Every major Android update brings new features, new changes and things to get used to. With Android 11, however, many of these adjustments are behind the scenes and some of them can have a real impact on how you use your device. Now that Android 11 is being released in full swing, here are some things to expect when installing the update on your phone.
New features
As usual, the biggest thing you’ll see on Android 11 is a host of new features. There is nothing big in this update that will make a big impact, but there are some very useful new tweaks to existing functions that many users will like. Here is an analysis of some of the biggest additions.
Better messaging features
Nowadays, messaging is the main use of our phones in many cases, and with apps like Google Messages, Telegram, Signal and others being popular, Google is profiting by improving what Android is capable of.
This happens in two ways on Android 11. On the one hand, the notifications tab now automatically classifies notifications so that message conversations are anchored at the top. They still act normally, you will only see them at the top of the list first.
Second, there are “bubbles”. This feature allows notifications to appear in a floating window over other applications that can be docked on the side of the screen when not in use. You can recognize the Facebook Messenger feature, which offered “Chat Heads” a few years ago on Android. It is a useful tool for managing your various messages without constantly switching between applications.
Bubbles are a central feature of Android 11, so you’ll see it on any smartphone with the update, although it can be disabled by default. This is the case for Samsung devices, for example. Notably, however, you will also need the feature to be compatible with the application you are using.
Android Wireless Auto
Android Auto has basically become a standard on most modern cars and is getting better with time. In some newer vehicles and main units in the aftermarket, Android Auto is available wirelessly, eliminating the need to connect a cable. On Android 10 and earlier, this required support by device, especially Pixel and Samsung devices. With Android 11, it’s open to everyone.
Smart home control shortcuts
If you’ve invested in smart home devices like lights, robot vacuum cleaners and cameras, one of the most useful features in this update is a new quick menu for controlling those devices. On Pixels and some other devices, you’ll find this feature in the power menu, possibly below a “Cards and passes” carousel that integrates with Google Pay.
This menu allows you to switch with one touch to lights and devices in your home without closing the application you are using. It is fast and very convenient, in addition to working with various applications and services. The Google Home app is perhaps the most useful, but others work, including Xiaomi’s Mi Home app. Over time, other applications are likely to be added as well.
Notably, this feature is not required for Android partners to use on their devices. It is available on Pixels, OnePlus devices, others. However, in some cases, it has been moved or even limited. On Samsung Galaxy devices, for example, the feature is only available in One UI 3.1 and is not in the power menu, but in the “Devices” button in the notification tray.
Better media controls
Whether you’re listing music or streaming a video, media apps are important to all users. On Android 11, Google consolidated all media notifications in one place. There are two main benefits to this. First, the controls may persist even if you close the application. This means that you can continue where you left off without reopening the application itself.
Another benefit? This new UI provides a place for you to change the music’s output source. It is now easy to switch playback from your phone’s speaker to a Bluetooth device or vice versa. This has been a feature of some third-party skins, such as Samsung’s, but is now a native feature of Android.
Like many of these features, this varies by location, depending on the device you are using. In Samsung One UI 3, there is a “Media” button that houses the new media controls.
Screen recorder for pixels
Good news for Pixel owners! After years of waiting, Android 11 finally offers an official screen recorder for Android natively. This feature has been known for countless Android skins for years, including Samsung Galaxy phones. The functionality is also available through third-party applications, but is now an officially integrated feature. You can access it through the quick settings menu.
Autofill is now on the keyboard
If you use a password manager (and it should), autofill on Android is being updated. Instead of relying entirely on pop-ups, the keyboard now shows autocomplete applications, such as 1Password and LastPass. It’s a simple change, but for the better!
Unique permissions
Another security change in Android 11 is the ability to set a single permission. Instead of just giving an application the ability to access the camera or its location at all times, you can allow it only once, to perform a single action.
The effects of scoped storage
A big behind-the-scenes change that Android 11 makes is implementing scoped storage. What is it? It’s … a little complex, but let’s take a look at it.
Scoped Storage’s goal is to improve the security of Android as a whole, while reducing the “clutter” that an application creates or leaves behind when uninstalled. The security part is the most important thing that it changes, and the short version of what it does is that apps have their own “space”. The files it creates cannot be accessed by other applications and vice versa. However, there are exceptions, such as file managers and applications that can access certain types of files, such as media files.
Prompts, prompts and more prompts
The biggest side effect you will see with Android 11 scoped storage is much more prompts. When apps try to perform certain actions, such as deleting files, Android will ask the user to give the app explicit permission for that action.
You’ll probably see this in Google Photos if you’re not using a Pixel. Attempting to delete a photo or video from the application on a Samsung Galaxy device, for example, will display a “Allow” or “Deny” prompt after you have already told the application to delete the photo. This also causes a frustrating “out of sync” error in the app on other Android 11 devices. It’s a little annoying, but it’s nothing to be frustrated about.
Some applications will behave differently
The unfortunate side effect of scoped storage is that it causes problems in some applications to act a little differently. Generally applications should be working fine, but some that go beyond the basics may have problems. For example, a user previously observed how viewing video files in MX Player broke subtitles. Countless users have also encountered problems with Tasker and similar automation applications. Another example that more people are likely to encounter is Twitter. The app usually has a gallery view for uploading photos, but Android 11 can break that image picker. Fortunately, this seems to be fixed by reinstalling the app, at least in our experience.
Ultimately, scoped storage is the best, but it will have some growth problems.
Samsung One UI 3
If you are updating a Samsung device to Android 11, you can expect the update to come with the company’s One UI 3.0 or 3.1 skin. With that, you’ll find a handful of notable changes. Perhaps the most obvious is the new design. Samsung opted for much more transparent effects across the interface. Samsung says it brings “more simplicity and elegance”.
However, there is more than just a new coat of paint. Android 11 and One UI 3 also bring new features to Samsung devices. This includes new lock screen widgets, the ability to change your background in video call apps, personalization options for call screens, better processing behind the camera, and more. “Samsung Free” is now available on the home screen, bringing news, free television and more, but you can also exchange it for Google Discover.
If you have more than one Samsung device, there are even more features to take advantage of. Samsung tablets can now act as a second screen for Samsung and other Windows 10 machines. Galaxy Buds Pro can intelligently switch between phones or tablets that have One UI 3.1. Samsung tablets can even quickly change the physical keyboard to control the phone with just a touch of a button. There is a ton to unzip, but the good news is that there is nothing really negative or missing.
When will my phone be updated?
As usual, one of the biggest questions around Android 11 is not what it does, but if and when you will have it on your device. Here’s what we know now.
Google Pixels has Android 11 on the first day
Android 11 launched in September, and in a single day, Google launched the update to its Pixel line. Although this left out the original Pixel, all subsequent versions were updated in a day or two.
Samsung is making solid progress
Samsung is launching Android 11 en masse now. The fun started in December with the Galaxy S20 series and has since expanded to several generations, price ranges and more. It is honestly commendable how quickly Samsung is launching the update and how it is happening widely.
OnePlus is working on it
OnePlus runs a version of Android that is almost in stock, but OxygenOS takes a minute to get important updates. The OnePlus 8T was released with Android 11 ready for use, and the OnePlus 8 series caught the Android 11 update very early. The update is in beta for OnePlus 7 devices, as well as Nord.
Motorola, LG and plans from other Android manufacturers
Out of these three, major updates are generally a little less clear. Below, you’ll find roadmap ads and more for other Android smartphone partners.
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