Google drops huge Android 11 update that boosts 5G, Dark Mode and lets you screen-record

GOOGLE has shocked Android fans with an early preview of a major update for their mobile phones.

There are loads of new features to get excited about, and we've rounded up all the details you need to know.

What is Android 11? News and rumours

Each year, Google rolls out a brand new version of its Android operating system.

Google has surprised the world with a particularly early preview of Android 11 for 2020.

Most of the best features won't be revealed until later in the year.

And the full version of Android 11 probably won't arrive on your phone until very late in 2020 – and perhaps even 2021.

Here are some of the confirmed changes live in the developer preview…

Improved 5G: Android 11 helps apps take better advantage of speedy 5G internet.

New screens: The update improves support for "waterfall" screens and displays with pinhole cutouts.

Bubbles: You can now keep a shortcut to specific chats with pals on-screen at all times, in the form of a "bubble".

One-time permissions: Android 11 makes it so you can grant a single-use permission for an app to access something, like location or photos.

Screen recording: This is exactly what you'd imagine – an easy way to record your screen without installing a third-party app.

And here are some other minor updates:

This list will grow over time, so keep checking back.

Here's what you need to know…

Just a few phone models can get the Android 11 update right now.

Here's the full list:

It's worth remembering that this list will grow over time.

Installing a developer preview is really only advised for advanced users.

Google has created a handy guide on how to do it here.

But beware: you probably shouldn't install Android 11 on your main phone just yet.

The update is still in "developer preview" phase, which means it's really only meant for people testing the software.

You'll likely find major bugs with the software, which can ruin your daily experience with the device.

And installing Android 11 will also involve wiping all of your data – not very convenient.

If you really want to try Android 11 out, it may be worth getting a cheap second-hand Pixel 2 or Pixel 3a.

In other news, Samsung phones can play Xbox and PS4 games from Friday with new Google Stadia app.

Beware these 24 "dangerous" Android apps that have been installed 384million times.

And experts have also warned over dodgy Android virus detectors that don't work.

What new features would you like to see added with Android 11? Let us know in the comments!