Android 11 Has Arrived! Here’s What’s New

Android 11 has finally arrived! Though the latest Pixel phones will get the new OS first, those of us with newer handsets are bound to receive the update in due course. Several important changes have been made to the platform to foster productivity and streamline our app usage.

And as a means to build hype for the eminent release of Android 11, here are 11 new features that Google wants us to be excited about:

1. In Android 11, conversations across messaging apps will be moved to a dedicated space in the notifications section. Users can also prioritize conversations from the key people in their lives.

2. Through the use of ‘Bubbles’, you can now respond to important conversations without having to leave the app that you’re currently using. A portion of the screen can be used to respond to these messages.

3. Screen recording is now an official feature. You can now record what’s going on with sound from both your mic and device.

4. Access all your smart devices in one place. All you have to do is long press the power button. This will then provide options to control your devices.

5. Redesigned media controls. Android 11 allows you to switch devices more efficiently, which should simply the process of choosing, which device plays your music.

6. Android Auto works wirelessly for all phones running Android 11 with compatible vehicles.

7. One-time permissions, will require apps to request for permission to access your microphone, camera etc. each time they are opened.

8. Android 11 will auto-reset permissions of your unused apps. You can always re-grant app permissions as needed.

9. There are new Google play system update modules. Users can expect even more security and privacy fixes that will be sent to their phones from Google Play. This way, you won’t have to wait for an OS update for security patches.

10. For Android Enterprise users, get improved security management functions, similar to that experienced by home users.

11. Pixel 2 or newer Pixel phones will get additional features to manage their phones, app suggestions for the home screen, new overview actions for taking screenshots or selecting texts and images.