Get Android Nougat Features on Older Phones with N-Ify
Android N Features for Rooted Devices
The upcoming Android N operating system is poised to introduce a wealth of new features and improvements to the Android platform.
However, users who do not own a recent Nexus device may face a considerable wait before these updates become available for their specific handsets.
Fortunately, those with rooted Android devices and the Xposed Framework already installed have a pathway to experience many of Android N’s innovations much sooner.
Accessing Android N Features via Xposed
For users meeting these criteria, obtaining access to a significant number of Android N’s functionalities is often as simple as downloading a module.
This provides a workaround for the typical delays associated with manufacturer updates and carrier approvals.
The Xposed Framework allows for system-level modifications without altering the core Android operating system, making it a safe and effective method for early adoption.
Benefits of Early Access
- Experience new features before official rollout.
- Test and provide feedback on Android N functionalities.
- Customize the Android experience with innovative tools.
By leveraging the power of rooting and the Xposed Framework, Android users can proactively enhance their devices with the latest advancements from Android N.
Exploring the Capabilities of N-ify
Related: Discovering the Top New Features in Android 7.0 "Nougat"
N-ify represents an Xposed module designed for devices running Lollipop and Marshmallow. Its primary function is to introduce select features from Android N to older smartphone models. Given the extensive changes in Android N, a complete port via an Xposed module isn't feasible. However, N-ify successfully implements a notable number of enhancements, including those unveiled at the recent Google I/O event.
Key Features Offered by N-ify
Users can anticipate the following functionalities with N-ify:
- Enhanced Recents Navigation: A double-tap of the Recents button facilitates rapid switching to the previously used application.
- Notification Bar Toggles: Convenient quick toggles are integrated directly into the notification bar, eliminating the need to expand the Quick Settings panel.
- Refined Notifications: The notification shade benefits from a more organized and efficient design.
- Extensive Customization Options: A wealth of smaller adjustments are included, allowing for a degree of personalization exceeding even the Android N Beta.
The developer is actively working on additional features for future releases, such as:
- Night Mode Implementation
- Advanced Doze Mode (capable of operation even during movement)
- Lock Screen Emergency Information
It's important to note certain functionalities remain beyond the scope of N-ify:
- Multi-Window Support
- DPI Adjustment
- Data Saver Feature
These features will become available with the official Android N release for your specific device. Nevertheless, the current version of N-ify provides a range of valuable improvements.
Installing and Configuring N-ify
To begin, your phone must be rooted and have Xposed installed. Additionally, ensure that "Unknown Sources" is enabled within your device’s security settings. Meeting these prerequisites will allow for a straightforward installation process.
Further Reading: Enhance Your Android Experience Without ROM Flashing Using the Xposed Framework
Having addressed the initial requirements, proceed to download the latest version of the N-ify apk from this location to your device. While it is also available within the Xposed "Download" section, that version may be outdated. Obtaining the apk directly from the web guarantees you are utilizing the most current release, which incorporates a future auto-update capability.
After the download completes, initiate the installation by tapping on the downloaded file. This will prompt an installation dialog to appear. Upon completion of the installation, select the "Open" button.
N-ify’s functionality is organized into distinct sections for system customization: Settings, Recents, Status bar header, and Notifications. Settings specific to individual applications can be found within the "App" section, located just below these core areas.
Navigating each menu is generally intuitive; for instance, the Recents menu contains adjustments for the Recents button. This logical organization makes exploration straightforward. Given the numerous features available within each menu, it is recommended to experiment with different options to discover their effects.
The most impactful customizations are typically found within Recents, Status bar header, and Notifications – these areas offer the most substantial Android N-inspired enhancements. Here, you can modify the number of Quick Setting tiles displayed in the Notification Shade, adjust the double-tap speed for switching between recent applications, and even change the text on the "Dismiss" button in the Notification shade to "Clear all".
As previously noted, a considerable amount of customization is available. Thoroughly explore the menus and experiment with the various settings. Notably, this module already includes tweaks not present in standard Android N, providing additional benefits.
It is important to remember that changes may require a device reboot to take effect, particularly when disabling an option. While N-ify’s "refresh" feature can often apply new settings, a full reboot is necessary for complete deactivation. Although potentially inconvenient, once configured to your preferences, minimal further adjustments should be needed.
It should be noted that certain features may exhibit incompatibility with heavily customized systems, such as those found on Samsung devices. Due to Samsung’s extensive modifications to Android, compatibility can be a concern. Generally, the closer a system is to its stock form, the better the compatibility. However, N-ify is relatively non-invasive, so attempting installation is worthwhile. As a precaution, creating a Nandroid backup before installing N-ify is strongly recommended.