Google was to launch Android 11 today, but the company called off the event saying “Now is not the time to celebrate.” Before the launch was canceled, Google was to introduce Android 11 today in an online event and ship the Beta 1 to Pixel owners.
However, reports suggest that the company shipped the beta OS to some Pixel 4XL owners, regardless. The beta software tips on what Google developers are currently working on in the next major Android update.
Here are various features spotted in Android 11 beta 1;
App Media Controls to Notifications Panel
Having plenty of notifications on your Android phone from different apps at a go can be a mess to handle and Google is working on something little to improve that. A new option in Android 11 allows Android app developers to move their app’s media controls from the notifications panel into the Quick Settings menu.
New App Icons
App icons are also getting new shapes in Android 11. Currently there are three different types – Vessel, Tapered Rect and Pebble. Here’s what I’m talking about;
New options to control app suggestions
This is also another new change although subtle. It’s also only available in the Pixel Launcher. Google now shows auto-generated app suggestions in the bottom home screen dock. App suggestions provide an easy way to access most used apps instead of cluttering your home screen with many app icons.
Revamped power button menu
Google has also revamped the power button menu in Android 11 including a new “Quick Controls” option for controlling smarthome devices. The usual “Power off” and “Restart” buttons are still available.
You can view more Android 11 related features here.