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Android 11: Exciting New Security Features and Much More

Android 11 Developer Preview gave insight into new features that include clean privacy and security features which Google has paid considerable attention to.

Android 11 is already in the works. While one of the biggest tech-giant to run Android, that is Samsung, has recently released its latest flagship lineup; which is making some headlines. From Galaxy S20 family with its 100x zoom to the Galaxy Z Flip, with better hinge technology.

Safe to say, the start of 2020 is owned by all things Android. On this note, Android 11 has plenty of great new features to count on. Specifically in the realm of security, which has seen a significant upgrade. How do we know all this? Thanks to the early developer preview of Google, which otherwise takes place just before the developer’s event and not sooner than March.

Android 11 security features
Via 9to5Google

However do note that this particular preview is not only just for the developers to test but also is available for Google Pixel smartphones, Android Studio emulator, and Project Treble devices.

Android 11: Top 10 New Features

So far Android 11’s beta version has many fans buzzing, as it provides some neat features. But what takes the cake are the new impressive privacy features. Before we dive into them, check out the other intriguing additions to the Android 11 prerelease version.

Android 11 Release Date
Via Android Authority, Android Gadget Hack, @ASBYT
  1. Native Screen Recorder: The feature that couldn’t make past Android 10’s beta version, is now back with a fancier UI. Although still just in Android 11’s beta version, it may appear in the final cut. No more ads and watermarks.
  2. Airplane Mode: It doesn’t disconnect Bluetooth audio connections. Allowing you to enjoy your travels in Airplane Mode.
  3. Conversation Section: Better conversation experience by providing a dedicated conversation section in the notification shade. This helps in keeping track of on-going conversations; from various social and chat apps in the top section -while email, and others taking a bottom space.
  4. Adding Images to Chat Notification: You can add images directly on a chat notification if your app supports the copy/pasting of images.
  5. Bubble Chat Feature: Much like Facebook Messenger’s bubblehead, you will be able to suspend many chats in small floating bubbles, for ease of access. Social apps like WhatsApp and others can make use of this feature.
  6. Adjustable to Various Screens: New Android 11 will be able to work fine with various screens including foldable, waterfall, and pinhole screens.
  7. Scrolling Screenshots: XDA Developers managed to tap into this feature, but it is not yet available. However, if made it to the final release, Stock Android will have its own feature that lets you take multiple screenshots that merge together together. Instead of the third-party apps that do that for you. Exciting, right?
  8. Improved Dark Mode: Dark mode is compatible with more apps and can be scheduled in the settings, as to when you want it to convert and revert back.
  9. Motion Sense Gesture: Play and pause music through motion gestures in Pixel 4.
  10. App Connection Data: The new Android OS will detect the ‘type’ of connectivity (whether through WiFi, 4G, or 5G) and will optimize your apps accordingly.

Security & Biometric Features

Android 11 has revamped its security and privacy measures, giving more control to users. However, still far off from iPhone’s security ecosystem, it managed to make 4 considerable upgrades.

Biometrics: Google made some changes to its BiometricPrompt API by creating three authentication types — strong, weak, and device credentials. This enables the developers to support biometrics in weak categories as well. For the more sensitive apps, such as banking and payments apps can opt for the secure version. This will enable android apps to use biometric verifications instead of passwords.

Permission Options: Android 11 has given the user more control as to which app gains access to their personal information like location, camera, or microphone and for how long. There is an ‘Ask every time’ option. For apps that are asking for permission, another prompt appears with three options: ‘Only this time’, ‘While using the app’, and ‘Deny’.

Scoped Storage: It is a data privacy feature that places each of your apps in a ‘sandbox’, which restricts them from snooping into your phone’s data other than their own. These apps would require permission for each file or folder they wish to access. This controversial and much-shunned feature will be permanent in the upcoming OS.

Secure Document Storage: Android 11 is aiming towards providing users the ability to store crucial documents within their phones. Documents that include driver’s licenses, passports, and whatnot. More details regarding Google’s latest ID accreditation feature is yet to uncover. However, sources say that this feature will work on certain phones that run Android R and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chip.

Android 11 Release Date

Software development companies have much to look forward to with Android 11’s full official version release and maximize these new features when developing Android apps.

All in all, Android has much further to go in terms of security and privacy, as compared to its rival Apple. However, progress is definitely coming – and according to the latest buzz, it is coming in fall or around May 12, 2020. (Not officially confirmed)

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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