With Android user talking about the new Android Nougat, there are lots of others who might never get to see this 7th edition of the Android OS.
Last year’s Android Marshmallow is still trailing the likes of Android Lollipop and KitKat in popularity. The new Android Nougat faces the same fate or even worse, especially now that it seems the only viable option of fully enjoying it is getting a new device that is tailored for the OS. Of course, many other devices already in the market will be eligible for an update, but with competitors in the Android world working to please their buyers with new devices each day, they get a little time to spend on past models as far as updates are concerned.
We might see some changes this year with major OEMs promising early Android Nougat updates to eligible devices. But should you jump on this bandwagon as well or stick to the current Android Marshmallow? Let’s find out what’s new in the latest Android Nougat OS.
In Google’s words, Android Nougat is special and sweetest OS yet? But why?
Enhanced and personal control on settings
Android Marshmallow came in with a feature that allows users to allow apps to access select permissions on a device. Android Nougat takes this to the next level with quick settings option where it’s now easier to access basic things such as Flashlight, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It is also possible to control where tiles appear, just like you want them.
There are more than 1500 emojis built into Android Nougat and among them, 72 are new. This means you have more ways to express yourself than those using Marshmallow. It gets even better as you can enjoy content on apps based on local settings. For instance, if you can speak more than one language, the search engine in Nougat will display search results in each of the languages you speak.
Get more productive
Android Nougat brings to life a great feature – Multi-window mode. This feature allows users to run two apps side by side on the screen, something similar to Apple’s Split View. There is also Direct Reply where users can easily respond to a notification directly from the panel without the need of opening the main app. It gets even better when you get to Quick switch. With this feature, it is possible to quickly switch between two most recent apps by hitting the Overview button twice.
Longer battery life
Android Marshmallow debuted the Doze mode. This feature sends your phone into sleep whenever it detects that you are not using it. However, this means that the phone must be still for the feature to be enabled. With Android Nougat, the feature has been improved to work even if someone is moving with the phone in the pocket.
In short, an Android Nougat phone will go to sleep a lot faster and it will do it deeper (as long as you are not really using it) and longer, hence saving more battery power.
Enhanced security
In Android Nougat, users will be able to enjoy seamless updates on their devices. This means that there won’t be the need to restart your phone or even optimization of apps, things that could mean you wait for up to 10 minutes before you can use your phone following a major software update. In short, updates are installed in the background without interfering with your current tasks.
With file-based encryption, Android Nougat will be able to isolate and protect individual user files on a device, something that is a major boost in terms of security. You also get a feature known as Direct Boot. Here, Android Nougat devices will boot faster while at the same time allowing apps to run more securely before the phone starts up.