Top Features of Android 11 You Must Know

2020 saw many new updates and modified technologies being launched in different fields. One of the most notable ones is Android 11, the latest Android operating system. While the basic design of the new update is reminiscent of its predecessor, Android 10, there are other features to look forward to in Android 11.

Indeed, the developers have added several new features to this Android version; some are Android 10 features with slight variations. However, if you are wondering what makes this upgrade worth considering, it is best to focus on user-oriented innovations. Some that you would notice and can utilize are given below for your perusal. They would clear up your concerns on the Android 10 vs. Android 11 the debate as well.

1. Power button menu

In Android 11, when you hold the power button down, that opens up a full-fledged page containing many options. These include the original ones like the power, emergency, and restart buttons. Plus, a digital wallet and the smart home devices' control panel are also present. Unfortunately, this is only available for particular devices.

2. Media control

In Android 10 vs. Android 11, one thing you would notice is the media playback control. In the new upgrade, this is available under the Quick Setting section, not the notifications panel. Thus, you cannot ''clear all'' the controls from the notification panel. Instead, when you keep many apps open, you have to cycle through all of them, swiping each time horizontally.

Also, you would find the possibility of hiding the media control after using it as well. Later, you can resume again without re-accessing the app; this is undoubtedly an update many can enjoy.

3. Screen recorder

Another notable mention regarding Android 10 vs. Android 11 is that it has an audio-optimized screen recorder feature. Indeed, the recorder can record the internal audio of the device and is in-built into the system. Initially, this was planned for the Android 10 upgrade, though. As for where you can find it, it is available as the 'Screen Record' tile in the Quick Settings.

4. Conversations

In Android 11, you can see the conversation tabs open above the notification shade. Thus, it sets them apart from the shopping alerts, news alerts, and other such notifications. Another point in the Android 10 vs. Android 11 debate is that Android 11 allows you to turn the conversations into Bubbles. To specify, these are floating circular buttons for the minimized chats. One only needs to press it to resume the conversation.

5. Privacy upgrade

One of the best new features in Android 11 is that you do not need to worry about the app permissions for everything. Indeed, the privacy feature is outstanding on this latest upgrade. For instance, when you are using applications that need location access, it would automatically switch off when you get out of the app.

Plus, in terms of Android 10 vs. Android 11, the new upgrade would do you better. It includes single-time access to features such as the microphone or camera. This feature further improves privacy safety. Plus, if you have not opened a particular app in a long time, Google automatically resets its app permission.

6. Smart home controls

A lot of people currently have some sort of smart home devices at their houses. The primary way to control most of them is through a smartphone app. But usually, not all phones support every app. Android 11 is a usable alternative as you can control many devices without needing to access an app at all.

As mentioned before, you can find the control panel for smart devices when you long press the power button. In the lower line of the displayed icons, you would find the smart home settings. There are six devices allowed, which are pre-populated in the Android 11 devices. However, you can edit these and put them in other home products you need to control instead.

Some common control features include switching lights on and off, unlocking the front door, viewing the security camera captures, etc. However, this does not work for all Android 11 devices.

7. Emoji

The next point under Android 10 vs. Android 11 is the inclusion of more emoji types, which is a user favourite. Indeed, the new upgrades feature Unicode Emoji 13.0 set emojis, or specifically, 117 new ones from it. These include Disguised Face, Smile Face with Team, Ninja, Pinched Fingers, accurate Lung and Heart emojis, and more.

Much like Android 10, Android 11 has updated gender-specific emojis and new gender-neutral emojis as well. Even transgender representation is available now in emoji form, specifically Transgender Symbol and Transgender Flag.

8. Live location sharing

Another aspect of the Android 10 vs. Android 11 debate is the live features. In the latter, there is a new live location-sharing feature. So, when you are visiting somewhere, or someone is visiting you, both of you can see the turn-by-turn directions the other takes. While this is a usable feature, it is only available on Google Pixel models.

9. Play store updates

On Android 11, the Google Play Store can start updating apps and the device, bypassing OEMs and carriers. Thus, this results in the Android system upgrading easily and fixes many security concerns as well.

10. Dark theme scheduling

Indeed, in the Android 10 upgrade, many people greatly appreciated the dark theme feature. However, it needed improvement, and in Android 11, the developers did manage that. Thus, it is essential to consider this feature when you are wondering about Android 10 vs. Android 11.

Indeed, in the latest upgrade, you can select when you need the dark theme to begin working. On the one hand, you can set the dark theme with the timing of sunrise and sunset. Or, you can customize the schedule as your need. Some Android 10 devices have the former dark-theme schedule feature. But, you would find both options on Android 11 devices.

Conclusion

All in all, the features on Android 11 are user-friendly and highly effective. While it does resemble Android 10 in some ways, the new advanced features make up for the lack of design change.