Android 11: Exciting New Features Announced

Google recently launched the developer preview of Android 11, giving us a sneak peek into the upcoming changes. The developer build will be followed by a Beta Release in Q3, with the stable user build set to release by the end of Q4 2020. While there is still some time before the official release, let's take a look at the exciting new features that Android 11 has to offer.

Revamped Android Permissions

Android 11 introduces revamped Android Permissions. One major change is the removal of the “Allow all the time” permission for location, microphone, and camera. It has been replaced by the option to grant permission only for the current use. This means you can choose to share your location with certain apps on a one-time basis, ensuring better privacy control.

Scheduled Dark Mode

Android 11 now offers the option to schedule dark mode based on time or sunset. This feature was previously only available through third-party apps, but now you can toggle dark mode natively according to your preferences.

Conversations & Bubbles

Android 11 introduces priority conversations, where messaging app notifications are given top priority. This means all your important messages from apps like Slack, Telegram, and SMS will appear at the top, while notifications from other apps will be displayed below. Additionally, the “chat bubbles” feature is now available for messaging apps, allowing you to easily access and reply to messages without leaving your current app.

Bluetooth Codecs

Android 11 brings improvements to Bluetooth codecs. Unsupported codecs are now grayed out when connecting Bluetooth devices, ensuring better audio quality and compatibility.

Scoped Storage

Apps developed for Android 11 will have to adhere to Scoped Storage rules. This means each app will have its own folder for storing media and recordings, and if it needs access to other media files or folders, it must request permission for specific types of files and folders.

Refresh Rate

Android 11 allows you to display the refresh rate continuously on the screen. This feature is particularly useful for gamers who want to monitor the peak refresh rates of their displays.

Separate Gesture Sensitivity

Android 11 offers separate gesture sensitivity settings for left and right swipes. This allows you to customize the sensitivity of each swipe gesture according to your preference.

Airplane Mode

In Android 11, switching to Airplane mode no longer turns off Bluetooth. This is convenient when you want to use Bluetooth audio while in Airplane mode.

Native Screen Recording

Android 11 includes a native screen recording feature, accessible through the notification drawer. This allows you to easily record your screen without the need for third-party apps.

Pin Apps

Android 11 lets you pin apps on the Share Sheet, making it easier to access your favorite apps when sharing content. However, unlike iOS 13, there is no option to customize the Share Sheet menu.

Cards & Payments

A new feature called “Cards & Passes” has been reported on Pixel devices running Android 11. It appears in the power menu and includes a swipe-to-pay gesture, although its availability may vary depending on your location.

Notification Log

The notification log in Android 11 has undergone some changes. The order of the notification text and app name has been swapped, making it easier to read. Tapping on a notification now takes you directly to the app's notification manager, allowing you to easily silence or disable notifications.

These are just a few of the exciting new features that Android 11 has in store. There are also many under-the-hood changes that promise to enhance performance and user experience. Stay tuned for more updates on Android 11, and feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or need more information.

Also Read: How to Get Live Captions on Any Android Device Running Android 10