Android Nougat: what's new?

Based on materials from androidcentral.com

And here is the latest version Android – here it is, on the nexus closest to you! Let's see what really deserves attention in it …

Android 7.0 Nougat is an example of how Google enhances what we already have and adds important features to the OS that we are already happy with. Since Android 5.0, we've seen Google bring its design insight into the phones it sells and the apps and services you have on your device. Android itself followed the same trend, and in Marshmallow we saw this cool flat design that tied all the elements together.

Android Nougat does not make any radical changes in the way your smartphone looks or 'feels'. However, a number of new functions “under the hood” Google has nevertheless brought to our beloved OS, as well as added a much needed gloss.

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Android Nougat – easier and faster updates

When it's time for your smartphone or tablet to update, you don't have to do anything. You just use the device as usual, and at this time it does all the work in the background – very much like the updates in Chrome OS. All you need is to reboot your device at the end.

Google summarizes it like this:

'Android Nougat also adds a number of important new features to provide users with greater security. Inspired by how chromebooks are updated, we have added continuous updates so that new devices on Android running Nougat can install system updates in the background. This means that the next time the user turns on the device, it automatically and continuously switches to the updated system image. '

The change to what's called dynamic compilation means you don't have to wait for all your apps to update after a reboot — we all know the Optimize … screen, which we look at for a good half hour after an over-the-air update.

Multi-window multitasking

Sometimes, when you are doing two things at the same time on a mobile device, it is more convenient to see both processes at the same time. This is what multi-window mode is all about: more than one 'window' on your phone screen.

We've seen the same feature with the same name on Samsung (and to a lesser extent on LG), but Google makes it so any app just works without the extra effort of yours or the developer. By default, the screen is split 50/50, you can quickly place applications at the top and bottom of the smartphone screen (right and left on the tablet).

For devices with large screens, there is a free mode that allows you to resize the window.

Better notifications. Even better

In Android Nougat, you can respond to notifications right where they appear, no need to open the app and install anything. If the creators of the app support this feature, it will work.

Don't worry if you need to see more than the notification shows, or do more than send a short reply, you can still tap to open the app. And with linking multiple notifications from one app, it works better now, so it's easy for you to see everything you need.

Your phone feels faster and uses less battery power

Project Doze from Google is the codename for a set of measures to make your device use less battery while you are not working with it and while its screen is off. They appeared in Marshmallow and received a big update in Nougat. All of this worked great before, when the phone was lying still and was not connected, now it works when you have it in your pocket or bag. The principle hasn't changed much: if the phone screen is turned off for a while, it stops constantly running background processes, instead using what Google calls 'windows' to check for new messages or update your location.

Better ways to manage memory and when and how applications can run in the background (Project Svelte) means that a lot of unnecessary processes that you don't know about won't be running. Your device will allow only those processes that are required to occur, which means it will be more productive and less voracious.

Using less mobile data

Overpaying operators is evil. New tools in Android Nougat can prevent it.

When you don't have an unlimited connection, cellular or Wi-Fi, a new Data Saver setting can block accidental background data usage and restrict things like checking for new emails or tweets. This way your phone uses less data.

You can make Data Saver ignore certain applications, and while the feature is active, you will have an icon in the notifications showing what is happening.

More emoji

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In addition to the 72 new glyphs, many of the 1,500 'old' emoji have been reworked in Android 7.0. Now they look more … human, so to speak. Initially, emoji in Android were very cartoonish, forcing some manufacturers like Samsung and LG to replace them with their own.

Improved security

There is no need to remind you how important it is to keep your personal data safe. New features in Android Nougat make the system even more advanced in this field.

When you turn on your phone, a number of applications are able to partially launch before you enter a password or pin code. The phone app and sms, alarm clock and accessibility features that are required to better interact with the phone can work. And other applications and their data remain inaccessible or encrypted. When you enter the password, everything starts working normally.

This feature helps keep your data safe in case your phone is lost or stolen, and works great in conjunction with the remote access features on Android Device Manager.

In Android Nougat, you can allow a specific application to access a specific folder, for example, an image library, without giving access to all or external (on SD card) storage. The practice of allowing access to only those folders that the application needs to function is very important for security. This is how Scoped directories work.

In applications developed for Android Nougat, the geolocation API is only available from secure sources (only over HTTPS). This policy aims to protect users' personal information in places with insecure connections.

Android For Work

The changes also apply to the use of your personal Android phone at work. It looks about the same, but the tools are the best and the configuration is the easiest, which means that you do not have to strain your IT specialist, and your information will be more secure. It all depends on the conditions dictated by your company – for example, the inability to use some applications during working hours or being tied to a specific network.

Languages ​​and localization

If your phone is configured for use in a specific region — say, French-speaking Switzerland — it will now try to use similar settings unless it finds an exact match. In our example, this means that the application can display text and numeric data for standard French instead of the default language settings if there is no localization for Switzerland.

You can also use several languages ​​(or regional dialects of the same language) in order of importance: if the application is localized for many languages, you will see a list of those that match your choice, and if only for one of your languages, it will choose the most appropriate one.

Recording with Android TV and picture-in-picture

Basic DVR functionality came in Android TV with version 7.0. In addition to basic controls like Play or rewind, you can save multiple sessions. That is, set up a recording schedule or record while watching. Great feature for TVs with Android TV installed.

New accessibility features

New accessibility features in Android Nougat make phone management easier for everyone, no matter their needs. New ways of zooming in on what you see on the screen or adjusting the text size is great for those who need it, and special features like TalkBack and customizable display resolution during initial setup make it easy to get started with it. more comfortable.

Android Nougat on your Nexus – right now

No need to wait for the update to Android 7.0 Nougat to arrive on your Nexus over the air. You can download the factory image and install it over your current Marshmallow.

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