Android 11 has a bunch of goodies.
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Google launched the general public beta of Android 11 on June 10, bringing under-the-hood options for builders and courageous customers alike. You can set up the primary beta proper now so long as you may have a suitable cellphone, however even when you do not, any Android fan can anticipate the brand new options. I signed as much as take part within the beta program on a Pixel 4 XL ($777 at Amazon) and have been digging by way of the replace. So far, I’m a giant fan of the brand new fast controls web page, which is straightforward to entry and extremely useful, together with the revamped media controls. Other options, like app solutions and Bubbles, will take some getting used to. These 5 options described right here aren’t the complete extent of Android 11. Google is nearly assured to have extra surprises in retailer for us. Meanwhile, get acquainted with these Android 11 options now, so you understand what’s coming to your cellphone later this 12 months. Android 11’s fast controls are my new favourite controls.
Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Android 11 Quick Controls are a real spotlightThe very first thing you need to do after putting in Android 11, whether or not it is the beta or when it is formally launched, is long-press the ability button in your cellphone to deliver up the brand new fast controls display screen. On the Pixel, not less than, this display screen offers you energy management choices alongside the highest, supplies shortcuts to your Google Pay playing cards and boarding passes, after which beneath that you will discover my favourite function of Android 11 — fast controls for sensible house gadgets. My cellphone robotically picked a couple of gadgets I’ve linked to Google Assistant, just like the Nest thermostat in my workplace and my Nest video doorbell. I may even view a livestream from my doorbell straight on this display screen, with out having to open the Nest app (which is gradual and a ache to make use of). It’s nice. You can add or take away sensible house gadgets from this grid by tapping on the menu button and deciding on add or edit controls.
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Bubbles look all kinds of helpful.
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Messaging Bubbles on your associates appear to be they’re going to be helpful Remember Bubbles? This function was imagined to be a part of Android 10, however Google pulled it on the final minute. Well, they’re again. Bubbles are much like Facebook Messengers “chat heads” function. When activated, a small avatar — or Bubble — in your display screen that’s seen it doesn’t matter what app you are utilizing. Tap on the avatar and it’ll open a small window so that you can learn and ship new messages in that thread, with out absolutely opening the app. You can drag the Bubble round your display screen, or drag it to the underside of the display screen to delete it. In the primary public beta, the one app that appears to work with Bubbles proper now’s Facebook Messenger. Even then, it would not absolutely work. We anticipate Google will work out the kinks earlier than the complete Android 11 launch.In order to make use of Bubbles for a dialog, there can be a small Bubbles icon within the bottom-right nook of the notification. Tapping on it should instantly allow Bubbles for that thread.Another method to activate Bubbles for particular conversations is to long-press on its notification and mark it as a precedence. Doing so won’t solely activate Bubbles for that thread, however it should additionally enable that dialog to interrupt by way of Do Not Disturb making certain you do not miss any messages. App solutions on the house display screen are new.
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App Suggestions exchange your app dockImmediately after putting in the general public beta and unlocking my Pixel 4 XL, I used to be greeted with an choice to allow app solutions on the house display screen. Unsure of what precisely that was, I reluctantly agreed. Turns out, it is fairly darn cool. Previously, Android made solutions within the app drawer of apps it thought you’d wish to use, relying on the time of day and different mysterious elements. In Android 11, there’s now a row of app solutions on the underside of your property display screen the place your principal app dock would usually present up. The apps have a glowing border round them, and steadily change if you return to your property display screen as you employ your cellphone. You can long-press on any of the app icons to pin that suggestion to your property display screen. You can even block apps from displaying up as solutions if you don’t need one thing like Gmail displaying up despite the fact that you employ a special electronic mail app. To entry App Suggestions and tailor the way it works for you long-press on your property display screen and choose Home Settings then Suggestions. There you’ll be able to management solutions within the app drawer and on the house display screen or block apps from displaying up on the record. The new media controls certain look good.
Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Android 11 will get fancier music controlsIn the weblog submit announcement for the Android 11 public beta, Google confirmed off a brand new music management interface that appeared wonderful. Instead of playback controls trying extra like a pending notification, they’re positioned within the Quick Settings panel on the high of your display screen. And if you work together with them, there is a new possibility to regulate the place the music is enjoying. For instance, you probably have Google’s new Pixel Buds 2 and a Nest Hub ($90 at Best Buy), you’ll be able to shortly swap between the 2 gadgets with a few faucets. If you put in the Android 11 beta, the function is nowhere to be discovered if you start enjoying music. Don’t get discouraged — it is there, nevertheless it’s hidden. You’ll must allow Developer Options in your cellphone by opening the Settings app and going to About cellphone. Scroll to the underside of the display screen the place you will discover Build Number. Tap on it till you see a small notification present up saying one thing like “Congrats! You’re now a developer.” Next, we’ll want to enter Developer Options in Settings > System. Once there, discover Media resumption, flip it on, after which reboot your cellphone. The subsequent time you begin enjoying some music, the brand new media controls can be obtainable. You can lastly document your display screen with an official Google software.
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A built-in display screen recorderScreenshots are a fast and straightforward method to seize one thing in your display screen, however there are occasions when a recording is healthier suited to the duty at hand. For instance, if you wish to exhibit your gaming expertise, or spotlight the steps to breed a bug — display screen recording FTW! You can discover the Screen Record software within the Quick Settings panel after putting in Android 11. If it is not seen, faucet on the pencil icon so as to add it to your panel.
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Tap on the Screen Record icon and choose whether or not you need your microphone to document audio and if you need your contact interactions to be highlighted within the video. To cease recording, faucet the Screen Record notification. The video can be saved to your digital camera roll the place you’ll be able to then edit and share the recording. We’re going to maintain digging into Android 11 and see what different goodies are hidden or added all through the remainder of the beta course of. In the meantime, when you simply cannot look forward to Android 11 to launch later this 12 months, you’ll be able to set up it proper now.