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Android 11 Developer Preview 2

Android 11 Developer Preview 2: Big Changes and New Features

Just recently Android 11 Developer Preview surprised us with impressive security features and now Google has released its second Preview. Drumrolls? Because this second update has come with a whole new set of features. However, these builds are only recommended for the developer folks. But those that are interested can play around as well, as Google is making the update available via the new Android Flash Tool.

Imp Note: Google Pixel phones are required to run the update;
Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, and Pixel 4 XL to be precise.

Now, let us dive into all the new goodies that Android 11 Developer Preview 2 has added to the list of upcoming features.

Android 11 Developer Preview 2 Reveals More Impressive Features

Google is on a roll and is not planning on stopping before the official release of Android 11 – all-new operating system for the Android lovers. So what’s was discovered in the second update?

Hinge Sensor Technology: Android 11’s new AndroidX API will let apps communicate with the hinge sensors and behave accordingly. This will allow software development companies to create apps for Android foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Flip that will provide experiences according to the angle of the hinge.

5G API: Developers will have the ability to quickly identify if the users are connected to a
5G New Radio or Non-Standalone network.

Call Screening API Improvements: Now the new APIs that have been added will enable call screening apps to further improve user-experience when a call is incoming. How? According to the source, these apps will be able to report a call rejection reason. Moreover, these apps will also be able to check if the call is being made to or is coming from a number that is present in the user’s contact list.

Android Emulator Camera Support: Android Emulator finally supports both front and rear emulated camera devices.

Variable Refresh Rate: Android 11 will allow apps and games to set the preferred frame rate for each window. So devices that have variable refresh rates have their systems to check an app’s best frame rate and adjust accordingly.

Scoped Storage Upgrade: We heard about this feature coming to Android 11 in first developer preview, and it with a second preview showing updates – it seems this feature is more than likely to show in the final release.

According to the update, scoped storage is getting better management of cached files. In addition, there is support to migrate files from the legacy scoped storage model to the new one.

IME Synchronized transitions: Google is rolling out a new set of APIs that let you sync your app’s content with an onscreen keyboard and system bars. This GIF below will make it clearer.

Resume on Reboot: Android 11 Developer Preview 2 will let applications access Credential Encrypted storage after the OTA reboot. Meaning apps can resume normal functionality. The users will not have to unlock the device first.

The journey of ADP2 doesn’t end here and there is more yet to be discovered so stay tuned.

Muniza Ashraf

Muniza Ashraf is a software engineer turned technical writer with extensive experience in various niches, especially all-things-tech-related. If she isn’t writing, she is researching to bring information in the best way possible. Currently, she is associated with KoderLabs, a custom software development company in Dallas.

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