Android 7.0 Nougat for Android
Editors' Review
Android 7 Nougat brings plenty of refinements to Google's popular mobile platform.
Pros
Multiwindow mode: New in Nougat is the ability to display two app windows at the same time, either side by side in a split-screen view or vertically, with one window on top and the other below. Adjust the dividing line between the two windows to make one app larger and one smaller. You can also drag and drop text or other elements from one window to another in multiwindow mode. And with Nougat and Android TV, you can pin a video on the screen while using an app.
Notifications: In the new Android OS, notifications are easier to work with. Respond directly in-line in a notification shade, including on the lockscreen, so you don't have to launch another app to respond. Nougat also groups related notifications so that they appear as a single notification, letting you see messages in context.
Quick Settings: Quick Settings provide access to common system settings like Wi-Fi. They are now customizable, letting you set which ones you want to see in the notification list.
Power management: Nougat builds on Marshmallow's battery-conservation techniques. It does a smarter job of saving energy when a device is unplugged but not in use, and limiting system activities to lessen power consumption.
Data savings: If you're concerned about cellular data usage, the Data Saver tool lets you set a limit on the amount of network data that specific apps use. You can block background data usage and force apps to use less data in the foreground when possible. The tool also lets you whitelist specific apps for background data usage.
Display size: For users with low or impaired vision, a new accessibility setting lets you change a device's display size, and you can blow up or shrink the elements on the screen.
Cons
Wait for the update: Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, and Pixel C devices owners should be able to adopt Nougat quickly. While Google is pushing handset makers and carriers to release Nougat more quickly than they have released Android updates in the past, if you own a non-Nexus Android device, you most likely will have to wait for Nougat.
Android overlays and bloatware: Google allows handset makers and carriers to bolt on their own custom interfaces and add apps to the Android OS. The changes let vendors differentiate their devices, but that means users have to navigate through a device-specific interface cluttered with unwanted cameras, calendars, and messaging apps. If you are seeking an unadulterated Android experience, look to an Nexus device.
Bottom Line
Android 7's helpful refinements and additions -- including multiwindows, in-line notifications, and battery-saving tactics -- make Nougat a welcome update.
More stories
Google's Android Nougat is finally here for your Nexus phone and tablet.
Full Specifications
What's new in version 7.0
General
Operating Systems
Popularity
Related Apps
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Android 5.0 Lollipop
Android 8.0 Oreo
Magisk Apk
Developer's Description
The OS that speaks your languages
Bring your words to life with updated and entirely new emoji, and the ability to use two or more languages at the same time.
- Over 1500 emoji including 72 new ones
- Multi Locale language settings
Be in two places at once
Now you can switch between apps with a double tap, and run two apps side by side. So go ahead and watch a movie while texting, or read a recipe with your timer open.
- Multi-window view
- Quick switch between apps
Experience Android in a new dimension
Vulkan API is a game changer with high-performance 3D graphics. On supported devices, see apps leap to life with sharper graphics and eye-candy effects.
Enjoy your favorite apps in virtual reality
With Virtual Reality mode, Android Nougat is ready to transport you to new worlds. Coming soon with Daydream-ready phones.
Custom Quick Settings
Rearrange your Quick Setting tiles so you can get to what you want faster.
Notification Direct Reply
Mini conversations within your notifications let you reply on the fly - without opening any app.
Bundled Notifications
See what's new at a glance with bundled notifications from apps. Simply tap to expand and view more info without having to open the app.
More ways to make Android yours
Android Nougat opens up more ways for you to personalize your Android device. Decide how your data is used, the way you're notified, and what your display looks like.
Data Saver
Limit how much data your device uses with Data Saver. When Data Saver is turned on, apps in the background won't be able to access cell data.
Notification Controls
When a notification pops up, just press and hold to toggle the settings. For instance, you can silence future alerts from an app in the notification itself.
Display Size
Not only can you change the size of the text on your device, but the size of the icons and the experience itself.
Security is at the heart of all we do
Your safety and privacy are important. As always, Android is built with powerful layers of security and encryption to keep your private data private. With Android Nougat, we've also added new features.
Seamless Updates
On select new devices, software updates download in the background, so you won't have to wait while your device syncs with the latest security tools.
File-based Encryption
By encrypting at the file level, Android can better isolate and protect files for individual users on your device.
Direct Boot
Starting your device is faster and apps run securely even before you enter your password.
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