“Go straight to the stuff that matters most.” – Android

Android 11 focuses on people, controls and privacy.

 

Messaging-

To start, they implemented dedicated conversation notifications. Messages from any texting app, whether it’s the device’s built-in Messages app or a third-party chat app like Facebook Messenger, now appear in their own section at the top of the notification shade just below Quick Settings. From that section, you’ll be able to take specific actions: open the conversation as a bubble, create a conversation shortcut on your phone’s home screen or set a reminder.

A long-press of the conversation notification lets you set it as a priority. Doing so places the sender’s avatar on your phone’s lock screen, and you will also have the option of letting that person break through any Do Not Disturb restrictions you’ve set.

More conversation changes introduced in Android 11 include a greater emphasis on chat bubbles:  these will keep ongoing conversations in a handy placeholder that you can tap to access from anywhere on your phone. This can be used as a multitasking feature, allowing you to keep conversations going without having to switch from the app you’re currently in, back to a messaging app.

 

Screen Recording-

Android 11 delivers a built-in screen recording capability, matching a feature that iPhone owners have built into their devices. When you record, you can also capture audio from your phone’s mic as well as the sound on the screen, or both at the same time.

 

Permissions-

Android 11 continues to fine-tune permissions, adding an “Only this time” option that will give apps momentary access to things like location tracking, the microphone and the camera. When you stop using the app, the permission expires.

The updated OS also expands on a feature in Android 10 that allowed users to give apps location data only when they were actively being used. That same feature will now be extended to the camera and the microphone.

If you haven’t used an app in awhile, you may want not want it to keep accessing your data. So Android will reset permissions for your unused apps. You can always turn permissions back on whenever you like.

 

New Power Button Menu-

The new version of OS now features a Device Controls menu that appears when you long-press the power button on your Android phone. From this menu, you can access options for payment cards, smart home device controls and other settings. The device controls panel is a noteworthy addition as it means that Android 11 provides quick access for managing smart home gadgets from your Android phone.

 

New Media Player Widget-

Android 11 redesigns media controls to make it easier to quickly switch to and from any devices your media is playing on. For example: switching from your Bluetooth headphones to a speaker.

 

Android Auto Improvements-

Android Auto now works wirelessly, as long as you’re driving a compatible car. This will let you easily access phone features such as directions, media playback and texting (assuming you’re using a voice assistant so your eyes can stay on the road.)

 

Faster updates- 

Google has added Google Play system update modules with an aim toward speeding up when Android 11 users get security and privacy updates. These fixes can now be sent through Google Play, so you won’t have to wait for a full update.

 

Do Not Disturb and Notification Tweaks-

If you use the Do Not Disturb feature in Android 11, you’ll enjoy broader customization options that let you pick the apps or contacts that are permitted to trigger notifications. It also implements easier-to-understand presets for Alerting and Silent notifications, giving you more control over just how your phone gets your attention.

 

Bedtime Mode-

Bedtime Mode quiets your phone when it’s time to go to sleep. You get to pick whether you want it to run automatically or while your phone charges as you rest. Your screen will switch to grayscale and your notifications will go silent with Do Not Disturb. The new bedtime feature in Clock helps you set a healthy sleep schedule. Track screen time at night and fall asleep to calming sounds. Then wake up to your favorite song or use the Sunrise Alarm that slowly brightens your screen to start the day.