Android 7.0 Nougat: Exploring the Best New Features
Android 7.0 Nougat: A New Era for Nexus Devices
The highly anticipated Android 7.0 Nougat has arrived, and Nexus device owners can expect to receive the update in the coming days. This latest iteration of Android introduces a wealth of new functionalities and improvements.
Initial Rollout and Supported Devices
Currently, the update is being deployed to a range of Nexus and Google devices. This includes the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Nexus 9.
Furthermore, the update extends to the Nexus Player, Pixel C, and General Mobile 4G. Extensive testing with preview versions has allowed for a thorough understanding of the new features.
A Glimpse at Nougat's Key Features
Having utilized the preview builds since their initial release, we are prepared to offer detailed guides on leveraging Nougat’s capabilities. For now, here’s an overview of some of the most notable enhancements found within Android 7.0.
Expect a more refined and efficient user experience with this significant Android update. We will soon delve deeper into specific features and provide comprehensive instructions for optimal use.
Split-Screen and Picture-in-Picture Capabilities in Android Nougat
A significant enhancement introduced with Android Nougat is the split-screen multitasking feature. This functionality enables users to operate two applications concurrently, displayed side-by-side on the screen.
While already present on certain devices, notably those from Samsung, this capability is now being extended to all Android phones running Nougat.
Activating Split-Screen Mode
Initiating split-screen mode is straightforward. Access the recent applications view, then tap and hold the desired app icon.
Subsequently, drag the app to either the top or bottom of the screen – or the left or right, contingent upon your device’s orientation.
It’s important to note that app developers may need to integrate support for this feature into their applications.
Consequently, the initial release of Nougat might not support split-screen functionality across all apps.
Picture-in-Picture Mode
Android Nougat also incorporates a picture-in-picture (PiP) mode, allowing video playback within a smaller, movable window.
This permits users to continue watching videos while simultaneously utilizing other applications on their phone.
Google’s official documentation primarily highlights PiP mode’s application for Android TV.
Currently, there is no explicit mention of its availability on phones and tablets.
A popular request is to integrate this feature into the YouTube app for mobile devices.
Enhanced Notification Capabilities
The notification area in Nougat presents a revised appearance, alongside the introduction of several new functionalities. App developers are now equipped with the ability to integrate a direct reply feature into their applications.
This allows users to respond to messages directly from the notification, eliminating the need to launch the app itself – a capability already present in many Google applications.
Bundled Notifications: A New Approach
Perhaps even more significant is the implementation of bundled notifications. Android is now capable of consolidating notifications originating from the same application.
These grouped notifications can then be expanded to reveal individual notifications, enabling users to focus on the details of those that are most relevant.
This feature is anticipated to be especially beneficial for communication and messaging apps, which frequently generate a high volume of notifications.
- It will help users quickly identify important messages.
- It will streamline the process of managing numerous alerts.
Furthermore, the direct reply feature will be even more effective, as users can easily separate bundled notifications and respond to each one individually from within the notification shade.
Enhanced Doze Mode for Extended Battery Performance
Doze, initially introduced with Marshmallow, represented a significant advancement in battery conservation by enabling a deeper sleep state during periods of inactivity. However, its effectiveness was limited.
The original implementation of Doze only activated when a device remained completely still and untouched for a predetermined duration. This proved impractical for many users.
Limitations of the Initial Doze Implementation
Most individuals carry their smartphones throughout the day, preventing the device from meeting the stillness requirement for Doze to engage. While workarounds existed, they didn't fully address the core issue.
Users desired a more consistent and reliable method for activating the battery-saving benefits of Doze.
Nougat's Improved Doze Functionality
Nougat introduces a refined approach to Doze, incorporating a tiered system. The system now utilizes a "lighter" doze mode whenever the screen is turned off.
This lighter mode operates in conjunction with the original "deep" doze, which is activated when the phone remains stationary for an extended period.
Anticipated Benefits
Given the proven effectiveness of Doze in Marshmallow, considerable anticipation surrounds the real-world performance of Nougat’s enhanced Doze capabilities.
This dual-mode approach promises more frequent and substantial battery savings for a wider range of users.
Related: How Android's "Doze" Improves Your Battery Life, and How to Tweak It
Streamlined and Adaptable Quick Settings Access
Quick Settings on Android devices provide rapid access to essential functions like Wi-Fi control, Do Not Disturb activation, and flashlight usage. However, on many phones, accessing these settings traditionally requires multiple swipes.
Enhanced Accessibility in Android Nougat
With the introduction of Android Nougat, the user experience has been significantly improved. A single swipe now reveals the notification shade, and the top row displays your five most frequently used Quick Settings.
This eliminates the need for a second swipe to access these core functionalities, offering a more efficient workflow.
Customization Options
Users can still access the complete Quick Settings drawer with a second swipe if desired. However, Nougat introduces a notable enhancement: the ability to directly edit the contents of the drawer.
This allows for the removal of infrequently used toggles and the rearrangement of the remaining options to align with individual preferences.
While a hidden menu provided similar functionality in Marshmallow, Nougat appears to integrate this customization feature as a standard option.
Benefits of the New System
- Reduced steps to access frequently used settings.
- Increased personalization of the Quick Settings menu.
- A more intuitive and user-friendly experience.
The updated Quick Settings in Android Nougat represent a significant step towards a more customizable and efficient mobile experience.
Recent Enhancements within the System UI Tuner
The System UI Tuner, initially accessible through a hidden menu, has received several new functionalities in Nougat. These additions expand the customization options available to users.
Expanded Customization Options
Previously, customizable Quick Settings originated from this concealed menu. Now, users benefit from a more refined Do Not Disturb mode.
Further enhancements include the ability to selectively remove icons from the status bar, providing a cleaner visual experience.
Display and Gestural Improvements
A new feature allows for precise color calibration of the device's screen, ensuring optimal visual fidelity.
Additionally, a simple swipe-up gesture has been implemented to streamline access to Nougat’s innovative split-screen mode. This gesture offers a more intuitive method for multitasking.
These updates collectively contribute to a more personalized and efficient user experience within the Android Nougat operating system.
Key Enhancements in Android Nougat
Several prominent features are currently highlighted, alongside discoveries made during hands-on testing with the preview version. The update incorporates a wealth of additions, including a Data Saver mode.
This new mode functions similarly to the existing Battery Saver, but focuses on reducing data consumption when approaching data limits.
Improved Communication Features
A new number blocking capability has been implemented, offering consistent blocking across various applications. Blocking a contact within the Dialer app, for example, will also prevent calls and messages from that number in Hangouts.
Google’s official documentation details further enhancements, such as call screening functionality and accelerated system boot times.
Under-the-Hood Optimizations
Numerous internal improvements have been made to enhance overall performance and efficiency.
Refreshed User Interface
As is typical with new Android releases, this version includes numerous minor UI tweaks throughout the operating system.
These changes range from an updated notification display to an expanded selection of emoji.
The Settings screen has also been revised, providing more comprehensive and readily accessible information within the main menu.
Future Coverage
Detailed guides covering all these features, and more, will be published shortly now that Android Nougat is officially available.
Nexus device owners can anticipate receiving the update soon. Alternatively, users can manually update their devices by downloading official images.
Consider this initial overview a preview of the comprehensive changes to come.