Android 11
Android 11, launched in 2020, focused on enhancing user convenience, communication and privacy. A standout feature was the introduction of conversation notifications, which prioritized messaging apps in the notification shade, ensuring users never missed an important chat.
In addition, the introduction of Bubbles similar to Facebook Messenger’s chat heads, allowed users to multitask while keeping conversations accessible. Android 11 also improved media controls, consolidating playback options in the Quick Settings for seamless switching between apps and devices.
Further, privacy saw significant upgrades with one-time app permissions, allowing temporary access to sensitive features like the microphone, camera and location. The auto-reset permissions feature ensured unused apps lost access to permissions over time, further securing user data.
For developers and advanced users, Android 11 brought native screen recording, better 5G support and improved device controls. Gaming and multitasking were made smoother due to performance optimizations, while foldable and large-screen devices gained better compatibility.
Android 11 vs. Android 10
| Android 10 | Android 11 | |
| Notifications | Standard notifications | Conversation notifications with dedicated section |
| Messaging | Basic messaging experience | Added Bubbles for multitasking conversations |
| Media Controls | Limited media playback control | Integrated media controls in Quick Settings |
| Privacy | Standard app permissions | One-time permissions and auto-reset permissions |
| Screen Recording | Third-party apps required | Built-in native screen recorder |
| Smart Home Control | Limited device management | Added smart home controls in the power menu |
| Performance | Standard optimizations | Improved app launch times and multitasking |
| 5G Support | Basic compatibility | Optimized 5G experiences for faster connections |
| Foldable Devices | Initial support | Enhanced app behavior and multitasking for foldables |
| System Updates | Incremental updates | Faster and more seamless updates via Project Mainline |