Android 7.0 Nougat Top 10 Features and Notable Improvements
Today - July 1, 2016, Google Inc. officially unveiled the latest version of its widely popular mobile operating system, which brings several exciting new features to the world's leading smartphone and tablet platform.
Just a few hours ago at their campus in Mountain View, California - the company unwrapped the Android statue that more than hints at the exact name of this much-awaited software iteration.
Following months of rumors and speculations on which 'sweet treat' would supersede Marshmallow in Google's Android nomenclature, the team - without giving any clear reason why - finally announced that they have decided to name this fresh version 'Android 7.0 Nougat'.
For those who are not yet familiar with it, a nougat is an 'originally-European but now globally popular' candy made with sugar or honey, roasted nuts, whipped egg whites, and chopped candied fruit.
New Android 7.0 Nougat Features
Here are my list of the top ten improvements and enhancements that Google implemented on this upgraded version of Android.
1. Project Svelte - Simply put, Android 7.0 Nougat is crafted in such a way that it can more efficiently allocate memory compared to earlier versions of the operating system. This results in smoother overall performance and allows the platform to run on a broader range of devices, even entry-level ones.
2. Screen-Off Doze - The Doze feature debuted on Android 6.0 Marshmallow last year and Google is bringing it to a higher level on this update. Doze greatly helps in extending the uptime or battery life of a mobile device by preventing it from consuming power when it is in the user's pocket or while its screen is off.
3. Multi-Window - We've long seen this feature on high-end Samsung Galaxy handsets and it's now going to be a default Android feature. Multi-Window, as its very name suggests, allows the user to run two applications at the same time or side-by-side on the display.
4. Large Recent App Tiles - On Nougat, you will see more of each running app when you click the Recent App button -- because they are now larger, similar to the tiles on the latest version of iOS.
5. Redesigned Quick Settings Bar - Unlike in Lollipop or Marshmallow where you have to pull the notification tray all the way down to access connectivity toggles, you can now swipe from the top bar down to see a single row of buttons for turning on WiFi, Mobile Data, 'Do Not Disturb' Mode, and Flashlight.
6. Always-On VPN - Clearly driven by Google's desire to make Android more secure, Nougat supports always-on VPN allowing the user to be on the internet anonymously at all times.
7. Data Saver - By blocking background data usage, Android 7.0 Nougat lets you save precious mobile data. This perfect for prepaid users or those who have limited mobile data subscription.
8. User Emergency Information - Smartphones have become an essential part of our lives these days -- so much so, that we choose to carry these devices everywhere we go. Google recognized this and thought about adding what could be a life-saving feature to the latest version of Android. Right on the lock screen, Nougat has an Emergency button that leads to a page containing the user's Name, Address, Date of Birth, Blood Type, Allergies, Medications, Medical Condition, and Contacts, which can come in handy in accidental or medical emergencies, God forbid.
9. Night Mode - Via 'Color and Appearance' section in the settings of Android 7.0, the user can tweak the colors on his or her Android handset's interface when the sun sets to make the display more pleasing to the eyes.
10. Revamped Settings Page - By adding a separate Suggestions bar on top as well as subtitles for each section and a quick access hamburger button on sub-headers, Google tried to make it easier for the user to navigate Nougat's revamped Settings page.
When will Android 7.0 Nougat be released for public consumption?
Google has mentioned a possible Q3 2016 launch, which means that Android One and Nexus users may get it on their devices come September or perhaps even sooner. The company will be releasing the final developers build of Android 7.0 Nougat within this month, July 2016.
Just a few hours ago at their campus in Mountain View, California - the company unwrapped the Android statue that more than hints at the exact name of this much-awaited software iteration.
Photo Credit: Google, Android Team on Twitter
Following months of rumors and speculations on which 'sweet treat' would supersede Marshmallow in Google's Android nomenclature, the team - without giving any clear reason why - finally announced that they have decided to name this fresh version 'Android 7.0 Nougat'.
For those who are not yet familiar with it, a nougat is an 'originally-European but now globally popular' candy made with sugar or honey, roasted nuts, whipped egg whites, and chopped candied fruit.
New Android 7.0 Nougat Features
Here are my list of the top ten improvements and enhancements that Google implemented on this upgraded version of Android.
1. Project Svelte - Simply put, Android 7.0 Nougat is crafted in such a way that it can more efficiently allocate memory compared to earlier versions of the operating system. This results in smoother overall performance and allows the platform to run on a broader range of devices, even entry-level ones.
2. Screen-Off Doze - The Doze feature debuted on Android 6.0 Marshmallow last year and Google is bringing it to a higher level on this update. Doze greatly helps in extending the uptime or battery life of a mobile device by preventing it from consuming power when it is in the user's pocket or while its screen is off.
3. Multi-Window - We've long seen this feature on high-end Samsung Galaxy handsets and it's now going to be a default Android feature. Multi-Window, as its very name suggests, allows the user to run two applications at the same time or side-by-side on the display.
4. Large Recent App Tiles - On Nougat, you will see more of each running app when you click the Recent App button -- because they are now larger, similar to the tiles on the latest version of iOS.
5. Redesigned Quick Settings Bar - Unlike in Lollipop or Marshmallow where you have to pull the notification tray all the way down to access connectivity toggles, you can now swipe from the top bar down to see a single row of buttons for turning on WiFi, Mobile Data, 'Do Not Disturb' Mode, and Flashlight.
6. Always-On VPN - Clearly driven by Google's desire to make Android more secure, Nougat supports always-on VPN allowing the user to be on the internet anonymously at all times.
7. Data Saver - By blocking background data usage, Android 7.0 Nougat lets you save precious mobile data. This perfect for prepaid users or those who have limited mobile data subscription.
8. User Emergency Information - Smartphones have become an essential part of our lives these days -- so much so, that we choose to carry these devices everywhere we go. Google recognized this and thought about adding what could be a life-saving feature to the latest version of Android. Right on the lock screen, Nougat has an Emergency button that leads to a page containing the user's Name, Address, Date of Birth, Blood Type, Allergies, Medications, Medical Condition, and Contacts, which can come in handy in accidental or medical emergencies, God forbid.
9. Night Mode - Via 'Color and Appearance' section in the settings of Android 7.0, the user can tweak the colors on his or her Android handset's interface when the sun sets to make the display more pleasing to the eyes.
10. Revamped Settings Page - By adding a separate Suggestions bar on top as well as subtitles for each section and a quick access hamburger button on sub-headers, Google tried to make it easier for the user to navigate Nougat's revamped Settings page.
When will Android 7.0 Nougat be released for public consumption?
Google has mentioned a possible Q3 2016 launch, which means that Android One and Nexus users may get it on their devices come September or perhaps even sooner. The company will be releasing the final developers build of Android 7.0 Nougat within this month, July 2016.
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Android
Android 7.0 Nougat
Android 7.0 Nougat Features
Editorial
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