The Android 11 beta can now be downloaded on OnePlus smartphones. This is the very latest version of the Android mobile operating system, and one that's currently still in development. However, it can be previewed and used by select smartphone users through the Android beta developer preview program.
The Android preview program allows developers the chance to build and tweak apps for the platform, as well as giving feedback in terms of errors, and recommendations on things that could be improved. Android 11 features behavioral changes, new privacy features, as well as new general features and APIs. Android 10 was released in 2019 and came with more refined notification controls, privacy tools, better gesture navigation and dark mode. Android 11 is set for release in the third quarter of 2020, with additional beta updates becoming available in the meantime.
OnePlus has been praised for making phones that are as good as any other premium brand, but at a lower cost. The OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro are the latest models to come from the company, and both are now eligible for a glimpse at what Android has in store through the Android 11 beta. The software is easily available to download, but it does come with a warning on some of the things that could go wrong, including the possibility of bricking your phone. So far, some of the issues that have been identified with the Android 11 beta on the OnePlus 8 series include, clearing of all data while flashing the build, face lock, and Google Assistant not working properly, to mention a few. To upgrade a OnePlus 8 or 8 Pro smartphone, visit the OnePlus website, and to report any issues, use the bug reporting forum.
Installing Android 11 On OnePlus 8 & 8 Pro
Before getting started with the installation, OnePlus recommends users ensure the smartphone's battery level is above 30 percent and there is a minimum of 3GB storage space available. In addition, the OnePlus 8 carrier models from T-Mobile and Verizon aren't compatible with the developer preview builds. To start, download the Android 11 beta package from the website and copy the update package to the phone's storage. Then, open up the settings and head to System, followed by System Updates, and tap on the top-right icon to select the local upgrade option. From here, choose the correct installation package, select upgrade and wait for the process to come to an end. Once the update has been applied, restart the phone, if it hasn't restarted automatically.
The preview is only available on the OnePlus 8 series of smartphones. Considering this is an early version of Android 11, the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro Android 11 beta is best suited to those developing for Android, or advanced users. For example, there are known risks with installing an early version of an operating system, and users will need to weigh up those risks before installing. In case any major issues do arise, OnePlus has also provided detailed instructions on how to roll the smartphone back to a previous version of Android.
Source: OnePlus