Google rolls out Android 7.0 Nougat for Nexus devices

New multi-window mode will allow users to employ two apps simultaneously on same screen

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Google on Tuesday announced the launch of Android 7.0 Nougat for Nexus devices.

The company said over the next several weeks, the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G (Android One) will get an over-the-air software update to Android 7.0 Nougat.

Any devices enrolled in the Android Beta Programme will also receive this final version.

This means the update will miss the Nexus 5 and 7 tablets. The official Google blog also said, “There are many tasty devices coming from our partners running Android Nougat, including the upcoming LG V20, which will be the first new smartphone that ships with Android Nougat, right out of the box.”  

According to news reports, the upgrade will be rolled out for devices such as HTC10, HTC One 9A, HTC One M9 and Sony Xperia Z3.

The latest OS comes with features that allow users to personalise their smartphones. For instance, users have access to around 1,500 emoticons built into Android. Of these, 72 are new. Quick settings controls give you access to bluetooth, WiFi and the flashlight. With this, users can control what tiles go where, and move them around to fit ones needs.

Apps can tailor their content based on local settings. For instance, if someone speaks multiple languages, then search engines can show results in each of those languages.

The Nougat also brings with it new productivity features. 

The most important feature, which will grab eyeballs is the multi-window mode, will allow users to run two apps side-by-side on the screen itself, much like what Samsung has been offering on its phones the past few years. So you can open the browser window and a notepad window and copy stuff from the browser to the notepad. The windows can be re-sized by simply dragging the divider.  

The direct reply capability will allow users to respond to notifications without having to open any app, while the quick switch feature will allow users to alternate between their two most recently used apps by simply double tapping the Overview button.

The Nougat is, of course, built with powerful layers of security and encryption to keep data private and secure. For new devices coming this fall, Google has also added new features like seamless updates, file-based encryption and and direct boot.

New Android devices with Nougat will be able to install software updates in the background, which means users won't have to wait while their device installs the update and optimises all their apps for the new version. And for current Nexus users, software updates will now install much faster, so users won't have to wait for minutes while their device reboots.

The new OS can better isolate and protect files for individual users on a device. Further, direct boot will help the device startup faster, and ensure that apps run securely even before the user unlocks his or her device when the device reboots.

The Nougat is also designed with immersive experiences in mind, including support for VulkanTM (an advanced 3D rendering application programming interface) and Daydream (Google’s platform for mobile virtual reality).

Speaking on the matter, Sameer Samat, vice-president of product management, Android & Google Play, said: "Android 7.0 Nougat is by far the sweetest release yet. Google has taken a different approach to build and launch Nougat, which was announced earlier this year. For starters, we invited developers to take a sneak peek at Android N back in March, so they could bring their apps to the new platform earlier. Android Nougat reflects input from thousands of fans and developers all over the world. There are over 250 major features in Android Nougat.”

Nougat also addresses work related issues. Whether you're responding to work emails or making plans with friends, Android 7.0 Nougat helps you multitask with ease with new features like Multi-window, Direct reply, and Quick switch, said the statement

Security has been given priority. Nougat is built with layers of security and encryption to keep data private and secure. For new devices coming this fall, Google has also added new features like Seamless updates, File-based encryption and and Direct Boot, said google blog.

Starting with the release of Android Marshmallow last year, Google has been making the battery smarter. With Android 7.0 Nougat the Doze feature has been made even more dozier. Android devices can now drop into lower power usage when it's getting jostled around in your pocket or bag while on the move.

Android 7.0 Nougat includes support for Vulkan (an advanced 3D rendering API) and Daydream (Google's platform for mobile virtual reality).