When Android 11 arrived last year, it contained many new features to try. Samsung has managed to update pretty well this time around with updating the devices, with the S20 and Note20 series having received Android 11 by the end of 2020, and many other phones have scheduled it ahead of time. While Samsung has added many of its own features, the improvements from Google are still shining, and here are the ones you really owe yourself.
Google Home Controls
One of my favorite features in Android 11 is the Google Home panel built into the Power menu, which provides quick access to smart device control. I use it all the time with my lighting and Chromecast. And it’s not limited to the Home app – any developer can use this system.
Since Samsung redesigned the infamous on / off button for Bixby, the implementation of these controls for One UI has changed. Swipe down on the notification screen, tap on devices and then tap on SmartThings – a drop-down box will appear with any applicable application including Google Home. Except for changing location, everything works the same as on a Pixel.
It should be noted that it only debuts with One UI 3.1, which first arrived with the Galaxy S21. Fortunately, older Galaxy devices have already started receiving this update.
Notification bubbles
Notification bubbles are eventually teased in Android 10, though Android’s pop-up view is smooth that it works with any app, but Bubbles is faster and more convenient for quick access to important notifications. Unfortunately, some programs still do not support this.
Temporary permits
Stricter control over our data has been a growing priority for Google lately, and with Android 11 extending to app permissions. Instead of a black-and-white allow-or-deny approach, we can now grant one-time access to locations and other permissions. If there is an app that you want to temporarily access but do not want to stay in the background, this is a welcome tool.
Notification History
Left: Notification settings, Middle: Advanced settings, Right: Notification history
All too often, I accidentally deleted a notification before I had a chance to read its contents. Android 11 adds a history button to the drop-down list that shows all recent notifications, even if it has been rejected. Although included in One UI, Samsung has made it harder to achieve than it should have been.
Drag the notification screen down, press “notification settings”, “advanced settings” and then “notification history.” Here you will find everything from the last 24 hours. It’s annoying that it’s so hidden, but it’s still handy if you miss something you wanted to see.
Media management
Media controls have seen some design tweaks over the past few years, but the new version in Android 11 is the most important. Instead of being a notification, it’s now part of the quick settings. The downside to this is losing a row of switches, but it looks better and offers some useful new features. If more than one app is playing media, the controls are paginated and can be swiped, rather than taking up unnecessary space rather than separate notifications.
Android 11 has made many improvements to the user experience, and these are just a few of the new features you can explore. Samsung’s own features make the experience even better, so feel free to play along with it.