Do you use an Android phone?

If you're an Android user and you're interested in getting the latest on offer from the company, Google has announced that they're ready to release Android 11 to the general public.

As you read these words, the new OS should already be available for Google's Pixel line (Pixel 2 and newer), OnePlus phones, Xiaomi Mi phones, OPPO phones, and Realme devices.

Here's a preview of some of the new features

  • If you press and hold the power button on your Android phone, you'll be able to view your Google Pay cards, along with the details of any Google-Assistant-connected smart home devices.
  • The new OS makes screen recording possible, without the need for a third-party app.
  • New media controls that relocate playback controls from the notification tray to the quick settings panel.
  • Better media playback handling now allows you to change which device your audio is playing on.
  • Bubbles, which are small avatars, now float on top of whatever app or screen you're on, allowing you to go back to any conversations you're in.

On top of these additions, the new OS also includes some additional privacy enhancements, including the ability to grant one-time-only access to your location, camera, or microphone. Each time you open an app that wants to use any of those, you'll be re-prompted to grant permission for that use only.

Finally, Android 11 improves the way devices handle work and personal profiles. While this won't matter much to personal users, Enterprise users will cheer, as it provides better separation between the two, preventing your IT admin from accessing any of your personal data.

Our perspective

All told then, there is a raft of good changes here you'll probably love. Again, by the time you read these words, you'll probably be able to put your hands on the latest from Google. Check it out at your next convenience!

~ Oscar Wilde once said. “I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.” ~

 

By Denis Wilson and Melissa Stockwell

Thanks for reading this short post. For more tips on thriving with small business technology, check out the other blog posts at DWPIA Blogs. You can also find me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Cybersecurity Expert, Small Business Technology Consultant, Managed Services Provider, Managed IT SupportI'm Denis Wilson, President and Principal Consultant for DWP Information Architects. We build people/process/technology solutions to create better business outcomes for smaller enterprises in Los Angeles. We have created cost-effective office productivity and out-sourced service solutions for over 20 years, focusing principally on manufacturing, professional services, and healthcare.  Our hallmarks are cloud and on-premises network reliability, cost-effective cybersecurity, and livable small business regulatory compliance.

I am also a published author and speaker, working extensively with business and professional associations to provide small business technology education programs. Contact me if you would like me to speak at your association