Google has officially released the Android 11 beta 2. It’s a minor update but still worth checking out. But, the even bigger news is got to be the launch of the stable update. Yes, Google has accidentally revealed the date to be September 8th. Perhaps, we might finally get the Pixel 4a debut too.
Well, let’s not jump the gun and cover what we have right now. That is —
Android 11 Beta 2: Here’s what’s new
Since we are getting closer to the final build, the latest beta is mostly focussed on bringing stability to the OS.
What this means is that the final release will be more or less the same as the current build. Hence, the developers can work on their apps’ compatibility sans worrying about any sort of major changes in the forthcoming releases.
Other than this, much of what’s new is really cosmetic (compared to beta 1):
- Screenshots are back in the notification shade
- Share sheet bundles share targets by app basis
- ‘Conversations’ can be managed via a dedicated menu in the system settings.
- ‘Media Controls’ is now permanently sitting above the quick settings space. Some users don’t have the option to toggle it off, while some do. Also, the lock screen displays the entire album art just like Android 10.
- Screen recording now lets you capture device audio
- Recent Apps screen is much more minimal as the Share option has been removed.
- GBoard gets recent clipboard suggestion.
- The picture-in-picture window can be resized.
There are many more small and subtle changes here and there. But the biggest difference is the aforementioned “Platform Stability”.
The beta 2 update is available for the Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, and Pixel 4 XL.
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Now coming to the big spillage, i.e., the premier of Android 11 stable version.
In a recent video presentation a video for the “Hey Google” Smart Home Summit, you get to see September 8th mentioned as the Android 11 launch date. Jump to the 18-minute mark, you’ll see a ‘Checklist for September 8th Android 11 launch’. Additionally, Michele Turner, Sr. Dir. Smart Home Ecosystem division, Google speaks of the same.
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So, that’s about it for now. We’ll be keeping a tab on everything Android and Google. And we also hope to hear about Pixel 4a anytime soon. Fingers crossed!
