Google has unveiled Android 11, its next major operating system update for Android smartphones, which arrived in beta mode beginning Wednesday.
The update doesn't seem dramatically different from the version of Android that exists today, but it will bring a few handy shortcuts aimed at making it easier to manage notifications and connected devices.
The beta version of Android 11 is available for Google's Pixel phones, starting with the Pixel 2 and higher, and will be coming to other Android phones in the coming weeks. Those interested in signing up for the Android 11 beta can do so through Google's website.
It's important to remember, however, that beta software releases are unfinished and aren't meant to be widely used by everyday smartphone owners. They're intended for use by developers so that they can make necessary updates to their apps before the full version of the software launches. That means beta versions of new software can feel buggy and unreliable, so it may not be wise to install it on your phone just yet.
Still, the release provides an early look at the new features Android device owners can expect to see when the final version arrives. Google has not yet said when the final version of Android 11 will be launching for Pixel devices, and the timing will vary depending on the type of Android phone you own.
Google typically unveils its new version of Android during its annual Google I/O developers conference, but the event was canceled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The search giant was going to hold a virtual announcement on June 3, but canceled that online event as well.
Here's a look at some of the biggest updates coming with Android 11.