Google's sweet surprise! Rolls out Android 7.0 Nougat
Google started rolling out Android's latest version - 7.0 Nougat to the newer Nexus devices, according to the official Android blog. Android N offers improvements like multi-window support, better notification control, number blocking, revamped Doze mode for saving battery, etc. Nexus devices would get the update over the coming weeks; other Android devices would get it by the end of 2016 or early 2017.
In Dec'15, Google CEO Sundar Pichai first announced the name for Android N could be selected through an online poll during his India visit. In Mar'16, developers were invited to take a sneak peak at Android N and bring their apps to the platform early. In May'16, Google sought public suggestions and also created the 'Help name Android N' page for the same.
Google had announced the full name of its Android N via Twitter. It was named Android Nougat, which continued the tradition of naming Android releases after desserts and sweets. It wasn't clear whether the name was the popular choice or something which Google narrowed down. However, Indian sweet treats like neyyappam and nankhatai were also seen in the 'Help name Android N' page's background.
After Android Alpha and Beta versions, naming Android versions after a dessert remained the unwritten policy since Android 1.5 'Cupcake'. Android 1.6 Donut, Android 2.0 Eclair, Android 2.2 Froyo, and Android 2.3 Gingerbread followed 'Cupcake'. The naming pattern also continued with Android 3.0 Honeycomb, Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, Android 4.4 KitKat, Android 5.0 Lollipop, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Product Management Vice-President Sameer Samat posted: "We took a different approach to building and launching Nougat this year. Android Nougat reflects input from thousands of fans and developers all over the world. There are over 250 major features in Android Nougat."
There are over 250 major features of Android Nougat; a few of them have been highlighted on the company's blog. More device customization options, expanded emojis, quick settings control, productive multi-tasking, multi-window, quick app switching, and direct reply to notifications are few of them. Immersive experiences, high-speed gaming, powerful security and encryption, seamless updates have also been kept in mind while designing Nougat.
Google said starting with the Android Marshmallow release in 2015, efforts to make the battery smarter have been made. With Android Nougat, the 'Doze' mode has been made even Dozier. Devices can now use even lower power when the screen has been off for a period. The all-new 'Data Saver' mode can restrict background data usage and trigger internal functions to reduce bandwidth usage.
According to Google: "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."
