Google releases a new version of its Android OS about once a year, adding better security and new features that make the experience of using Android better than ever. Following its alphabetical naming system based on confectionary, its latest update is called Android Nougat, and here’s everything you need to know about this update.
Nougat Overview
Nougat is the latest update to Google’s Android OS. It follows on from Android Marshmallow, and it is available on phones and tablets. It’s out now, but it is not available on all devices, and it depends on the manufacturer of your phone or tablet. It’s also free and, as with every update, it adds a number of new features and improvements.
Availability of Nougat
Google has released Nougat, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can download it. As with all the Android updates, the manufacturers decide which models they will update. That means some older and less powerful models will inevitably miss out.
In general, the most powerful devices and the flagships will get the update, but you have to check with your manufacturer. Search online and you should be able to find a list of devices that your manufacturer will update. The release dates are also different for each manufacturer.
It has already arrived on phones like the Sony Xperia X, the LG G5, the Moto Z, and other top phones, and it comes pre-loaded on Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL.
Next, let’s look at some of the key features it includes.
Improved Performance
As with all updates, Nougat improves performance. Google has claimed that it provides the biggest ever boost in graphics performance, which is great for gaming, leading to better graphics and a faster performance.
Nougat also improves runtime improvements, and task speeds have been boosted by up to 600% through optimizing the JIT compiler.
Better Notifications
The update will also mean you can answer incoming messages without navigating away from your window. The notification will appear at the top of the screen and you can reply directly, which is much quicker and more convenient.
Bundled notifications are also new. Now, notifications from the same app will be displayed together on cards, and you can then expand the alerts into individual notifications.
Better Multitasking
Multitasking has always been an issue on mobile phones, and now Nougat improves it considerably. It adds real multitasking support in the Split Screen feature.
Using this, you can open up two apps at the same time. Actually, some manufactures like Samsung and LG have done this in the past, but Google is now including it in the software.
By pushing a button, you can now enter split screen mode. For example, you may want to check the weather using the weather app by Apalon Apps, and you can do so using the split screen feature.
Try Nougat Out When You Can
These are just a few of the big updates included in Nougat, but there are many more including an improved settings menu, an updated Doze Mode, and more. So find out when your manufacturer will let you upgrade your device, and give Nougat a try to enjoy all the new features.
Alex Hill writes about tech in his articles which appear online. He works as an app developer and is able to share his knowledge with a wide online audience.
