Google is ready to release Android 11 to the general public. Tuesday's announcement comes after several months of beta testing.
The update is rolling out now for Google's Pixel line (Pixel 2 and later) and OnePlus, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Realme devices.
Here are the main features Google has added to Android 11:
- Bubbles are little avatars that float above any app or screen you're using, allowing you to continually return to conversations you're involved in. They're like Chat Heads from Facebook Messenger, but for any messaging app.
- Hold down the power button on your Android phone to view your Google Pay cards, along with any of your smart home devices connected to Google Assistant.
- There's a new design for the media controls that moves playback controls from the notification tab to the quick settings panel. It also lets you change the device you want audio to play on.
- Screen recording is now possible without the need for a third-party app or service.
In addition to these new features, Google has also made some privacy changes. For example, you can now grant apps one-time access to microphone, camera , or location . Each time you open the app, you'll be asked again if you want to approve the request again.
Another privacy feature will reset permissions for apps you haven't used in the past, preventing them from unnecessary background access – for apps you've installed and only used once.
Google is also improving how Android 11 manages corporate users' work and personal profiles - better separating personal and corporate data, preventing IT admins from accessing your personal data.
The real question about any major Android update is how long it will take to reach devices from companies like Samsung – especially devices released a year or two ago.
