ANDROID 11 – THE NEW FEATURES AT A GLANCE

With Android 11 (“R”), a new version of the mobile operating system from Google is in the starting blocks. The Android phones have been gradually being equipped with the update since September 2020. There are no major design overhauls as was once the case with earlier versions with Android 11. Rather, Google does fine-tuning. Still, there are enough changes from Android 10 worth mentioning. In the following article, you can find out what to expect and which phones will get the R update.

Android 11 with native screen recorder

For the first time, a screen recorder is natively integrated into the Android operating system. This function is already available in some customized Android interfaces from manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, HUAWEI, and Co. When recording, you can also record your microphone sound and visualize touch inputs.

Everything about notifications in the new Android 11

Speaking of recordings: Google allows you to mute incoming notifications when filming with the Android device’s mobile phone camera. As a result, there are no more annoying notification tones or shake caused by the vibration in the picture when recording a video.

Notifications are even more focused on Android 11 compared to Android 10. Have you ever accidentally wiped away a notification? The new Android version introduces a notification history. In addition, there will be a separate area in the notification bar for messages from messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Co.

In general, there is a new division for notifications and more options for action without having to switch to the corresponding app. You will also find a revised media playback menu in the status bar when music is playing.

Also new are the so-called chat bubbles, i.e. chat bubbles that are always displayed in a user-defined area of ​​the screen above other apps. You may already know this from the Facebook Messenger app. In addition, Google is outsourcing essential patches to the Play Store, so that important updates can be distributed faster and without detours via the smartphone manufacturers – with the exception of Apple, all well-known cell phone manufacturers rely on the Android operating system.

Also Read: Android To iOS: This Is How You Transfer Your Data

Easier smart home control with Android 11

If you press the power button on Android 11, you can no longer just shut down or restart your mobile phone in the following menu, you can also control smart home devices such as televisions, lamps, and Bluetooth speakers. There you will also find quick access to cards or means of payment stored with Google Pay, which you can use for practical mobile payments.

Better data protection thanks to extended authorization options

Google is also expanding permission options. If an app has not been used for several months, the authorizations are automatically withdrawn with Android 11. If an app asks for permissions the first time it is started, users can now select the option “only allow this time”. If an authorization request is denied twice, the operating system then blocks further requests from the app. In addition, every app that wants to query the location in the background on Android 11 must receive authorization from the user. 

These smartphones get the new Android 11

Android 11 was launched on September 11, 2020. Little by little, cell phones are being equipped with the new operating system. According to the schedule, the updates will be completed by June 2021 at the latest, with the update for most smartphones being available by early 2021. The following devices receive the new R update:

• Google Pixel: Google Pixel 2 and above
• Samsung: Galaxy S10 series, Galaxy Note10 series, Galaxy S20 series, Galaxy Note20 series, Galaxy Z Flip (4G and 5G), Galaxy Fold, Galaxy Z Fold2, Galaxy A11, Galaxy A21, Galaxy A31
• Xiaomi: Redmi 7 and higher, Redmi Note 7, Redmi Note 8T and Note 8 Pro, Mi Note 10 and Note 10 Lite, Poco F2 Pro, Mi 10T, 10T Pro, and 10T-Lite, Mi 9, Mi 9T and Mi 9T Pro, Redmi Note 9 Pro, Mi 10, Mi 10 Pro and Mi 10 Lite 5G
• Sony: Xperia 1, Xperia 5, Xperia 10 II, Xperia 1 II, Xperia 5 II
• OPPO: A91, Reno2, Reno2 Z, Reno4, Reno4 Pro, Reno4 Lite, Find X2 Neo, Find X2 Lite, Find X2, Find X2 Pro

Conclusion: The new Android OS is in competition with iOS 14

Google’s new operating system offers exciting features in terms of smart home control, notification management, and screen recorders. The optimizations for better data protection are also impressive. Android 11 is in direct competition with the current iOS 14 – Apple’s operating system.

Also Read: How To Protect Our Privacy With Android