Google surprised all of us with an Android 11 developer preview in February. It’s quite early for a developer preview and it may mean a sooner launch for Android 11 proper. The OS goes by Android R in its settings and, if you’ll recall, Google still uses the old letter and dessert method internally. In any case, we got our hands on it and we took a hands on. Read more about Android 11 below or watch the video above!
UI changes
The UI section of this article is going to be rather short. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of new stuff and any subtle changes aren’t obvious at first glance. However, this is the first developer preview and we actually had quite a few big visual changes last year. Google doesn’t usually do a bunch of UI changes two years in a row.
However, I did notice that you can still switch between gesture controls and the three button soft key option. The gestures feel a little smoother this time around but that might also just be me seeing something I wanted to see.
If there are any major UI changes to Android 11, we’ll most likely see them in future betas. To be honest, it makes sense that we don’t see hardly any in this preview because it’s solely for developers and not for consumers so it doesn’t really matter what it looks like yet. We’ll keep you up to date if we find anything.
New features
The first Android 11 preview isn’t too heavy on the features, but there are still some fun things worth talking about.
The first and most obviously noticeable feature is a screen recorder function in the quick settings. I had to add it to the quick settings shade, but it works as intended. You simply tick the quick setting toggle and it’s off to the races. The video recording worked surprisingly well even though my Pixel 3a was doing like 5 things in the background.
There is a bug with the feature though. If you take a screenshot, the notification for screen recording disappears and you must go back to the quick settings icon to disable the recording.
Things that record the screen are some of the biggest Android 11 features.
While we’re on the topic of things your screen records, there is a hidden flag in Android 11 that shows a screenshot UI that includes an extend feature which will likely become the ability to take scrolling screenshots. The feature doesn’t work yet, but there is now evidence of its existence.
Android 11 also improves the dark theme settings. The feature can now enable and disable itself at sunrise and sunset. This was a long time feature on other devices, particularly Samsung devices, but it’s nice to see it trickle down to stock Android.
Most of the new features are quality of life improvements rather than real features.
One of my favorite new features is the ability to pin apps to the share menu. You simply long press the app icon and select the Pin option to place it perpetually at the top of the share menu. This doesn’t work in every app, but it does work in Chrome where we tested it.
Finally, it seems like Bubbles finally works. You have to enable it in the developer options and then long press a notification to turn it on, but you can actually see what it looks like without any ADB tomfoolery. It’s buggy right now, but we expect it to improve over the course of the year. Plus, notifications for messages are now bundled under a conversations tab. It didn’t work too well for me, but again, we expect it to get better over the course of the year.
That’s about it for features right now, but we’ll update you if we find anymore in the coming days and weeks.
Under the hood
As per the norm, a good deal of the changes in Android 11 take place under the hood. The first and most noticeable thing I found was native support for some modern technologies. The documentation makes specific reference to things like 5G, foldable phones, and low latency video support for things like game streaming. That is hardly a surprise, though, and we fully expected it.
However, we were glad to see a new cutout API that helps prevent screen elements from being hidden or messed up by curved displays, waterfall notches, pinhole cameras, and other such things.
Another change is potentially the ability to use Bluetooth audio while in airplane mode. Previously, airplane mode was a blanket effect and that turned everything off. It still does that, but if you are connected to bluetooth headphones connected to A2DP, Android is now smart enough to disable just WiFi and mobile connections without messing with Bluetooth.
Android 11 decided to fix an obnoxious issue of hearing notification tones and vibrations while shooting photos and recording video. This is enabled by default actually and you have to disable do not disturb mode for the camera in order to actually see that this feature is there. In any case, an API is also available so this feature can work in third party camera apps.
You can already store credit cards, rewards cards, and even car insurance cards on your phone and now Android 11 now includes support for driver’s licenses. This one is a bit tricky because it has to adhere to ISO standards for identification and we’re not 100% certain how it’s gonna work and whether or not you can just use this as a valid form of ID, but it’s there.
We’re excited to learn how to digitized driver’s licenses work.
Finally, there is a neat overlay for refresh rates similar to gaming software that shows you the frames per second. It’s available in the developer options and shows you when your screen is at 60hz, 90hz, or 120hz. Of course, this is only useful on displays with higher refresh rates so you can see when the higher refresh rates are actually working.
Of course, there is a laundry list of improvements to existing APIs along with 12 new Project Mainline modules, and other such things. It’s far too long of a list of rattle off here so we recommend checking out the Android Developers website.
Privacy and Security
Security is getting at least a few decent updates this year, but it’s actually just building on stuff we had last year with Android 10. For instance, we discussed Scoped Storage at length last year. However, this year, it received a bit more attention and is now a requirement for apps targeting Android 11’s API level.
Another change is to the permissions system. Last year, Google added the ability to grant permissions only while the app was in use. This year, they’ve added the ability to only grant a permission a single time. This is very similar to how the app Bouncer works. However, it’s only available for sensitive permissions such as camera, microphone, and location.
Stock Android permissions are in a really good space with Android 11.
Permissions also have another neat trick. Apps like to ask for the same permission over and over again even if you deny it. In previous versions of Android, you could tick a box to not show that permission again. In Android 11, after two denials, the system automatically assumes you never want to see it again and prevents the app from ever asking.
Additionally, Android 11 heavily restricts background location access for apps. The restrictions are long and tedious to explain, but suffice it to say that apps have to do a lot more than they used to in order to justify pinging your location in the background, including (but not limited to) getting approval to remain on the Google Play Store. This could also save on battery and we’re always fans of that.
New biometrics and permission changes dominate Android 11’s new security features.
There is also a new biometric API with varying levels of biometrics, including weak, strong, and device credentials. To be perfectly honest, we saw mentions of strong versus weak biometrics as far back as Android 8.1, but it seems like the API is expanding to be more spoof-proof and more private.
Of course, there are an array of smaller changes that would take ages to list here. For instance, granting overlay permissions takes an extra tap in Android 11 than it did in Android 10. These changes are minor and will take forever to list, so we’d like to direct your attention again to the Android Developers website for every little change made.
Impressions
Overall, my first impressions of Android 11 are fairly solid. As is the norm these days, Google is shoring up weaknesses from Android 10 while adding a few extra goodies, but most of the changes are underneath the hood and strictly for developers. Of course, this is the first developer preview and Google may be saving some of the consumer facing stuff for later betas.
There are some device specific changes. For instance, the Pixel 4 gets an increased touch sensitivity option for screen protectors and more Motion Sense stuff. However, by and large, Android 11 feels a lot like Android 10 Plus just like Android 10 felt like Android 9 Plus. You shouldn’t expect any major changes in this version for better or for worse.
That said, I did like what I saw. There weren’t any bombastic new features and it’s actually a fairly run-of-the-mill update so far, but there are a lot of little quality of life changes that makes things better. I especially liked pinning apps to the sharing menu and the ability to screen record and, of course, all of the under the hood stuff makes things better in the long run.
Android 11 is a solid overall update, but it still feels like Android 10 Plus rather than its own thing.
I’m gonna answer that question that everybody asks and the answer is no, you should absolutely not run this as a daily driver. I caught a few bugs while moving around the UI and the occasional long load time for an app or menu. This is for developers, not for consumers, so wait until at least the next one to run this yourself unless you really want to see it in action.
In any case, that’s our first hands on with Android 11. There are almost certainly things I missed or didn’t cover. I recommend checking out the website and the written article for more coverage as we uncover Android 11’s secrets over the next few weeks. Unfortunately, there is no Android 11 Easter egg at this time and that’s disappointing.
If we missed any cool Android 11 features, tell us about it in the comments! Are you excited for Android 11 when it launches later this year?
The federal government is ordering the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform, but stopped short of ordering people to stay off the app.
Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced the government’s “wind up” demand Wednesday, saying it is meant to address “risks” related to ByteDance Ltd.’s establishment of TikTok Technology Canada Inc.
“The decision was based on the information and evidence collected over the course of the review and on the advice of Canada’s security and intelligence community and other government partners,” he said in a statement.
The announcement added that the government is not blocking Canadians’ access to the TikTok application or their ability to create content.
However, it urged people to “adopt good cybersecurity practices and assess the possible risks of using social media platforms and applications, including how their information is likely to be protected, managed, used and shared by foreign actors, as well as to be aware of which country’s laws apply.”
Champagne’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking details about what evidence led to the government’s dissolution demand, how long ByteDance has to comply and why the app is not being banned.
A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the shutdown of its Canadian offices will mean the loss of hundreds of well-paying local jobs.
“We will challenge this order in court,” the spokesperson said.
“The TikTok platform will remain available for creators to find an audience, explore new interests and for businesses to thrive.”
The federal Liberals ordered a national security review of TikTok in September 2023, but it was not public knowledge until The Canadian Press reported in March that it was investigating the company.
At the time, it said the review was based on the expansion of a business, which it said constituted the establishment of a new Canadian entity. It declined to provide any further details about what expansion it was reviewing.
A government database showed a notification of new business from TikTok in June 2023. It said Network Sense Ventures Ltd. in Toronto and Vancouver would engage in “marketing, advertising, and content/creator development activities in relation to the use of the TikTok app in Canada.”
Even before the review, ByteDance and TikTok were lightning rod for privacy and safety concerns because Chinese national security laws compel organizations in the country to assist with intelligence gathering.
Such concerns led the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a bill in March designed to ban TikTok unless its China-based owner sells its stake in the business.
Champagne’s office has maintained Canada’s review was not related to the U.S. bill, which has yet to pass.
Canada’s review was carried out through the Investment Canada Act, which allows the government to investigate any foreign investment with potential to might harm national security.
While cabinet can make investors sell parts of the business or shares, Champagne has said the act doesn’t allow him to disclose details of the review.
Wednesday’s dissolution order was made in accordance with the act.
The federal government banned TikTok from its mobile devices in February 2023 following the launch of an investigation into the company by federal and provincial privacy commissioners.
— With files from Anja Karadeglija in Ottawa
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 6, 2024.
LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?
It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.
Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:
Apple
The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.
For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.
You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.
Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.
Google
Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.
When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.
You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.
There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.
Facebook and Instagram
Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.
When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.
The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.
You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.
TikTok
The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.
Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.
X
It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.
Passwords
Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?
Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.
But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.
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Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.
LONDON (AP) — Britain’s competition watchdog said Thursday it’s opening a formal investigation into Google’s partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic.
The Competition and Markets Authority said it has “sufficient information” to launch an initial probe after it sought input earlier this year on whether the deal would stifle competition.
The CMA has until Dec. 19 to decide whether to approve the deal or escalate its investigation.
“Google is committed to building the most open and innovative AI ecosystem in the world,” the company said. “Anthropic is free to use multiple cloud providers and does, and we don’t demand exclusive tech rights.”
San Francisco-based Anthropic was founded in 2021 by siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, who previously worked at ChatGPT maker OpenAI. The company has focused on increasing the safety and reliability of AI models. Google reportedly agreed last year to make a multibillion-dollar investment in Anthropic, which has a popular chatbot named Claude.
Anthropic said it’s cooperating with the regulator and will provide “the complete picture about Google’s investment and our commercial collaboration.”
“We are an independent company and none of our strategic partnerships or investor relationships diminish the independence of our corporate governance or our freedom to partner with others,” it said in a statement.
The U.K. regulator has been scrutinizing a raft of AI deals as investment money floods into the industry to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom. Last month it cleared Anthropic’s $4 billion deal with Amazon and it has also signed off on Microsoft’s deals with two other AI startups, Inflection and Mistral.
