In this article we’ll take a look at what new features are presented in the newest Android update, Nougat, or just N for short.

What’s new

To start with, did you know that Android version 3.0 was the only one version to never run on phones but was in fact only designed for tablet devices? This was the case in 2010 when the world was freaking out for 10 inch tablet devices (the same year Apple launched its iPad). It had a completely redesigned user interface designed especially for the 10” tablets and was launched on the Motorola XOOM.

But enough history. It’s 2017 now so let’s take a look at what’s new and more important, what’s DIFFERENT! To start, a quick quote:

Android 7.0 is very much known to anyone who has seen the Android N preview in final stages.

Currently, the 7.1 Nougat Android release is available only for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player and the Pixel C tablet.

Android speaks your language

Android now supports a completely new keyboard with support for over 1800 emojis and many new many new languages as well.

What’s different is that now you can set a primary as well as a secondary language and it is easy to switch between them. Have a look at some of the new beautiful emojis Android N offers:

Be at two places at once

Switch between apps with a double tap, and run two apps side by side. With this Android update, Google has finally released multi-window support. It is about allowing two apps to run on the screen simultaneously. This works on both smartphones and tablets and works across all apps. So you can watch a tutorial while taking notes on your device. Or dare I dream, listen to music on YouTube while using another app. Isn’t that awesome?

You also have complete control over how much information is displayed on-screen with the simple DPI changer present in the display settings.

Some Android device manufacturers like Samsung and LG have supported multiple apps in the same window for a long time now. However, with Nougat, Google is finally making it a native OS feature.

Updates gone easy, Native File manager

With this update, when you receive an update, you won't have to do anything, like, literally. When you're doing your things you normally do, all the hard work is done in the background, without disturbing you. The only thing you need to do is to reboot your device to complete the task!

Android N has also added a native file manager (finally) with many upgrades from Marshmallow as it was quite basic and does not let you do much other than exploring folders and copying files on Marshmallow. With Nougat’s release, the native file manager is getting many new features.

Battery and Memory

Android N includes system behavior changes aimed at improving the battery life of all devices, including tablet devices and reducing RAM usage. Doze mode, introduced in this version, improves a lot of the battery life by slowing down CPU and network activities when a user leaves a device unplugged, stationary, and with the screen turned off.

When a device is using battery power (is unplugged), and the screen has been off for a certain time period, the device enters Doze mode. Here, Android first shuts off all application network access and background syncs. If the device remains stationary, it disables Wifi scans and GPS. This feature has made a noticeable change in the battery life of a device.

File-based encryption

By encrypting all files, Android can better isolate and protect files for individual users on their device. This is done by default for all apps and Android takes care of the encryption and decryption process. Easy, isn’t it?

Android at Workplace

If you use a personal Android phone in the office through a managed user system, changes are on the way to make life easier.

For the average user everything will look and act the same as always. But better tools for management means the IT department might not be so busy (or so angry) and everyone's information will be safer and better protected.

The things we could see, like not being able to use an app we love on company time or being forced to a certain network, depend on what your company needs and how they have things set up.

Android TV updates

Great DVR functionality is coming on Android TV with 7.1 update release. Besides normal controls like Play or Rewind or Forward, you'll be able to save multiple sessions on these devices which means you can schedule recordings or record as you watch your favorite movie.

This should be a great feature for televisions that come with Android TV operating systems setup and running.

Minor but GOOD !!!

Apart from all above updates, there have been some very minor but excellent updates in this Android:

• When a notification comes up, just press and hold to toggle the settings. For example, you can silence future alerts from an app in the notification itself and won’t have to in the settings menu directly.
• Limit how much data your device and the apps uses with Data Saver mode turned ON. When it is turned on, apps in the background won't be able to access mobile data and so, you will save a lot of mobile data and can wait for the FREE Wifi !
• Not only can you change the size of the text on your device for all apps, but the size of the icons as well. This greatly improves the user experience.

For devs: Vulkan, Java 8 and OpenJDK

Nougat officially adds support for the Vulkan API, which promises faster, smoother and better rendered gaming graphics. Though it is only available on Daydream-ready phones,it’s still a huge performance boom.

Can’t wait for Android 7.1 for your Nexus?

You really don't have to wait for the latest Android 7.1 Nougat release to arrive as a notification for your Nexus phone. If you're using enterprise, you can download the factory image and install it over your current Marshmallow install.

Conclusion

In this article, we covered the latest features in Android N. All in all they’re pretty cool and this stands to be a great version. So give the a try and look out for an update!

Here is the official site for Android Nougat.

Also, check out my last Android post on Android Content Providers or,

Visit DiscoverSDK.com to compare the best tools for android development.