Android 11 features that are exclusive to Google Pixel phones

Google rolled out its latest Android 11 update last week. The new Android OS is available for Pixel smartphones, and it’s rolling out to more phones soon. As customary, Google has made some Android 11 features exclusively for its Pixel phones.

Android 11 can be downloaded and installed on these Pixel phones - Pixel 2 series, Pixel 3 series, Pixel 3A series, Pixel 4 series and Pixel 4a. The update hasn’t reached Pixel users in India yet but Google has confirmed it will be available next week. Android 11 comes with new features, UI changes and privacy settings which you can read about here. As for the Pixel-exclusive Android 11 features, here’s the list.

Live View

Android 11 brings live view in Google Maps for Pixel phones. This feature can be used with location sharing in Google Maps. Once location sharing is turned on, tap on your friend’s icon and then select live view. You will then see where exactly your friend is and how far they are from you.

Smart Reply

Google Pixel’s keyboard gets the smart reply feature along with the Android 11 update. Smart reply basically offers helpful suggestions while using chatting apps. Smart reply is currently available in English and it can be used with the Gboard app.

App suggestions

Your Google Pixel will start suggesting apps now based on your daily routines. The app suggestions will depend on what time you use that particular app. So if you’re using apps like messages frequently, your phone will suggest this app for your daily check-ins. Similarly, it will suggest media apps, productivity apps and more.

New overview actions

It will be easier to select text and images on your Pixel with Android 11. New overview actions will offer more options to copy, paste, save and share content that you want on your phone.

Customisation

On Android 11, your Pixel phone will suggest folder names for apps that can be grouped on the home screen. This will help in categorising apps and putting them in folders depending on their theme such as photography, news, fitness, media and more.