Android 11: Google postpones release of beta version of major new phone software update, saying 'now is not the time'

Announcement comes as protests continue across US

People pose for a picture near a Google sign and Android statue at the Googleplex in Menlo Park, California (AFP/Getty)

Google will postpone the unveiling of its Android 11 update after declaring that "now is not the time".

The announcement came as protests continued across US cities, following the death of George Floyd in policy custody.

It is one of a range of measures taken by the company to show its support for the Americans protesting against racial inequality.

It also added a message to its search page that reads: "We stand in support of racial equality, and all those who search for it". YouTube, which is owned by the same company, has committed $1 million to non-profit Center for Policing Equity in a move it said demonstrated "solidarity against racism and violence".

Google did not make explicit reference to those protests in the announcement of the delay, but noted that "now is not the time to celebrate".

The event had been planned for this week, and would have revealed new features coming to Android 11 as well as releasing that new update to developers before it comes to the public.

Google made the announcement on its Android developers Twitter account.

"We are excited to tell you more about Android 11, but now is not the time to celebrate," it tweeted. "We are postponing the June 3rd event and beta release. We'll be back with more on Android 11, soon."

The company gave no indication of whether the postponement would change the schedule of Android 11 more generally, or when the event would be rescheduled for.