Google’s latest mobile operating system iteration is official as initially planned. The stable version is already available on Pixel devices, as usual, after months of rigorous testing.
Relative to Android 10, Android 11 doesn’t feature a drastic UI overhaul. But, Android 11 does come with a couple of exciting features under the hood.
From the early developer betas released in February, there were many anticipated changes. Now that Android 11 is upon us, what’s in for the end-user is what matters.
The first feature available in Android 11 is the new conversation section from the notification shade. All messages between you and your friends will now be sorted out and given priority immediately after the quick settings section. Another feature aimed in this direction is Chat bubbles. Chat bubbles work like Messenger chat heads.
The notification shade has also been given some order, thanks to the new easier-to-access media controls.
Another exciting feature is the new smart home controls from the power menu.
Also, Android now has built-in screen recording (at last) – after being available in some custom manufacturer UIs like Xiaomi’s MIUI.
Google has also enhanced privacy and security by offering new granular controls. You can grant apps one-time permissions to sensitive things like the camera, location data, and the microphone.
Android 11 Update
As usual, Google always gives priority to its Pixel phones. For Android 11, the case is no different. The first phones to receive Android 11 stable update is all Google Pixel phones except the first-gen Pixel and Pixel XL.
However, other manufacturers are catching up too. So far, Xiaomi has announced that Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro users that were enrolled in Android 11 beta will be first to get the update.
Oppo has also opened the first Android 11 based ColorOS public beta for users of the Find X2 and Reno 3 Pro series. OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro users also have something to smile about after OnePlus started pushing the first Oxygen OS 11 open beta.
Realme is also part of the fast adoption bandwagon but it’s only limited to 100 users of the realme X50 Pro.
