Android 11 is the new version of the mobile operating system, the second one known to the public only by its version name. Internally, the system keeps the candy name, as engineers affectionately call it “Red Velvet Cake”.
????When is Android 11 coming out?
Google started rolling out the latest Android 11 update on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. The update is initially coming to Google Pixels. Secondly, Android 11 will be available on smartphones from OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Realme.
⚙What’s new in the Android 11 update?
Single-use permissions to protect user privacy
Like iOS 13, Android 11 also implements: single-use authorization system. Users will only be able to choose to share their geolocation with a third-party app once. The next time the app wants to collect your location, it will need to ask for your permission again. It’s the same story for accessing your phone’s camera or microphone.
Likewise, the Play Store will only allow apps to request access to your location if it’s necessary for you to do so. “they perform their primary functions”. Google already has similar restrictions for apps that collect text messages and call history. Finally, Android 11 will periodically reset permissions granted to apps. You’ll need to grant permission again when you reopen the app.
Restrictive permissions extended to other resources
Another important point about permissions is that restrictive permissions that grant access to a resource only when the application is active (in the foreground) will be expanded. In Android 10, there was only access to geolocation. In Android 11, they are also compatible with: photo sensors (including selfie sensor) and microphonesThe purpose is to prevent possible unauthorized collection of information.
Another restriction, which the firm explains is due to its desire to protect user privacy, is forcing you to use the default camera app on Android 11. Users will no longer be able to choose the camera app of their choice when they want to take a photo or record video from a third-party app.
Android 11 adapts to foldable screens
With Android 11, Google is adapting its mobile operating system to new display designs that are appearing on the market, such as perforated panels or highly curved displays (Waterfall Display). The company provides a programming interface that allowsTake advantage of the features of these screens. Concretely, future Android apps will be better optimized for this type of screen.
With the launch of the first smartphones with foldable displays, this version of Android natively supports new panel formats and devices that change their usage on the fly. Android 11 will be able to detecting whether a hinge is opened or closedIn addition to the opening angle to adapt the interface to the manufacturer’s intended use. Another new feature supported by Android is high refresh rates. Android 11 will be the first version natively compatible with screens 90Hz and 120Hzthat is, panels that deliver 90 or 120 images per second.
Natively integrated video screenshots
Android 11 natively integrates a video screenshot system. You can access this option directly from the quick settings of your smartphone by tapping “ screen recording “. Google gives you the option to record audio with your smartphone’s microphone or an external device.
A new conversation category in notifications
Google is adding a section dedicated to conversations to the Android notification center. All your current messages and conversations will be listed in this section. Google will allow you to pin a conversation you’re having with a specific loved one to the top of the list. Android 11 will also allow developers to: place your existing conversations in bubblesLike Facebook Messenger. All messaging applications will be able to benefit from this system, which is very popular with users.
A new interface dedicated to connected objects
Like Apple on iOS, Google now offers an interface that lists all the connected objects in the user’s home. When you press your finger on the unlock button, Android 11 displays a page that displays all your smart devices, such as your connected light bulbs, a connected thermostat or a connected alarm. Through this shortcut, it is possible to control the lighting or intensity of your terminals.
Automatic dark mode
Like iOS 13, Android 11 will allow you to automatically switch from light mode to dark mode and vice versa. This new option allows you to activate the mode based on sunrise or sunset or predefined hours.
Android 11 prepares for the arrival of 5G
Android 11 provides developers with programming interfaces to determine whether a user is connected to a 5G network. Apps will adapt mobile data consumption based on the network your phone is connected to. The operating system is also planned to include a 5G indicator. Developers will be able to use this to display connectivity in apps.
Android 11, meanwhile, shakes up the terminology a bit, at the risk of blurring the line between 4G and 5G. Here’s what Wi-Fi networks will look like in Android 11:
- LTE (4G): 4G or LTE
- LTE (4G+) with signal aggregation: 4G+ or LTE+
- LTE Advanced pro (4G++): 5Ge
- 5G Sub-6GHz: 5G
- 5G mmWave: 5G+
Android updates via Play Store
Determined to speed up the distribution of Android updates, Google is looking for ways to simplify the process. To do this, the company is updating more and more elements of the Android system through the Play Store. While 22 Android modules can be updated through the store in Android 11, this number is only 10 in Android 10. With Android 11, Google also wants to systematize the installation of updates in the background to simplify the “user” procedure.
Universal playback controls in the Quick Settings panel
Android 11 changes the placement of playback controls. Until now, notifications allowed pausing content while certain applications were running. This system has been completely replaced by permanent and universal playback controls in the quick settings panel, where we also find buttons to activate or deactivate Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Airplane Mode, for example. This media player is also accessible from the locked screen of the smartphone. Through this revised player, it is possible to switch from one audio output to another with a single click, for example.
Improved password autofill
Google is making it even easier to autofill passwords with Android 11. Password suggestions are now displayed directly on the virtual keyboard, rather than in a pop-up window next to input fields. Apple has been using the same method on iOS for a while now. By choosing this approach, Google wants to put an end to the slow interface of autofill pop-ups in order to provide a smoother experience.
Android auto wireless mode is compatible with all smartphones running Android 11
Since not everyone likes to mess with USB cables, Android Auto has allowed you to connect to your smartphone wirelessly since 2018, but until now this functionality was limited to Google Pixels and certain Samsung Galaxy devices. Starting with Android 11, all compatible smartphones will be able to take advantage of wireless connectivity. Only 500 car models are compatible with wireless mode. To check if your car is compatible, go to: This address.
????Which smartphones are compatible with Android 11?
Initially, only the Google Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, and Pixel 4 XL are compatible with the update. This year, Android 11 is expected to be quickly integrated into the latest smartphones from Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Realme.
In the coming months, other manufacturers will distribute their firmware. For example, we know that Samsung has started beta testing its One UI 3.0/Android 11 interface and that 90 smartphone and tablet models should receive the update in 2020. For more information on this topic, we invite you to the full list of Android 11 compatible smartphones.
Also, as Google explained on its blog, all new smartphones with less than 2GB of RAM should be launched under Android 11 GB version, which is the lighter version of the system.
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