Google postpones Android 11 launch amid US protests

Android figurine

Adding to the string of cancellations as of late, Google has also postponed its Android 11 Beta Launch Show.

Earlier this week, Google tweeted: “We are excited to tell you more about Android 11, but now is not the time to celebrate. We are postponing the June 3rd event and beta release. We'll be back with more on Android 11, soon.”

While the multinational technology company didn’t explicitly state the delay was spurred by the death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests, the implications were clear.

According to 9to5Google, the online event would have featured an hour-long keynote at 8 a.m. PT, after which senior members of the Android team were to host a live Q&A session. Presentations would have included the annual “What’s new in Android,” “All things privacy in Android 11,” and “What’s new in Android Development Tools.”

On May 27, the Android Developer Twitter account bragged: “Let’s give ‘em something to talk about … We’re dropping 12 brand new talks at #Android11.”

Speakers would have included Android’s software engineer Dan Sandler, Android’s software engineering manager Jeffrey van Gogh, and the engineering director of Google Play, Milena Nikolic.

Google says it’ll reschedule the Android 11 Beta Launch Show later this summer — sometime during its third quarter.

According to recently leaked documentation, the new Android 11’s features include a power menu home control center with power options, quick controls and easy wallet access all in one place. There’ll be changes to its IoT buttons. But much remains unknown.

Google had promised more official details about Android 11 on June 3, before scrapping the event, just as they called off its Google I/O earlier due to the coronavirus outbreak.

For Google, this string of postponements is unprecedented.

Dr. Leah Zitter is a recognized Tech writer and researcher who's interviewed, investigated and serviced companies and individuals in  more than 60 countries and Space (ISS).