The developer preview Android 11 has been available for a few days. Discover the first new features already included in the update of the Google OS.
Since February 19, developers have the option to download and install the developer preview Android 11 on their smartphone. This Android update, unveiled earlier than usual, should allow program designers to bring their applications into line with the specifications of this new version.
For now, only devices from Google’s Pixel range can run this test version. Android 11 being still at an early stage of development, the new features offered are currently few. Here are the main ones.
Bubbles for SMS
In Android 11, Google adopts the ability to use speech bubbles to quickly access your latest received messages. On a similar model to bubbles that already exist on Facebook Messenger, the native Messages app SMS bubbles are not enabled by default.
To get them, you have to open the notifications panel and keep your finger pressed on the message notification to display it in the form of a bubble. The bubble can then be moved anywhere on the screen and allows you to quickly open your conversation.
Screen recording
If some manufacturers have added their own screen video recording module on their smartphones, Google has decided to integrate a tool dedicated to this practice directly in Android 11. The module is accessible from the quick access buttons to the settings in the notifications pane.
It will first be necessary to modify the list of icons displayed to add the one allowing to start a video capture and to stop it.
Better authorization management
Under Android 10, Google had upgraded its authorization management system. The user then had the choice of not allowing applications to access the location, microphone, camera, etc. only when the application was active.
With Android 11, the Mountain View firm goes further and now allows only temporary authorization to be offered, thus forcing the applications concerned to request authorization again each time it is opened.
Customizable dark theme
Android 10 offered users a real dark theme, Android 11 will allow them to configure its activation. Google’s mobile OS update adds the ability to schedule the activation of the dark theme at sunset or according to defined times.
A new gesture for the Pixels
A new gesture is integrated into Android 11. It only concerns Pixel 4 / Pixel 4XL equipped with Motion Sense, a radar capable of detecting movements made near the top edge of the device.
Until now, Motion Sense has only been used to skip to the next track or go back to the previous track while listening to music. Android 11 inaugurates the possibility of managing music playback, by simply placing your hand on the top edge of the smartphone.
Bluetooth in airplane mode
If you are using a wireless headset, you must have already been disconnected when your mobile was switched to airplane mode. Android 11 changes the way it works and now disables all connections except Bluetooth when a device is connected to your smartphone.