Android 11 is being deployed as a stable version. Android 11 brings a lot of new features, including native video screenshots, a one-time permission system and an automated dark mode. We take stock of the new features, the release date and the smartphones that will be compatible with Android 11.
Android 11 is the newest version of the mobile operating system - the second that is only publicly known by its version name. Internally, the system still retains a candy name, as engineers affectionately call it “Red Velvet Cake”.
When will Android 11 be available?
Google launched the deployment of the Android 11 update in final version on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. First, the update is coming to the Google Pixels. Secondly, Android 11 will be offered on smartphones from the OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo and Realme brands.
?What's new in the Android 11 update
One-time permissions to protect user privacy
Like iOS 13, Android 11 implements a one-time permissions system. Users will be able to choose to share their geographic location with a third-party application once. The next time the app wants to collect your location, it will have to ask for your permission again. Same story for getting access to your phone's camera or microphone.
In the same vein, the Play Store will only allow applications to request access to your location if it is essential to “perform their primary function”. Google already has similar restrictions in place for apps that collect text messages and call history. Finally, Android 11 will regularly reset the permissions granted to applications. When you open the app again, you will need to grant your permission again.
Restrictive permissions extended to other resources
Another important point about permissions, restrictive permissions, which allow access to a resource only when the application is active (in the foreground), will be extended. In Android 10, they only concerned access to geographic position. In Android 11, they are also compatible with photo sensors (including the selfie sensor) and with microphones. The aim is to prevent any unauthorized collection of information.
Another restriction that the company explains by its desire to protect user privacy is to force you to use the default camera application in Android 11. Users will no longer be able to opt for the camera application of their choice. when they want to take a photo or video from a third-party application.
Android 11 adapts to foldable screens
With Android 11, Google is adapting its mobile OS to new screen designs that have appeared on the market, such as perforated panels or very curved screens (Waterfall Display). The firm provides a programming interface which makes it possible to use the specific features of these screens. Concretely, future Android applications will be better optimized for screens of this kind.
With the release of the first smartphones with foldable screens, this version of Android natively supports its new panel formats and devices that modify their handling on the fly. Android 11 will be able to detect whether a hinge is open and closed, as well as the opening angle in order to adapt the interface according to the use intended by the manufacturer. Another new feature supported by Android is the high refresh rates. Android 11 will be the first version natively compatible with 90 Hz and 120 Hz screens, ie panels that display 90 or 120 images per second.
Natively integrated video screenshots
Android 11 natively integrates a video screenshot system. The option is directly accessible in the quick settings of your smartphone in the "Screen recording" section. Google gives you the choice of recording sound with your smartphone's microphone or an external device.
A new conversations category in notifications
Google adds a section dedicated to conversations in the Android notification center. All your current messages and conversations will be listed in this section. Google allows you to place a conversation with a specific loved one at the top of the list. In addition, Android 11 will allow developers to place your current conversations in bubbles, like Facebook Messenger. All messaging applications can take advantage of this system, which is very popular with users.
A new interface dedicated to connected objects
An automatic dark mode
As on iOS 13, Android 11 will automatically switch from light mode to dark mode and vice versa. This new option allows you to activate the mode according to sunrise or sunset or according to predefined times.
Android 11 prepares for the arrival of 5G
Android 11 provides developers with programming interfaces to determine if a user is connected to a 5G network. Depending on the network to which your phone is connected, the applications will adapt their mobile data consumption. A 5G indicator is also provided in the operating system. Developers can use it to display connectivity in applications.
By the way, Android 11 shakes up the nomenclature a bit at the risk of erasing the line between 4G and 5G. Wireless networks will display as follows in Android 11:
- LTE (4G): 4G or LTE
- LTE with signal aggregation (4G +): 4G + or LTE +
- LTE Advanced pro (4G ++): 5Ge
- 5G sub-6GHz: 5G
- 5G mmWave: 5G +
Android updates via the Play Store
Determined to speed up the deployment of Android updates, Google is looking to simplify the process. For that, the firm is updating more and more elements of the Android system via the Play Store. With Android 11, 22 Android modules can be updated via the store, compared to only 10 elements in Android 10. With Android 11, Google also wants to systematize the installation of updates in the background in order to make the procedure smoother. 'user.
Universal playback controls in the Quick Settings panel
Android 11 changes the placement of playback controls. Until then, notifications allowed content to be paused - when certain applications were running. This system is completely replaced by permanent and universal reading controls directly in the quick settings panel in which we also find for example the buttons to activate or deactivate WiFi, Bluetooth and Airplane mode. This multimedia player is also accessible via the locked screen of the smartphone. Via this revised player, it is possible to switch with a single click from one audio output to another, for example.
Improved autofill of passwords
With Android 11, Google is making auto-filling passwords even easier. Now, password suggestions are no longer displayed in a pop-up prompt next to input fields, but directly on the virtual keyboard. Apple has been using the same method on iOS for a while. By choosing this approach, Google wants to do away with the slow interface of autofill pop-ups to provide a smoother experience.