. But with Android 11, screen recording is available as a standard feature to allow you to capture and share your screen. You can also enable recording with sound from your microphone, device, or both, all without using a third-party app.
Redesigned media controls
Android 11, of course, does not bring major changes at the interface level. However, the media controls in the new version of Android have been redesigned to make it easier for you to manage your audio playback experience. You will get multimedia controls directly in the Quick Settings area instead of being a notification. Additionally, the redesign provides the ability to allow you to switch from your headphones to a Bluetooth speaker by tapping the audio source on the media controls card in the Quick Settings area.
Updated energy menu
Google has also updated the power menu in Android 11 with the ability to let you access all your smart home devices by long pressing the power button.
Android 11 comes with an updated power menu that brings controls for smart home devices
Unique permissions
Android 11 offers unique permissions that work in a similar way to how app permissions are available on iOS and allow you to grant one-time access to microphone, camera, and location. This means that the app will ask for your permissions every time you use it on your phone.
Automatic reset permissions
In addition to unique permissions, Android 11 allows you to automatically reset permissions for your unused apps. This is very useful if you don’t want an application to keep accessing your data even when it is not used for a long time.
Exclusive features for Pixel phones
In addition to the features that are coming to all devices, Android 11 has some features that are limited to Pixel phones. These include Live View with shared location on Google Maps so you can easily find your loved ones in one place, Smart Reply on the keyboard to get suggestions for your conversations, and recommended apps to use at different times of the day. Android 11 also offers a screenshot experience on Pixel phones that reminds us of how screenshots are available on iOS. Also, Android 11 suggests folder names by subject, such as Photo, News, Navigation, and Fitness. Again, this seems quite familiar to iOS users.
Is Android One holding back Nokia smartphones in India? We talked about this on Orbital, our weekly tech podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or RSS, download the episode, or just hit the play button below.
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