On February 19, Google kicked off the hype train by releasing the first developer preview for Android 11 — giving us an early look at its biggest features and new logo. On March 18, Google followed up with the second developer preview, adding a number of new features and fixing many bugs present in the first two builds.
Reading through Google's initial press release for the first Android 11 developer preview, it's obvious that this update is doing a lot to improve Android's messaging experience. In fact, there are three core upgrades that should make a big difference in your day-to-day use.
Chat Bubbles
Similar to what Facebook's offered for years with its Messenger app on Android, chat bubbles in Android 11 will hide your ongoing conversations in little bubbles on the side of your screen. You can move the bubbles around, and tapping on them will reveal that specific conversation. The Bubbles API is being made available for all messaging apps, with Google encouraging developers to adopt it.
In another effort to make sure you can get to your messages as quickly as possible, Android 11 introduces a dedicated conversation section in your notification shade that'll offer instant access to any ongoing conversations you have. In theory, this should help make your messages stand out from other notifications.
Speaking of messages and notifications, Android 11 makes it possible to send images when replying to a message directly from the notification shade.
Apps permission
Now, when an app asks for permission to use sensitive features like your location, microphone, or camera, you can choose to only grant it access on a one-time basis. The app will be able to use that permission during that instance of you using the app, but as soon as you leave it, the permission is revoked. The next time you use the app and it wants to use that permission, it needs to be granted access again.
No more relying on 3rd Part Apps for Screen Recorder
Developer Preview 2 added a screen recorder, accompanied with a polished UI and toggles for recording audio and showing touches with your recording.
Reading through Google's initial press release for the first Android 11 developer preview, it's obvious that this update is doing a lot to improve Android's messaging experience. In fact, there are three core upgrades that should make a big difference in your day-to-day use.
Chat Bubbles
Similar to what Facebook's offered for years with its Messenger app on Android, chat bubbles in Android 11 will hide your ongoing conversations in little bubbles on the side of your screen. You can move the bubbles around, and tapping on them will reveal that specific conversation. The Bubbles API is being made available for all messaging apps, with Google encouraging developers to adopt it.
In another effort to make sure you can get to your messages as quickly as possible, Android 11 introduces a dedicated conversation section in your notification shade that'll offer instant access to any ongoing conversations you have. In theory, this should help make your messages stand out from other notifications.
Speaking of messages and notifications, Android 11 makes it possible to send images when replying to a message directly from the notification shade.
Apps permission
Now, when an app asks for permission to use sensitive features like your location, microphone, or camera, you can choose to only grant it access on a one-time basis. The app will be able to use that permission during that instance of you using the app, but as soon as you leave it, the permission is revoked. The next time you use the app and it wants to use that permission, it needs to be granted access again.
No more relying on 3rd Part Apps for Screen Recorder
Developer Preview 2 added a screen recorder, accompanied with a polished UI and toggles for recording audio and showing touches with your recording.
Getting Android ready for 5G
5G finally started making its way to people last year, and throughout 2020, more and more folks are going to connect to the next generation of wireless data. To help that process be as smooth as can be, Android 11 adds a very important "Dynamic Meterdness API."
That may not sound very exciting on paper, but it essentially allows phones to take full advantage of all the power 5G brings.
Enjoy
5G finally started making its way to people last year, and throughout 2020, more and more folks are going to connect to the next generation of wireless data. To help that process be as smooth as can be, Android 11 adds a very important "Dynamic Meterdness API."
That may not sound very exciting on paper, but it essentially allows phones to take full advantage of all the power 5G brings.
