Google releases the Second Android 11 Developer Preview (DP2) with several improvements and features. Among them, the most notable change is in how face unlocks works. Face unlocking now “Require eyes to be open” toggle. This improves security, and the phone will remain locked if the user does not open his eyes. The preview also adds features like 5G state API, hinge angle detection for foldable phones, the variable refresh rate for apps and games, resume on reboot etc.
Back when Goole unveiled Pixel 4, it did not require the user to keep the eyes open to unlock the phone. This was a concern for the buyers. So Google added this security check to the Pixel 4 last month but it did not work well. This requirement has been baked deep into the system now, thanks to the new Android 11 Developer Preview, as reported by Xda developers. The new face unlocks works with and without glasses, and in various lighting conditions reveals tests done by Android Police.
Some of the new features present in the Android 11 DP2 as listed by Google are:
5G state API: Allows users to check if they are on a 5G New Radio or Non-Standalone network. Developers can use this feature to highlight in-app 5G user experience.
Hinge angle for foldable: DP2 adds a hinge angle sensor which allows apps to get the hinge angle, using which the developers can “create an adaptive experience for foldable”.
Call screening service improvements: The automatic call screening by Google Assistant was introduced in Pixel 4. This feature lets the user know who is calling and the purpose before answering with the help of AI. Now the call screening apps can report the reason for rejecting the call. It allows the user to mark the call as spam or add the caller to contacts list.
Variable refresh rate: Allows the apps to set a preferred frame rate and helps solve the fragmentation seen in refresh rates of devices released.
Resume on Reboot: After restarting the device for updating the OS, the user can resume his activity right where he left off, without having even to unlock the phone.
As the name suggests, this preview is for developers to test and report back. So if you are flashing this build on your pixels don’t expect it to be smooth as it might come with few bugs. Have you got a Pixel device? Do let us know your experience if you are testing out the latest preview.
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