Android 11 is finally here. To the surprise of many, Google suddenly released the Android 11 Developer Preview system package with tons of new features. Google’s latest system Developer Preview is available for Pixel series including Google Pixel 4 / 4XL, Pixel 3a / 3a XL, Pixel 3 / 3 XL, and Pixel 2 / 2 XL. In addition, Google also released the development schedule for this new system. The beta version will arrive from May this year while the final version will touch down in Q3 2020.
Android 11 developer preview – what are the new features?
Linkability
Android 11 brings a new link API to support 5G networks. Thus, developers can take advantage of the high speed and latency of 5G. With this, apps can automatically provide the corresponding high-quality video when a high-quality network is detected.
This new system also adds a Bandwidth Estimator API that allows developers to easily determine the amount of downstream/uplink bandwidth available without the application having to query or calculate their own estimates.
Support for new screens
Today many Android OEM manufacturers have multiple screen devices. Now Android 11 has native support for these two screens. It also provides APIs for punch-hole and waterfall screens. With this, developers can make full use of the curved part of the waterfall screen and does not require a separate setting by the manufacturer.
Hover chat bubbles
Android 11 has added a floating chat bubble function. As long as the app uses a new API, it can float the ongoing conversation in the form of a bubble on the screen.
In addition, copy and paste have also been upgraded. If the app supports a direct copy and paste of images, then Android 11 supports pasting pictures directly into the reply of the app. This reduces the need for users to cut between multiple apps.
Privacy and permissions
Android 11 add one-time permission for location, microphone, and camera permissions. In other words, an app that has obtained one-time permission will still ask the user to obtain authorization when it is next used.
This new system will also automatically block repeated permission requests from the app. If the user clicks twice to deny authorization, the system will automatically stop asking for authorization. Of course, the user can also manually adjust it in the settings.
Screen recording
The screencast appeared in an earlier version of Android 10. However, Google later deleted this feature. Now, it can be seen and used in Android 11. Pixel 4 series changes Android 11 also has an upgrade for the Pixel 4 series. This provides a new Motion Sense gesture that can pause music.
