Android 11, launched by Google in 2020, was a significant upgrade for the Android platform, which already had millions of users worldwide. With improvements in privacy, smoother communication tools, and user interface tweaks, Android 11 brought features designed to enhance the mobile experience. https://todoandroid.live/conoce-todo-lo-que-sabemos-sobre-android-11
This comprehensive 2500-word article will break down everything we know about Android 11, from its most prominent new features to hidden functionalities that can improve your mobile experience. Whether you’ve already updated your device or are still considering it, this guide will help you explore Android 11 thoroughly.
1. The History of Android 11’s Launch
Android 11 was officially introduced in September 2020. Before its release, several beta versions were made available for developers and enthusiasts to test, allowing the community to provide feedback to Google. The public development phase began in February 2020 and culminated in the general availability during the last quarter of the year.
Google took an evolutionary approach with Android 11, focusing not on a complete overhaul but on refining the user experience and adding features that cater to real-world needs.
2. Privacy and Security Improvements
One of the central themes of Android 11 is enhanced privacy and security. Google has made it easier for users to control what apps can access sensitive information like location, camera, and microphone data. Here are some of the key privacy and security features introduced:
One-Time Permissions
Android 11 allows users to grant apps one-time access to certain features like the camera, microphone, and location. This feature provides more granular control, ensuring that apps only have access when needed and preventing them from running these permissions in the background without your knowledge.
Auto-Reset of Permissions
If you haven’t used an app for a while, Android 11 will automatically reset the permissions you’ve granted to that app. This prevents old or rarely used apps from accessing sensitive data in the background. When you reopen the app, you’ll be asked to re-enable the permissions if they’re needed.
Background Location Access Restrictions
With Android 11, apps are required to ask for permission to access your location while running in the background. Previously, many apps would request this permission upfront, but Android 11 ensures that users have more transparency and control over when their location data is being accessed.
Scoped Storage
Scoped Storage is a new feature introduced to limit how much access apps have to your device’s file system. This change helps protect user data by giving each app access only to its own designated storage space, rather than granting blanket access to the entire system.
Security Updates through Google Play
Android 11 also introduced more modular system updates through Google Play, which allows Google to deliver important security patches and fixes more frequently and directly, bypassing the need for full system updates through phone manufacturers.
3. Messaging and Communication Enhancements
Android 11 has several improvements designed to enhance the way you interact with messaging apps, ensuring that communication is more efficient and integrated into the operating system.
Bubbles for Messaging Apps
One of the most significant communication features introduced in Android 11 is “Bubbles.” Similar to Facebook Messenger’s chat heads, Bubbles allow users to have floating chat icons on their screen. These chat bubbles make it easy to access ongoing conversations without having to open the full app, allowing for multitasking and quick replies.
Conversations Section in Notifications
The notifications panel in Android 11 has been redesigned to prioritize conversations from messaging apps. Instead of notifications being mixed with other alerts, Android 11 separates your conversations into a dedicated section at the top of your notifications shade. This makes it easier to find and manage your most important chats.
Integrated Screen Recording
Android 11 introduced a built-in screen recording feature, making it easier for users to capture and share videos of their screen. Whether for creating tutorials or sharing gameplay footage, this tool simplifies the screen recording process without needing third-party apps.
Improved Voice Access
Voice Access, an accessibility feature for controlling your device with voice commands, received an upgrade in Android 11. It now uses machine learning to better understand the context of your commands, allowing for more accurate and fluid interactions with your phone via voice input.
4. Device Controls and Smart Home Integration
Android 11 also focuses on improving integration with smart home devices and making it easier to control connected systems from your phone.
Quick Access to Smart Device Controls
By holding down the power button, Android 11 gives you quick access to your connected smart home devices. This includes lights, locks, thermostats, and other IoT (Internet of Things) devices that you’ve connected through apps like Google Home. It’s a convenient way to control these devices without having to open specific apps.
Media Controls Redesign
The media playback controls in Android 11 have been redesigned and moved to the quick settings area in the notification shade. This change makes it easier to switch between media sources, such as playing music or podcasts from different apps, and quickly resume playback.
5. Usability and User Interface Changes
While Android 11 didn’t bring a complete overhaul to the user interface, it introduced several changes that enhance usability and streamline everyday tasks.
Improved Notifications History
Have you ever accidentally dismissed an important notification? Android 11 includes a notification history feature that allows you to view all your notifications from the past 24 hours. This feature is particularly helpful if you swipe away alerts before you’ve had a chance to read them.
Pinning Apps in Share Menu
One small but useful change in Android 11 is the ability to pin your favorite apps to the top of the share sheet. This makes it easier to share content with your most frequently used apps without scrolling through a long list of options.
Wireless Android Auto
Android 11 introduced wireless Android Auto compatibility for all devices, as long as the car supports it. This feature allows you to connect your phone to your car’s infotainment system wirelessly, eliminating the need for a USB cable.
Dark Mode Scheduling
While dark mode was introduced in Android 10, Android 11 adds the ability to schedule when dark mode is enabled. You can now set it to automatically turn on at sunset and turn off at sunrise or choose a custom time schedule.
6. Performance Improvements and Battery Management
Android 11 brings several under-the-hood changes aimed at improving overall performance and optimizing battery life.
Improved App Performance
Android 11 includes improvements that allow apps to launch faster and run more efficiently, especially when switching between tasks. Google also made optimizations to reduce the amount of background processing apps can perform, helping to improve overall system performance.
Battery Life Enhancements
With each new version of Android, Google focuses on better battery management, and Android 11 is no different. The system includes more aggressive background app limitations, helping to preserve battery life by reducing the amount of resources consumed by idle apps.
7. Android Enterprise Features
Android 11 also brought improvements for enterprise users, making it easier for businesses to manage devices and enhance security.
Work Profile Enhancements
Android 11 made several updates to the “work profile” feature, which is commonly used in enterprise environments. This allows users to separate their work and personal data on the same device more effectively, giving IT departments more control over corporate apps while keeping personal data private.
Improved Security for Work Devices
Google introduced new security features to help protect corporate data on Android devices. IT administrators can now enforce stronger password policies and remotely manage devices, helping to secure sensitive information even in a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) environment.
8. Device-Specific Features
While Android 11 is a universal update across many devices, some manufacturers have added their own custom features on top of the standard Android 11 release. For instance, companies like Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi have included their own skins and additional functionalities that enhance the core Android experience. Let’s take a brief look at some of these device-specific enhancements.
Samsung’s One UI 3.0
Samsung rolled out Android 11 as part of its One UI 3.0 update. This update includes features like:
- Enhanced always-on display options.
- Improved Samsung DeX, which allows for a desktop-like experience on your phone.
- New widgets for easier access to key functions.
OnePlus’s OxygenOS 11
OnePlus introduced OxygenOS 11 with Android 11, bringing changes like:
- A revamped user interface with better one-handed usability.
- Always-on display with customizable styles.
- Improved dark mode integration with more scheduling options.
Xiaomi’s MIUI 12
Xiaomi’s MIUI 12 built on Android 11 with the following highlights:
- Super wallpapers for a dynamic home screen experience.
- New privacy controls, including clipboard access notifications.
- Enhanced gestures for multitasking.
9. Android 11 Hidden Features and Tips
Beyond the major headline features, Android 11 includes several hidden gems that can improve your experience. Here are some lesser-known tips and tricks:
Hidden Trash Bin
In Android 11, there’s a hidden “trash bin” feature that allows you to recover files you’ve deleted. Apps that support this feature can store deleted files for up to 30 days, giving you the option to restore them if you change your mind.
Notification History
As mentioned earlier, the notification history feature is a useful addition. To enable it, go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Notification history. This ensures you can view any notifications you may have missed.
Smart App Suggestions on Home Screen
Android 11 can now suggest apps based on your usage patterns directly on the home screen. These suggestions appear in your app dock, making it easier to access the apps you’re likely to use next.
Priority Conversations
You can now prioritize conversations from certain contacts in Android 11. Simply long-press a notification from a messaging app and set it as a priority conversation. This ensures their messages always appear at the top of your notifications and can even break through “Do Not Disturb” mode.
10. Compatibility and Availability
Android 11 is available for a wide range of devices, from Google’s Pixel line to Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and more. However, not all devices received the update at the same time. Pixel devices were among the first to receive Android 11, while other manufacturers rolled out the update throughout late 2020 and into 2021.
Before updating, it’s important to ensure that your device is compatible with Android 11. Most devices released in the past two to three years should be eligible for the update.
Conclusion
Android 11 is an important milestone in the evolution of the Android operating system, offering enhanced privacy controls, better communication features, and deeper integration with smart devices. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, Android 11 has something to offer that can improve your daily mobile experience.
