Android 11 is finally here and it brings smarter ways to communicate with friends and family, to connect and manage smart devices along with better privacy and security settings. It also has the long-awaited screen record features, better media, and voice access controls. Android 11 may not be a big leap but it certainly gives users more control of the OS. Let’s find out more.
Key Highlights of Android 11
- Easily manage conversations
- Content capture
- Predictive tools
- Accessibility
- Device controls
- Privacy and security
Android 11 makes it more fun to communicate with friends and family. You can reply to messages, without having to switch between apps. You can now prioritize group messages. Messaging apps will now have a dedicated space in the notifications section so you never miss important message. Android 11 even lets you chat while using other apps. For example, you can send messages, while checking emails on another app. Another important update is the Bubbles feature which lets you pin conversations in the form of bubbles, on the home screen or top of other apps.
Google has made communicating easier with the Smart Reply feature. It gives reply suggestions based on the content in the messaging apps, minimizing typing for you. All you need to do is select the words or emojis to reply. Android 11 also has a feature called Smart folders, which lets you arrange apps better on the home screen. It suggests folder names based on themes like photography, work, and chat, every time you install a new app from the Google Play Store. Android devices will also make app suggestions based on your daily routines.
The built-in screen recording is a new, useful feature. You can now record the screen with sound from an external mic, sounds being played on your phone, or both. You no longer need a third-party, ad-ridden screen or voice recording app.
Android 11 also makes it easy to access and navigate the phone, hands-free, using the Voice Access feature. It even works offline. It can be used even to control smart devices at home. A long-press of the power button and you can set the AC temperature, dim the lights, and manage other smart devices on the go.
Android 11 has improvements to media controls too. There is now a dedicated media control dashboard that lets you control the media but also switch output to say, Bluetooth speakers, headphones, or TVs.
Wireless Android Auto was only available for Pixel and Samsung phones in older Android releases. Android 11 will now allow all phone to run Android Auto wirelessly, so you don’t need to plug in every time you get in your car.
Google has also paid close attention to privacy and security features, now allowing users to limit access for apps to the camera, microphone, and location. It also allows users to grant temporary permissions. Apps rarely used will have their permissions revoked as well. You can re-grant them the next time you use these apps. Android 11 users will also get regular security and privacy updates from the Google Play Store, like app updates. 
Android 11 comes with enhanced 5G support, letting users take advantage of faster speeds and lower latency of upcoming 5G networks. Apps installed on your phone will know if you are connected to a 5G network, thereby extending the Wi-Fi experience.
Upgrading to Android 11
Google has started rolling out Android 11 for Pixel 2, Pixel 3, and Pixel 4 smartphones along with recently launched OnePlus, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Realme phones. You can find these phones at Reliance Digital. To check if your phone supports it, go to Settings > Advanced > System updates > Check for update.
If your phone supports it, you will see a prompt to download and install the update. Tap ‘Download and Install’ button to go ahead. Your phone will then reboot automatically and upgrade to Android 11.
