Google has released a third Android 11 developer preview for Pixel phones. Android 11 DP3 is another “incremental update” as Google finalizes features and APIs before shifting to performance and polish. Developers are advised to release a compatible app update by the first beta in May to collect feedback from consumers.
Google is making official wireless debugging in this release to do away with cables. There is currently a pairing code workflow to get the capability up-and-running, but a more integrated QR code scanning process is coming in a future version of Android Studio.
The preview’s headline enhancement is an update to Android 11’s app exit reasons API. This API helps developers find out why their apps have closed, whether that be because of a system crash or something the user has done. Google is also adding support for GWP-ASan, a tool to help developers find and fix memory safety issues.
Of all the enhancements Google is introducing today, there’s one called ADB Incremental that could have a substantial effect on the Android ecosystem. According to the company’s Dave Burke, the tool makes installing large app packages from a computer to an Android device as much as 10 times faster. In effect, this will streamline developing games for Android. Burke notes ADB Incremental is one of several tools Google plans to add to Android to make developing games for the operating system easier. The catch is that most current devices won’t support ADB Incremental; the feature requires a file system change at the device level. However, Burke says all new devices that launch with Android 11 will support ADB Incremental out of the box.
Android 11 Developer Preview system images are available for the Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3a, Pixel 3a XL, Pixel 4, and Pixel 4 XL, as well as in the Android Emulator. If you already have DP2 or DP 2.1 installed an OTA will be rolling out, with the Android Flash Tool also an option.
DP3 (RPP3.200320.017) is officially “for developers only? and not intended for daily or consumer use.” It’s available via manual download and flashing, with the Android Beta coming later. If you need help, here’s our full guide on installing Android 11.
