Google is finally ready to launch the Android 11 public beta. Those who have a Pixel 2 or newer can install the preview by enrolling in the company’s beta program. Bear in mind, though, that beta software can be unstable and buggy. Unless you’re really itching to test out these new features, you might want to wait before getting this.
The Android 11 public beta was meant to roll out on June 3rd with a virtual launch event in lieu of Google’s annual I/O developer conference. The company postponed last week’s show in response to the protests happening across the country, saying “now is not the time to celebrate.” Today, instead of a virtual launch as scheduled, Google is also taking a more somber approach, with appropriately less fanfare than initially planned. Instead of a livestream, there will just be a few videos and online resources made available for the launch.
Android 10’s abandoned Bubbles feature is back in Android 11, for example, and it looks fun to use. It’s a lot like Facebook Messenger’s Chat heads feature, with small avatars floating on your screen that gives you quick access to your conversations no matter which app you’re in.
There are also new privacy features with better control over which apps have access to your personal information, and you can view a cool new quick control screen by long-pressing your phone’s power button.
Android 11 beta works on Pixel phones that includes the following phones:
Pixel 2
Pixel 2 XL
Pixel 3
Pixel 3 XL
Pixel 3A
Pixel 3A XL
Pixel 4
Pixel 4 XL
Google’s Android 11 blog post says that the beta will launch on more devices in the coming weeks, but there’s no word on which phone-makers will take part. We’ll keep updating this post as we learn more.
If you have a compatible phone, then visit the Android Beta Program website and sign into the same Google account you use on your phone. Read through the page, and pay attention to the warnings and caveats that Google lays out.
At the bottom of the page will be a list of any phones you have that are eligible to participate in the Android 11 beta program. Click on the Opt-In button below the phone you want to test on, and then accept the terms and conditions and click Join Beta.
Next, pick up your phone and go to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update and, finally, Check for update.
