Google has released a Beta version of Android 11 for developers, the next major iteration of its operating system.

There have been a number of developer previews before, but the new beta release is also accompanied with final SDK and NDK APIs for developers to try out with apps. The final, full release is scheduled for “Q3”.

As well as improved Device Controls for handling connected devices (pictured), there are new Media Controls for switching the output device for their audio or video content, whether it be headphones, speakers or TV. There are also new privacy permissions, around things such as such as granting one-time permissions, a permissions auto-reset feature and Google Play System Updates.

Google also says it aims to make Android more “people-centric and expressive”. What this means is Conversation notifications given prominence, Bubbles to keep conversations in view multitasking, Voice Access for people who control their phone entirely by voice and consolidated keyboard suggestions.

Previously, Google has highlighted the main features of Android 11 as centring around 5G connectivity, UI support for foldable screens and faster messaging.

An example of the media controls in Android 11 are pictured below.

Multiple messaging

Dave Burke, Google’s VP of Android Engineering, writes:

To make communication easier and simpler on your phone, Android 11 will move all of your conversations across multiple messaging apps to a dedicated space in the notification section. This makes it easy to see, respond to and manage your conversations all in one place. You can mark a conversation as priority to give it preference so you never miss an important message. These key conversations show up on your always-on display and can even “break through” a Do Not Disturb setting.

Android 11 also introduces Bubbles, a new feature to help you respond and engage with important conversations without switching back and forth between your current task and the messaging app. You can open a bubble for your conversation right from the notification and multitask without missing a thing.

The first Beta for Android 11 is available today, with final SDK and NDK APIs and new features to try in your apps.

Android 11 beta also includes a number of other developer productivity improvements, says Google, for example  wireless ADB debugging, ADB incremental for faster installs of large APKs, and more nullability annotations on platform APIs (to catch issues at build time instead of runtime), and more.

Availability

The software is available if you have a Pixel 2, 3, 3a, or 4 device (enroll here to get Android 11 Beta updates over-the-air). Also, downloads for Pixel and the Android Emulator are available.