On September 8, Google finally released the much anticipated new Android 11 OS update. The new operating system includes many useful features for Google Pixel phones. Screen recording is a dynamic new feature, comparable to a screenshot. It allows the user to record videos of activity on their screen, as opposed to using a front-facing camera lens. Great use of this feature would be to record on-screen tutorials. An audience can watch the lesson with the user narrating. And, pictures are easily copied and pasted across apps. This allows for more freedom with the screen recording.
Notifications
Conversations are becoming more organized with Google’s new OS update. When swiping to view the notification centre, the screen splits between general notifications and messages. For example, these notifications include texts, Facebook Messenger, and Whatsapp. The newly-organized notification screen is easier for sifting through important messages and weeding out annoying alerts.
Android At Home
Android’s Smart Home and auto features broaden in the new system update. Bedtime mode expands to set the phone on Do Not Disturb at night. The screen also goes black and to avoid hurting the user’s vision at night. An interesting expansion to Android Auto is that it works wirelessly with cars. The update has likewise expanded Bluetooth capabilities. Wireless headphones will remain connected during aeroplane mode.
Accessibility and Privacy
The new OS update adds features that are accessible to users who are blind or with impaired vision. Documents and labels scan into a Lookout app for vision-impaired users to view. A new keyboard aids users in writing messages in braille. This feature exempts consumers from buying extraneous software to write braille. features like these allow a wider variety of users to participate and benefit from the latest technology.
Android created small but important to privacy settings. One time permissions allow for apps. For example, access to a user’s camera or location. Permissions for apps revoke after long term disuse. These changes assist in limiting the access apps have to the user’s information. the new OS saves a forgetful user the trouble of turning off individual permissions for every app they own.
Odds and Ends
The Android 11 OS update includes further minor features improving convenience for its users. 5G detection is faster and better with the update. Also, Picture in Picture mode allows users to watch videos while performing other tasks. Video size can adjust to the user’s preference. Finally, a “nearby share” mode inhibits users to send documents and content across nearby devices with ease. Whether with brand new features or small adjustments, Android 11’s new OS update focuses heavily on a single goal for its users: convenience.