Android Nougat

Android 7.0 Nougat rollout begins

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Image: Google

23 August 2016

Red alert, Nexus owners: Google has announced it’s begun rolling out Android 7.0 – aka Android Nougat – via over-the-air updates. The first devices to get the new operating system will be the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Nexus 6 phones, as well as the Nexus 9 and Pixel C tablets.

The new OS will also arrive on the Nexus Player media streamer. Like all new Android releases, expect the Nougat roll-out to take a few weeks, with some mobile operators moving more quickly than others.

Top-line Nougat features include a new multi-window mode for app multitasking; direct reply to mesages in notifications; fast switching between apps and 72 new emoji. (Don’t lie: You come for the multitasking, but stay for the emoji).

Also included this time around are quick settings controls with fast access to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and the torch, which you can customise by moving their tiles around, making the functions you use the most just that little bit easier to get to. Nougat makes interesting use of geolocation by localising content based on where you are, including chaning languages.

Nougat also includes smarter battery management with a ‘doze’ feature that automatically matches your activity to your power output – so no more leaving your phone on full power in your pocket or bag when you’re out and about.

Blended reality enthusiasts will look appreciate support for the 3D rendering API Vulkan and Google’s VR platform Daydream, paving the way for a whole new generation of fully featred VR apps and games.

Security-wise Nougat is a step up with background updates, file-based encryption for sensitive/problematic files and a fast ‘direct boot’ option.

Apparently there are no big differences between the upcoming public release of Nougat and the last Developer Preview of Nougat that may already be loaded on your Nexus device. And, in fact, if you’re running the Developer Preview, it will automatically receive the over the air update.

IDG News Service

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