Google rolls out Android 7.0 Nougat to Nexus devices

Google announced the rollout of Android 7.0 Nougat for Nexus devices. The rollout will be staged in batches as any other update rollout by Google. The company has added that over next 1-2 weeks, the update should reach all supported Nexus devices including General Mobile 4G, the only Android One device to get the update at the time of writing.

The latest version of Android brings many changes and improvements to the Android operating system. Nougat will come with 1,500 different emojis built in, including the 72 new emojis. The quick settings controls are a redesigned aspect of OS which will give you quick access to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, flashlight with the ability to customise control tiles. The redesigned Quick-Settings control comes with a new ‘Direct reply’ feature where you can directly reply to notifications without the need to open the app.

Nougat comes with multi-locale support where apps can customise their content based on the local settings of the phone, changing the language and showing results in all the languages configured. One of the most requested and popular features, Multi-window support comes with the OS, taking productivity to a new level as you can run two apps side-by-side. The quick switch will join Multi-window in improving the speed at with you can get your work done using Android 7.0 as it allows you to switch between two most recent apps using a double tap on the Overview button. The latest update bakes the data saver functionality within the OS along with the functionality to change the size of the display from the previously allowed changes in the text size.

In addition to features, Google has improved the security of Android Nougat with the help of file-based encryption which will help protect and better isolate individual users on the device. The company has also added Direct boot which allows the device to boot faster while keeping the apps secure even before you unlock the device. Doze mode introduced in Google Android Marshmallow last year has been improved to stay in doze mode while the device being moved around in pocket or backpack. Another major feature added is Seamless updates where you don’t have to wait for the updates to install. The updates get downloaded in the background, and the system optimizes all the apps in the background for the new version.

Nougat also includes new technologies which improve the immersive experience of VR and better games using Daydream and Vulkan. Daydream helps create great and realistic experiences using Daydream compatible smartphones, headsets, and controllers later this year while Vulkan improves the performance and speed of graphics for upcoming games without any new hardware requirements.