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Top 11 new features of Android 11

The best Android 11 new features explained

Google released Android 11 on September 8, 2020, with many exciting new features and improvements.

Supported Pixel phones including Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, all received the Android 11 update immediately after the release. The first generation Pixel and Pixel XL stopped at Android 10 and did not receive the Android 11 update.

Other Android manufacturers will roll out their Android 11 update based on their own schedule. Some manufacturers may release the Android 11 update in November to December. But for the majority of owners of non -Pixel phones, very likely, they will receive the Android 11 update from early 2021.

This Android 11 guide explains the top 11 new features of Android 11: conversations in one place, notification history, bubbles, native screen recorder, seamless media control, smart device controls, one-time permissions and auto-reset permissions, dark theme scheduling, security updates via Play Store, smart Reply, app suggestions, and smart folders for Pixel phones, and wireless Android Auto.

Of course, there is an Android 11 Easter egg: Neko Cat game.

Conversations in one place: the most useful new features of Android 11

In Android 11, all notifications from messaging apps now are grouped as conversions in the notification panel. You can not only read the incoming new messages but also directly reply in the notification panel.

And it works for all messaging apps.

On the lock screen, you can even choose to show priority conversations from specific contacts or individual chat threads.

Most Android 11 users will admit the conversation is one of the best new features of Android 11.

Notification history

Very often, we dismiss some notifications without checking them. But sometimes, you may realize the notification may be important.

Prior to Android 11, you cannot access notification history unless you use some third-party apps.

Now, you can enable notification history in Android 11 (Settings —Apps & notifications — Notifications — Notification history) to check snoozed and dismissed notifications.

Bubbles

Bubbles are just a minimized pop-up view of a chat.

Android 11 lets you pin conversations anywhere on the screen. Because the chat bubbles appear on top of other apps and screens, you can always check and participate in the conversation when using other apps.

By default, chat bubbles and notification history are not enabled in Android 11. You need to enable bubbles in Settings — Apps & notifications —Notifications —Bubbles — Allow apps to show bubbles.… Read the rest

How to share Wi-Fi using QR codes in Android 10?

You can generate a QR code for your WiFi and share it with friends

by editorl Leave a Comment

In Android 10, Wi-Fi sharing via QR code (Quick Response code) is a new feature which allows users to share Wi-Fi networks with friends by generating a QR code instead of announcing the Wi-Fi password.

This is helpful if you prefer keeping the password of your Wi-Fi network secret when sharing the network with others.

This Android 10 guide shows you the detailed steps of sharing Wi-Fi through QR code. Some frequently encountered questions on sharing Wi-Fi using QR code were also answered.

How to share Wi-Fi using a QR code in Android 10?

There are at least 2 ways to share Wi-Fi using a QR code in Android 10:

Through the Settings app.
Through the Quick settings panel.

Through Settings

Step 1: Open Settings

To access Settings, as shown below, tap on the Settings icon in the Apps screen (App drawer), or Home screen.

Of course, you can also tap the gear icon in the quick settings panel.

Step 2: Access Network and internet page

In the Settings page, tap on Network & internet, as seen below.

Step 3: Turn on Wi-Fi

If the Wi-Fi is not enabled, you need to switch on the Wi-Fi by tapping on the switch, as shown below.

You could skip this step if WiFi was enabled already.

Step 4: Access the network details

In the network settings page, tap on Wi-Fi.

Then, tap on the name (SSID) of the Wi-Fi that you want to share.

Step 5: Generate a QR code

In the network details page, tap on the Share icon, as shown below.

Before the QR code is created, you will need to verify your identity by inputting the password for the phone.

Once the QR code is created, others can scan it to connect to the Wi-Fi network.

For example, as shown above, a QR code was generated and ready for share.

Through Quick Settings panel

You can also access the same sharing page from the quick settings panel.

Swipe down twice from the top of the screen to open the Quick settings panel.

In the quick settings panel, tap on the Wi-Fi icon to switch on the Wi-Fi, if it is not enabled, as shown below.

Once WiFi is connected, you can then press and hold the Wi-Fi icon, as shown above.

Then, tap on the name of the Wi-Fi, as shown below.

Now, you can access the same network details page, and use the Share button to generate QR code as discussed earlier.… Read the rest

How to use navigation gestures in Android 10?

A definite guide for Android 10 navigation gestures

by editorl Leave a Comment

Android 10 brings a new (and improved) set of navigation gestures for you to use the phone more effectively and intuitively.

In addition to using the traditional 3 navigation buttons, and the 2-button navigation gestures as in Android Pie, you can now use gestures only without using any buttons in Android 10.

This Android 10 guide explains the new features of the Android 10 navigation gestures, how to enable them and how to use them.

What’s new in Android 10 navigation gestures?

Previously in Android Pie (Android 9), navigation buttons (3 or 2) are found at the bottom of the screen. Now in Android 10, navigation gestures can fully replace the navigation buttons.

This means that if navigation gestures are enabled, the Home, Back, and Recents (Overview) buttons located at the bottom of the screen, seen below, will be gone.

How to enable navigation gesture in Android 10?

If you upgraded the phone to Android 10, very likely, the original navigation buttons will likely be used by default.

In this case, you need to follow the following steps to enable the Android 10 navigation gestures.

Step 1: Open Settings

To access Settings, as shown below, tap on the Settings icon in the Apps screen (App drawer), or Home screen, or through the quick settings panel.

Step 2: Access System settings

In Settings, scroll down and tap on System, as shown below.

Step 3: Access Gestures settings

In the System settings page, tap on Gestures, as seen below.

Step 4: Access System navigation page

In the System settings page, tap on System navigation, as shown below.

Step 5: Enable Gesture navigation

In the System navigation page, there will be the option to change the phone’s system navigation. Tap on Gesture navigation to enable it.

Additionally, you can change the sensitivity of the back gesture by tapping on the settings icon as seen below.

This adjusts how sensitive the phone will respond to gestures along the screen edge and hence prevent any accidental gestures along the screen edge.

How to use Navigation Gestures in Android 10?

Here are the 10 operations you need to master when switching to the new navigation gestures.

1. Returning to Home Screen (Home Screen) — Swipe upwards

To exit from an application and return to the Home screen, swipe up from the bottom of the screen, as shown below.

This has the same function as tapping the Home button in the previous version of Android (0r if you switch back to navigation buttons).… Read the rest

How to Use Location Access Control in Android 10?

You can easily control your privacy through Android 10 location access control

by editorl Leave a Comment

Location access control is a new Android 10 feature that protects your privacy.

This Android 10 guide explains how the location access control in Android 10 protects your data, how to enter location access settings from location settings of from permission manager, and how to use location control on Android 10.

What does location access control in Android 10 do?

The location access control in Android 10 is an extension of the privacy controls in Android 10.

Previously in Android Pie (Android 9), app location access can only be changed from the application setting. Users have to change the location access permission of each application one by one.

In Android 10, the Location Access control allows users to check, assign, and revoke location access for all apps in one centralised location.

This makes it easier for users to customise which apps can have access to the phone location.

Additionally, with the Android 10 location access control, it ensures external apps cannot easily view information about the phone’s location, and therefore enhances the privacy of the users.

How to enter the location access control page?

Firstly, you need to access Settings, as shown below, by tapping on the Settings icon in the Apps screen (App drawer), or Home screen.

Alternatively, you can access settings through the quick settings panel.

There are 2 ways to go to the location access settings page from the Settings page:

From the Location settings page
Through the Permission Manager

Method 1: Location settings page

In Settings, scroll down and tap on Location, as seen below, to access the location settings page.

In the Location settings page, tap on App permissions, as shown below.

This will bring you to the location permissions page.

As shown above, in the location access control page, you can manage the location access (read on).

Method 2: through Permission manager

In Settings, tap on Apps & notification.

In the Apps & notification settings page, tap on Advanced to expand the list, as shown below.

As shown above, tap on the Permission Manager to access permission managers of Android 10.

In Permission Manager page, tap on Location, as shown below.

This will bring you to the same location access control page.

How to use location access control?

The location access age allows users to see which apps can view the phone’s location as well as apps that may require permission to use the phone location.… Read the rest

How to use the Android 10 Emergency button?

Manage your emergency info and make emergency calls on Android 10

by editorl 3 Comments

The Android 10 Emergency button may be one of the most popular new features that have made a comeback in Android 10.

This Galaxy Android 10 guide explains what the emergency button is, how to access the button and emergency information, how to use the emergency button and manage the emergency info. It also answers some questions you may have on this feature.

What is the Android 10 Emergency button?

The Emergency button is a shortcut for users to access the Emergency call page which allows users to do the following:

Dial Emergency numbers.
Access Emergency Information where you can view and input necessary medical information and emergency contacts.

The button can be accessed without unlocking the phone.

How to access the Android 10 Emergency button?

You can hold down the power button for about 2 seconds until the power menu appears.

In the power menu, as shown below, the Emergency button would be located right under the screenshot button (which was added in Android Pie).

How to use the Android 10 Emergency button?

Accessing the Emergency call page

Tap on the Emergency button to access the Emergency call page, as shown below.

The Emergency call page allows users to dial Emergency numbers and access the Emergency Information panel.

The Emergency call page can also be accessed at the lock screen by tapping on the Emergency button, as shown below.

Manage Emergency Information

The Emergency Information panel allows users to access and edit medical information and emergency contacts.

The Emergency Information can be viewed without unlocking the phone and be useful in some critical moments.

For example, medical personnel can identify the owner of the phone as well as their medical conditions without unlocking the phone. Hence making it easier for medical personnel to take necessary medical actions during an emergency.

In the Emergency call page, tap on Emergency Information twice to access the Emergency Information panel as shown below.

By tapping on the pen icon next to Medical Information, users can edit their personal medical information.

Medical personnel can view this information during an emergency without unlocking the phone and can take necessary medical actions.

Tapping on the Pen icon next to Emergency contacts will allow users to add emergency contacts.

The Emergency contacts can be contacted during an emergency without having to unlock the phone.

Can I move the position of the Emergency button?

Unfortunately, no.… Read the rest

How to use Android 10 dark mode (dark theme)?

You can use the system-wide dark theme on Android 10 to save battery and protect your eyes

by editorl Leave a Comment

Android 10 dark mode can be regarded as one of the best Android 10 new features.

The dark mode is not an unfamiliar feature for Android phones. It was introduced previously in Android Pie (Android 9).

This Android 10 guide explains the new features of the dark mode, shows you how to enable and use the dark theme in three different ways, and answers some questions you may have on this feature.

What is new in Android 10 dark mode?

Similar to the dark theme in Android Pie (Android 9), dark mode in Android 10 brings about the following benefits:

Improves visibility for users with low vision or are sensitive to bright lights.
Less eyestrain when using phones in low light environments.
Longer battery life as there is decreased power usage.

However, in Android Pie (Android 9), the dark mode was not applied system-wide.

For example, in Android Pie (Android 9), the Settings menu remains white even if dark mode is enabled.

Now in Android 10, it can be applied to both the Android system UI as well as supported applications. This means that once dark mode is enabled, the entire Android system UI, as well as supported applications, will automatically switch to the dark theme according to the application’s settings.

How to enable and use Android 10 dark mode?

There are 3 ways to enable dark mode in Android 10:

Method 1: through Settings

The first method to enable dark mode in Android 10 phones is through the Settings menu.

Step 1: Open Settings

To access Settings, as shown below, tap on the Settings icon in the Apps screen (App drawer), or Home screen, or through the quick settings panel.

Step 2: Access Display settings

In Settings, scroll and tap on Display, as shown below.

Step 3: Enable the dark mode

In the Display Settings page, you can find the option for the dark theme.

Tapping on it will turn on dark mode for the phone as well as all supported applications.

If the phone is already in the dark mode, tapping it will turn off dark mode.

Method 2: Use Quick settings panel

Another way to enable dark mode in Android 10 is through the quick settings panel.

To access the quick menu panel, pull down the status bar twice.

Once in the quick settings panel, tap on the icon named dark theme to turn dark mode on, as shown below.… Read the rest

Top 10 new features of Android 10

by simon Leave a Comment

Android 10 is the first Android release without a desert name. But this does not prevent Google from adding many new features of Android 10.

This Android 10 guide explains the top 10 new features you can enjoy on your Android phones with Android 10 update. These new features include the dark mode, Live Caption, new navigation gestures, all sensors off, critical update from Google directly, focus mode, emergency button, privacy control, location access controls, and WiFi sharing.

Dark mode: the best Android 10 new feature

The dark mode is not new.

In Android Pie (Android 9), Google added the dark mode (dark theme). But it is only system-wide.

For example, the Settings page in Android Pie is still always white even you enable the dark mode on the phone.

As a new feature of Android 10, Dark mode is now system-wide, and Google leaves no stone unturned.

All system pages, including the Settings page, will use the dark theme once you enable the dark mode on Android 10.

You can enable/disable dark mode from Settings — Display — Display– Dark theme on Android 10.

By default, Google also added a quick setting button for the dark mode as shown below.

Please check this guide on how to use the new dark mode (dark theme) on Android 10.

Live Caption

The Live Caption can automagically caption any videos, podcasts, and audio messages with one tap.

Internet connection is not needed. Everything will be done locally on the phone.

So, many users think the Live Caption is one of the most practical new features in Android 10.

But this feature is not available in Android 10 now. Google said it would be released later, very likely with the release of Pixel 4.

Pixel phones will first get this feature through a firmware update. Other Android phones will get this feature early next year through Google’s udpate.

New Navigation Gestures on Android 10

Android 10 now allows you to eliminate the navigation buttons.

In Android Pie, you still have the Home and Back buttons when using the navigation gestures as explained in detail in this guide.

In Android 10, Home, Back, and Recents (Overview) buttons are all gone if you choose to use the new navigation gestures.

Probably navigation gesture is one of the most controversial new features of Android 10.

Anyway, if you choose to use “full” navigation gestures on Android 10, you need to know these Android 10 navigation gestures (you may check this table and this table for the complete list of Android 10 navigation gestures):

Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to Home screen.

… Read the rest

How to use Android Pie dark mode (dark theme)?

by simon Leave a Comment

Android Pie dark mode (dark theme) helps you alleviate eyestrain and save battery.

As a new feature of Android Pie, the dark theme may be affected by the night mode settings in the developer options. But this very likely will be resolved in Android Q.

This Android Pie guide shows you how to enable and use the dark theme on Android Pie phones, how to enable dark theme (dark mode) for individual apps, and explains the relationship between dark theme (device theme) and the night mode in Android Pie developer options.

Why Android Pie dark mode (dark theme) matters?

The default white (light) theme in stock Android looks cool during presentations.

But the white theme can be troublesome for you when you want to check messages in the darkness.

The dark mode (dark theme) is one of the most requested Android features. And Google partially delivered it in Android Pie.

You can expect at least the following 2 benefits from the dark mode:

Less eyestrain. Most (not all) users will feel more comfortable when using the dark mode.
Longer battery life. For OLED screens (as in all Pixel phones), the battery saving can be substantial because “black” pixels in the OLED panel use extremely low power and the “white” pixels drinks the most battery juice. Even for an LCD screen, the reduced brightness in the dark mode saves battery noticeably in most scenarios.

Of course, some Android users may prefer the cleanness of the default white theme.

How to enable and use Android Pie dark mode (dark theme)?

You may follow these steps to enable Android Pie dark mode on your phone.

Step 1: Open Settings

You can open phone settings by tapping the Settings icon on the home screen (or the apps screen).

You can also tap the edit icon in quick settings to access phone settings.

Step 2: Navigate to Display Settings

As shown in the screenshot below, in the Settings page, tap Display.

In the Display page, as shown above, tap Advanced.

Step 3: Change the device theme to dark

In the expanded Display settings page, tap Device theme to change the device theme.

In the popout, as shown above, you can choose the device theme as:

Automatic (based on wallpaper).
Light.
Dark.

The default in most Android phones is Automatic. The phone will try to figure out whether it uses the light or dark theme based on the wallpaper used.… Read the rest

How to use overview selection in Android Pie?

by simon Leave a Comment

You can use overview selection in Android to quickly select text and images and share and use them without leaving the overview screen.

This Android Pie guide explains what overview selection in Android Pie is and steps of using this feature.

Please note, overview selection currently is only implemented in the Pixel launcher and works only on Pixel phones (all 3 generations).

What is overview selection in Android Pie?

Overview selection in Android Pie allows you to select text or images from the overview screen directly. You can then paste or share the selected text or images.

Some actions, for example, calling or messaging may also be provided in the overview screen.

For images, Google Lens can be fired to check the image details, in addition to sharing the picture.

The most interesting feature is that the overview selection is not constrained by apps.

For example, you cannot copy some texts like the navigation menu inside the app. Some apps may do not allow you to copy their contents in the browser of the app. But now, in the overview screen, you can copy ALL text as long as they appear on the overview screen.

Of course, as a security feature, some banking apps do not show any contents in the overview screen. In this case, you cannot copy.

The bottom line is that you can copy and share whatever you can see in the overview screen of the app.

In a nutshell, overview selection in Android Pie is an application of smart selection in the overview screen.

Steps of using overview selection in Android Pie

You may follow these steps to use overview selection in Android Pie.

Step 1: Enable overview selection

By default, overview selection is enabled in Android Pie on all Pixel phones.

In case you disabled it, you need to enable this feature before proceed.

As shown in the screenshot below, you can tap and hold (aka long tap) any blank area on the home screen, then tap Home settings.

In the Home screen settings, tap Suggestions as shown above.

Now, you can enable Overview selection as shown below.

Of course, you can also disable it if you want.

Please note. the switch on the right side (and in blue) means the feature is enabled.

Step 2: Navigate to the overview screen

You can tap the Recents button to navigate to the Recents screen as shown above.… Read the rest

How to use the screenshot shortcut to take a screenshot on Android Pie?

by simon Leave a Comment

Android Pie (Android 9) added a new screenshot shortcut so that it is very easy to take screenshots in smartphones with Android Pie.

This Android Pie guide explains where to find the screenshot shortcut in Android Pie and how to use it to take a screenshot in Android Pie.

Why you may need the screenshot shortcut?

In all Android phones, the default method of taking a screenshot is pressing and holding the power button and volume down button simultaneously.

Using this button combination to take screenshots works on all Android phones and tablets. regardless of the version of Android. Even on Amazon Fire tablets, you can take a screenshot with the power button and volume down button although Amazon tried very hard to de-Google in the Fire OS (which is based on Android).

The method is simple and easy if you “master” it.

The tricky part is that you need to press and hold the two buttons “simultaneously“. It means

If you hold the power button too early, you get the power menu (power button options).
If you hold the volume down button too early, you get the volume settings.

For many users who take screenshots only occasionally, it is hard to control the timing.

So, a shortcut for taking screenshots is one of the most popular features in some Android phones.

Now, Google finally introduced the screenshot shortcut to take a screenshot on Android Pie.

Both new users and experienced users will find it very useful. Even your grandma can easily take a screenshot with the screenshot shortcut.

Where is the screenshot shortcut in Android Pie?

After hearing about this new Android Pie feature, Some Android Pie users tried to find the screenshot shortcut in the quick settings.

Of course, they cannot find it.

The screenshot shortcut is in power menu (aka power button options).

You can hold the power button for about 2 seconds to get the power menu /power button options as shown below.

By default, the shortcut to screenshot is enabled in the power button options. Stock Android does not offer a standard method to hide/unhide it.

However, some Android manufactures may customize this feature and let you enable or disable the button.

How to use the screenshot shortcut to take a screenshot on Android Pie?

To take a screenshot, you just need to call out the power button options, then tap Screenshot as shown above to take a screenshot for the screen (without the power button options).… Read the rest

Conversations in one place: the most useful new features of Android 11

Notification history

Bubbles

How to share Wi-Fi using a QR code in Android 10?

Through Settings

Step 1: Open Settings

Step 2: Access Network and internet page

Step 3: Turn on Wi-Fi

Step 4: Access the network details

Step 5: Generate a QR code

Through Quick Settings panel

What’s new in Android 10 navigation gestures?

How to enable navigation gesture in Android 10?

Step 1: Open Settings

Step 2: Access System settings

Step 3: Access Gestures settings

Step 4: Access System navigation page

Step 5: Enable Gesture navigation

How to use Navigation Gestures in Android 10?

1. Returning to Home Screen (Home Screen) — Swipe upwards

What does location access control in Android 10 do?

How to enter the location access control page?

Method 1: Location settings page

Method 2: through Permission manager

How to use location access control?

What is the Android 10 Emergency button?

How to access the Android 10 Emergency button?

How to use the Android 10 Emergency button?

Accessing the Emergency call page

Manage Emergency Information

Can I move the position of the Emergency button?

What is new in Android 10 dark mode?

How to enable and use Android 10 dark mode?

Method 1: through Settings

Step 1: Open Settings

Step 2: Access Display settings

Step 3: Enable the dark mode

Method 2: Use Quick settings panel

Dark mode: the best Android 10 new feature

Live Caption

New Navigation Gestures on Android 10

Why Android Pie dark mode (dark theme) matters?

How to enable and use Android Pie dark mode (dark theme)?

Step 1: Open Settings

Step 2: Navigate to Display Settings

Step 3: Change the device theme to dark

What is overview selection in Android Pie?

Steps of using overview selection in Android Pie

Step 1: Enable overview selection

Step 2: Navigate to the overview screen

Why you may need the screenshot shortcut?

Where is the screenshot shortcut in Android Pie?

How to use the screenshot shortcut to take a screenshot on Android Pie?

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