Google unexpectedly announces first beta of Android 11 11

Google has announced and released the first beta of Android 11. The test version follows various developer previews of the new mobile operating system. The most important innovations were already known.

The beta is available to install on the Pixel 2, 2XL, 3, 3XL, 3a, 3a XL, 4 and 4XL, Google says. Other devices will follow later, but the search giant does not say which ones. According to the search giant, the most important innovation is in the way Google handles conversations from chat apps. They have been given their own section in the notification bar and users are given the option to pin conversations on the screen with ‘bubbles’, which remain over apps. This allows users to quickly return to the conversation when there is a new message.

Music and video controls are from Android 11 just below the toggles in the notification bar. Moreover, from there you can directly check with the push of a button where the audio should go and how high the volume of connected devices should be.

Also new is the menu that appears when you long press the Power button. There are of course options for restarting, but under the possibly added bank cards for contactless payment there will be options for controlling smart home devices. Presumably apps need to build in support to show up in that menu.

The first preview of Android 11 came out in February. The release is planned for the summer and is expected to take place in August or September. Installing the beta can be done by manually flashing the new firmware or by getting an ota upgrade after signing up for the beta program.