New system should have version finalized in the second half of 2020
THE Google announced, by surprise, on Wednesday, 10, the launch of the new version of its operating system for smartphones and tablets. After years with sweet names, the Android passed on, since 2019, to be identified by a number – and the current system is the Android 11. As in recent years, however, the system brings incremental developments, without major revolutions.
The main novelties are in the messaging systems, in privacy changes and even in the creation of its own screen recording tool – something that iPhones have been doing for years, but that Android users needed third-party apps to be able to enjoy. The trial version of the system is now available to users of the Pixel, a smartphone made by Google that is not sold in Brazil. In the coming weeks, users of other brands will have access to the platform. The finished version, as usual, should arrive at the end of 2020.
The launch was different than usual: in recent years, new versions of Android were presented during the Google I / O, a developer event held by the company annually in California in May. However, the coronavirus pandemic caused the event to be canceled.
The announcement was then due to take place last week on a live broadcast – but it ended up being canceled due to the tense climate in the United States, amid anti-racist demonstrations over the death of George Floyd, murdered by the Minneapolis police. Instead of broadcasting, Google preferred to launch a website with videos and special texts for developers and curious people. Below, the Estadão details the main news of Android 11
Viewing messages and notifications
When the user spends some time without touching his cell phone, it is quite common that he has many notifications to answer – and a lot of people spend some time trying to find out what is a priority or not there.
As of Android 11, all conversations from messaging applications (WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger and even private messages from social networks like Instagram or Twitter) will be allocated in a single space in the notification field. Google’s idea is to make it easier to view, respond to and manage conversations.
Images show a) Bubbles feature, for communications b) single use permission request
In addition, the user will also be able to mark conversations as priority, so that they appear first – they will be present on the user’s lock screen, even when the smartphone is in ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode, which can be a hand in the wheel to fathers and mothers during work meetings, for example.
Another novelty that Google announced with Android 11 is Bubbles – a feature that will allow users to respond to messages quickly, exchanging conversations, without having to leave an application that is already open. It is like a ‘balloon’ that appears on the screen.
It is an evolution: until now, Android users could even respond to a message quickly via notification, but there was no way to get the conversation going – if you need to change more than one sentence, you had to switch between apps. The company also says it has updated its keyboard, the Gboard, with more typing suggestion, in words and emojis.
Privacy changes
Today, when an application wants to have access to a specific feature of the cell phone, such as a camera, microphone or contact book, the user has only two options: grant or not. It is a bad thing, especially if there is doubt that that application is reliable.
But this will have an end: from Android 11, the user will be able to choose to allow a single access to a specific feature of the smartphone. This means that, the next time the application uses the camera or some sensor, for example, it will be necessary to give permission again. Google will also reset permissions associated with an application that has not been used for some time.
Screen recording
A very simple function, but useful especially in quarantine times, screen recording was something that was only possible with the help of a third party application.
Used to record a game, show how a feature can be used or even send a message about an error in an app, the functionality will now be present in the Google system – something that only happened on the iPhone.
Home and payment control
In addition to being a personal device, smartphones are also turning into remote controls for the connected home. For those who have smart lamps or speakers connected, Android 11 promises to have a hub to quickly control all devices, just by long pressing the power button (used to turn on the phone).
According to the company, device controls will also appear with other «necessary things», such as payment systems (on Android Pay) and boarding passes. «We like to think of it as a» pocket «for your digital wallet, keys and more,» the company said in a note.
