New in Android 7 Samsung. Night mode appears. New emoji and improved keyboard

As soon as you update to Android 7.0, the first moments after loading the OS may give the impression that no changes have been made. The interface design, identical icons, and even the programs included in the operating system have not changed one iota. But, as often happens, the first impression may turn out to be completely wrong. Let's look together at whether Google has managed to improve its own mobile OS - we present to your attention a review of Android 7.0 Nougat.

Notification panel

One of the most striking innovations of the new Android is the notification panel, which now takes up much less visual space on the display.

As for the alerts themselves, they have now become more miniature, but at the same time they contain a much larger amount of essential and necessary data. You can immediately see from which software a particular notification came, and also examine the contents of the letter or message.

As our review of Android 7.0 states, starting with this version, it is possible to write a response to an incoming letter, instant messenger message or SMS directly from the notification center curtain, if such an option was provided by the developer himself.

In addition to this, there is the ability to quickly configure notifications for each individual program. So, they can be completely disabled or made silent.

By pulling the notification center shade even lower, the screen displays even more quick custom options, in addition to adjusting the brightness. As in many other third-party shells, quick parameters here can be configured. Moreover, external development companies were given the opportunity to add elements of their own personalized programs to them.

Another interesting and unusual feature is that if you tap on some of the quick parameters, you can find out even more information about them without literally leaving the notification panel. This feature is relevant, for example, in relation to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - you can study data about available devices and networks.

As a result of a short tap on the mobile operator’s network icon, information about the volume of traffic downloaded to the smartphone will appear on the screen.

In the same way, you can retrieve information about the remaining charge and battery consumption by clicking on the battery icon.

Here you can activate the optional energy saving mode.

Settings

It's time to update our review of Android 7.0 Nougat with information about the options menu in the OS. As you can see for yourself by checking the settings menu with the previous version of Android, the settings here have also been modified. As before, they are subject to grouping by categories, but starting from version 7.0, each of the items, in addition to the name, also displays auxiliary data. From here you can see that even without opening discrete options menu items, you can find out how much memory your device is currently using or which Wi-Fi network the phone is connected to.

Another significant innovation, which our review of Android 7.0 Nougat could not ignore, will be especially relevant for owners of mobile gadgets with a large screen, or for people with insufficiently clear vision. In this case, we are talking about native support for screen scaling. The user is offered a choice of five different types of presentation, from the smallest to the largest. In some versions of shells, as in my case, there are only 3 such options, but this is quite enough to ensure high-quality rendering of text and graphics on the smartphone screen.

Multitasking

You can supplement the overall picture of the multitasking mode with a description of its improvements in the new system. As you can see for yourself, a button has appeared that allows you to close all active programs in one fell swoop. For quite a long period of time, it was present in Android shells created and promoted by external development studios.

In addition, a mode has emerged that allows you to place two programs at once in a single window - one next to the other. This mode of operation can be useful when working on a tablet or on a smartphone with a large diagonal. Owners of the main representatives of Samsung's Galaxy line will be even more familiar with it, since the engineers of this company managed to bring this feature to life several years ago.

But what really amazes and pleases is the optional switching between the last two programs by double-clicking the multitasking button.

Doze Energy Saving Mode

For the first time, the Doze mode appeared in and implied the suspension of tasks running in the background when the device remained for a long period of time with the screen off and was not used in any way. Requests from programs running in the specified mode were postponed and collected into batches processed at a specified frequency. The longer the device was not used, the longer the periods were when the system allowed background tasks to be carried out. But judging by practical tests and analysis of this data, for mobile gadgets that are used all day long, this does not provide significant battery savings. Thus, a light version of Doze appeared in Android 7.0. When activated, even on the go, if the phone is not used and its screen is in a dark state, the synchronization of software products is accumulated and must be processed in batches. However, background operations for applications, searching for Wi-Fi networks and the operation of GPS modules remain in an active status.

Based on the practical use of the Zenfone 3 ZE520KL with Android 7 Nougat on board, it is impossible to say that the Doze hybrid mode is at least somewhat effective. It seems that with all the letters in the mail and messages in instant messengers, the device simply cannot activate this same Doze.

Vulkan API support

Another innovation literally “built into” the new Android is native support for Vulkan. This interface, which provides high-quality rendering of graphic objects, was created by the Khronos Group, which previously created the equally popular OpenGL software interface. Therefore, Vulkan in Android 7 is a kind of answer to Metal in iOS and DirectX 12 in Windows 10. It allows game creators to get a greater degree of performance from the processing of graphics packages on the chip. As sad as it is, not everyone will be able to try using Vulkan in practice, since its support must be in the GPU, but in technical terms, only chips with OpenGL ES starting from version 3.1 have support for it.

Emoticons

The Android 7.0 update received support for Unicode 9 technology, and with it 72 new emoticons. Finally, in the basic version of Google's OS it is possible to select the color of emoticons indicating their affiliation with different countries and nationalities.

In addition, the emoticons themselves in the “seven” have also been updated. It is immediately worth noting that this did not in any way affect the unusual appearance of some emoticons.

Results

This concludes our review of Android 7.0 Nougat. Perhaps these are all the innovations that have been introduced into the new version of the operating system from one of the most progressive companies on the planet. In fact, the new version of the OS is a kind of work on bugs: some software mechanisms have been optimized, other components have been rewritten from scratch. In our article, we did not touch on the innovations affecting the Daydream VR platform, which is preparing to launch this fall. These innovations imply an increase in graphics processing speed, improved operations with sensors, and a reduction in the phone screen refresh time. However, it is not yet possible to evaluate all these features.

The Android operating system is one of the most popular on the mobile market, and Google regularly releases updates, equipping its brainchild with new features and capabilities. The new version of Android 7.0 Nougat was no exception. At first glance, the changes are minimal. However, once you look into it, it will become clear that very useful innovations have been introduced into the system.

But are there enough of them to satisfy the needs and requests of every user? Should you be looking forward to the update coming to your smartphone or tablet model? And in general, what's new in the Android 7.0 operating system? We offer you a detailed review of the new product.

The Android 7.0 operating system brings many new useful features

Release history and list of supported devices

The first talk about it began to spread at the end of 2015. There were many rumors, but some of them were dispelled when the first version for developers was released on March 6, 2016, after which five more preliminary versions of the operating system were released once a month. The final version was announced by Google on August 22, 2016. At the time of release, there was not a single device that officially supported the new product. The first smartphone was the LG V20, released a few weeks later, on September 6, 2016. What other devices will receive support for the Android 7.0 operating system?

All information exists only at the level of rumors and assumptions. Given Google's trend, we can assume that . will be the first to receive the update. Moreover, they were released over the past year or two. Then we can expect that flagship devices from top manufacturers will receive the update, and then simpler models from less famous brands.

However, you shouldn't count on new firmware based on the new Android 7.0 if your smartphone is older than 2014. At this time, processors were used that are today considered obsolete and will not be able to receive support for the new operating system. This situation is caused not only by the manufacturer of smartphones and tablets; many processor manufacturers simply do not want to release drivers for what they consider to be outdated processors. So, if you want to use the most modern operating system, you will have to fork out for an expensive smartphone or tablet.

Features and innovations

Although at first glance there are few changes, they are there, and we can say with confidence that the engineers did a great job.

System interface

The appearance of Android 7.0 has changed, albeit very slightly. Almost the same application icons and animations are used. Among the innovations you can notice the changed appearance of folders. If earlier the icons in it were grouped in packages in a round frame, now in a similar round transparent frame all application icons are organized in a grid. It looks very good and attractive, and is quite user-friendly.

It is also worth noting the new display scale settings. The ability to customize text size has been present in the Android operating system for a long time. But previously, when you changed the scale of the text, the icons also changed, that is, you could adjust the scale of everything at once. Now you can change the size of the displayed icons and text separately, so that they do not overlap each other and the overall impression is not spoiled.

A very useful feature is the presence of a night mode; it can be activated in the display settings menu. It is very convenient to use in the dark, your eyes will get tired much less. The system will automatically improve the contrast and also control the brightness of the screen backlight.

Notification panel

This part of the Android operating system menu has undergone significant changes; it is now smaller in size, and all notifications are sorted and grouped more conveniently, and are displayed compactly. The times when swiping from the top edge of the screen to open a curtain to cover half the display are behind us.

What is noteworthy is that while the information is compact, more information is now displayed. Now it is much easier to track which application is issuing the corresponding notification, and you can also view the text of the message and even respond to it or perform other simple actions without going into the application itself. This is a very convenient feature when using various messengers and, which now do not need to be fully expanded and press extra buttons, because the input field will be available directly in the curtain. Currently, a few apps have this feature, but it is expected that other developers will also implement this feature over time.

Another very convenient thing in the Android operating system is the ability to view additional information and launch basic settings without leaving the notification shade or going to the main settings menu. For example, by clicking on the Wi-Fi icon, you can view the availability of available networks, and by clicking on the Bluetooth icon, you can see possible linked devices. In the same way, you can see the amount of mobile traffic used by clicking on the mobile operator icon, and find out the level of battery discharge by clicking on the corresponding icon. Those who like to customize everything for themselves will definitely like the fact that they can finally change the location of the quick settings shortcuts. You can even remove settings you don’t need from the visible area.

On top of that, the Android operating system has introduced an option that allows you to configure the alert mode for each application individually. For example, you seem to need notifications from Viber, Skype or something else, but you are not happy with constant vibrations and sound alerts from frequently arriving messages. So, now you can select silent mode, and this application will not be too intrusive for you. This option is closely related to the alarm notification mode. For example, the silent mode of notifications can be disabled after the alarm goes off. You can also set notification priority if you want notifications from a certain program to be at the top of the list. Agree, the changes are useful and convenient.

Settings menu

The settings of the Android operating system have always been logically thought out and conveniently executed. But in order to view additional information, it was necessary to go to each submenu separately. For example, if you wanted to see what Wi-Fi network you are connected to, or find out how much battery life your smartphone or tablet has left, or, for example, find out the amount of free space in the device’s memory, you had to go to the appropriate item. Now you don't need to do this, since the main summary is displayed in the main window of the settings menu.

Once you launch it, you can immediately see useful information such as the amount of free space, active wireless network and other useful data without having to go into each corresponding submenu. In many cases, this will eliminate additional movements and save time.

A useful feature of Android is the ability to quickly go to any item in the settings menu, no matter what part of it you are currently in. You just need to press the button in the form of three vertical stripes on the left side of the screen, or simply swipe your finger from the left edge of the display. Thanks to this, you no longer have to frantically press the “Back” button to exit to the main menu and launch the next item.

Multitasking and dual-window mode

Android 7.0's multitasking mode has also been significantly improved. The square button, which in previous versions of the system only served as a viewer of running and recently opened applications, has now learned to perform other very useful actions. By clicking this button once, you can view all running applications. At first, an overview of almost all tasks will be provided, but over time, old ones will be removed from the history, and the number of displayed windows will be reduced to seven. Through Google research, I found out that this is the optimal amount.

Next comes the most interesting part. By pressing the touch multitasking button twice, you can switch between active applications of the Android operating system, similar to how you can do it in Windows with the Alt + Tab key combination. This is very convenient, because now you don’t need to scroll through the entire list of running programs in the Task Manager.

If you hold down the multitasking button for a few seconds, dual-window mode will be activated, allowing you to open two work apps at the same time. Moreover, the functionality of the function does not depend on the size of the device’s display, even if it is less than 5 inches. Of course, this may be less useful on a smartphone, but given the trend towards larger displays, there is a significant improvement in performance on a 5.5-6 inch device. On tablets, you can very easily open two screens and read a book while chatting with a friend on a social network.

This is a very relevant innovation, since due to the lack of support at the operating system level, many smartphone and tablet developers were forced to overcome the situation on their own. Now all Android users will be able to get this opportunity, regardless of the device manufacturer.

Improved Energy Saving

Even in the Android 6 operating system, an energy saving system called Doze was introduced. Its essence was that during long periods of inactivity of the tablet or smartphone, background processes were suspended, and network requests had wider intervals. And the longer you did not use the device, the more effective the energy saving was. For example, at night it was possible to reduce battery consumption several times. But if in tablets such a system was relatively effective, because this is not a device that you use all the time, then in smartphones the effectiveness of the function is much lower, since this device is used constantly, practically without letting go.

In the Android 7.0 operating system, the developers have slightly changed the principle of operation of the system, and according to them, battery power begins to be saved immediately after the screen is locked. Most processes are suspended and background internet connection requests are executed at a much longer interval. Depending on how often and intensively you use the device, you can achieve noticeable conservation of battery life.

Traffic savings

In addition to the reduced frequency of background requests, the Android operating system now has an excellent ability to customize each application. You can choose which applications you want to allow constant access to the World Wide Web and which you do not. That is, if they wanted, they allowed access to all applications; if they wanted, they blocked the majority and left only one. This solution is very relevant in conditions of limited tariffs with, because there are not so many truly unlimited tariffs, and not everyone can afford them. Plus, in situations where you need to save traffic, you don’t have to choose between full access to everything and complete blocking of everything.

In addition, it became possible to designate each Wi-Fi network as limited. For example, the one through which you distribute the Internet from your phone to your tablet. Thanks to all these innovations, you can significantly reduce your mobile Internet costs.

Vulkan API support

This API for graphics processing will make it possible to significantly increase the performance of the device and will allow software developers to worry less about optimizing their product for specific mobile graphics accelerators. This is a kind of response to DirectX 12, which is most fully supported on Windows 10. Unfortunately, only a few of the latest Qualcomm processors and graphics accelerators received hardware support for the new API. It is obvious that in a few years the Vulkan API will become a generally accepted standard.

New emoji and improved keyboard

The Google keyboard itself has not received such significant changes compared to the previous version. By and large, only the emoji were updated, their appearance changed, and 72 new pictures were added. For the first time, it was possible to select multiple races of people.

Background updates

In all previous versions of the Android operating system, when a new firmware version was released, it was impossible to use the smartphone while the update was being installed. And considering that the entire update procedure could take a significant amount of time, this could lead to the owner missing an important call or message. What changes with the arrival of version 7.0?

From now on, you will no longer need to wait until the system is completely updated, but start working immediately. How was this achieved? An additional partition is created in the device’s memory, on which all updates take place, while you work on the main memory partition. Once the installation process is complete, you will be prompted to update, after which you will be switched back to the main partition.

In addition, a new application compiler has been integrated, which significantly reduces the time it takes to optimize installed programs after updating the operating system. If previous versions of the OS were released quite rarely, now updates are released very often, taking time to optimize applications, which can be somewhat annoying. Two updates significantly simplify the procedure for updating the operating system.

Improved security

The security of using your Android device has also increased significantly. A built-in phone call filter has appeared, thanks to which you can block an unwanted number, thus protecting yourself from spam. In addition, it has become possible to work on a locked device, for example, send an email or read other notifications, as well as receive incoming calls. If a system malfunction is detected, Android automatically switches to a limited operation mode, which will protect you from malicious software. In addition, it became possible to encrypt files at the operating system level.

The best innovation of the Android operating system can be considered the complete blocking of the device after loss or theft. When setting up your device for the first time, you will be asked to enter a forced unlock code. Even if your device is stolen, the attacker will not be able to access it, even by resetting the settings and flashing it, until you enter the treasured code.

Virtual reality Google Daydream

The operating system is equipped with hardware support for the new Google Daydream virtual reality system. There is very little news about the system and, apart from the fact that only a few devices will receive support for it, and to use it you will need virtual reality glasses, nothing else is known.

Conclusion

We have provided you with a detailed overview of the new Android 7.0 operating system. As you can see, there are quite a lot of innovations and we can say with confidence that the update was successful. Now we just have to wait for the release of firmware based on the new OS by the main manufacturers of mobile devices. In the comments, we invite you to tell us whether your expectations regarding the new system were met.

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As always, Google has pleased the world with a new version of its operating system called Nougat, and we decided to present you with a detailed review of Android 7.0, considering the most interesting features of the new version, its main features, pros and cons. Now we will try to figure out whether the developers of Android 7.0 managed to improve the platform in accordance with the wishes of users. We are sure that every user will find something for themselves in it.

What is Android 7.0 "Nougat"?

A detailed review of Android N provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the expected update to Google's operating system. The full name contains the word “Nougat”. According to established tradition, the creators call new versions of the platform popular sweets, for example, KitKat, Marshmallow, etc. The list of devices that will receive updates to the new version of Android 7.0 has already been published by the system developers. Mobile content creators were the first to gain access to the OS in early March 2016.

Multi-window

Multi-window, which first appeared in the list of Android features without additional shells, is the ability to run multiple programs on the same screen at the same time. With this function, you can quickly copy text in one window and immediately paste it into another. If you lack this functionality and want to know which smartphones will receive Android 7.0 first, then among them will be mainly the flagships Nexus, Samsung, Moto, Sony, etc.

Active users of the Chrome browser will appreciate the ability to launch two tabs in this mode. This is done by activating split screen. You can also now quickly free up RAM from all running programs by using the “Clear All” button.

• the ability to open two applications on the screen simultaneously;
• works on any programs;
• launching two tabs in the Chrome browser.

• The multitasking function does not always work correctly.

Quick access panel "Curtain"

It’s hard to imagine the most popular platform without a curtain. What new and interesting things have the developers prepared in the Android 7.0 update? As before, the functionality of the “curtain” depends on the number of fingers with which the user activated it. When you swipe with two fingers, the curtain takes up the entire screen, providing access to the necessary tools. If you swipe down from top to bottom with just one finger, not only notifications will appear on the screen, but also a quick access panel, the contents of which can be customized to your liking.

Overview of Android 7.0 Nougat settings

To find out how Android 7.0 differs from 6.0, just look at the settings section, which has undergone significant changes. The new version contains useful information under each item. For example, under sounds the current signal volume is indicated, under applications - the number of installed apk, etc. You can also now move from one settings section to another much faster. To do this, swipe your finger from left to right, after which a side menu will appear with all the available settings.

If you actively use the mobile Internet, but the amount of traffic is limited, use the Data Saver function. It provides the ability to save traffic by limiting data access for applications in the background. At the same time, you can customize the list of applications yourself.

Other settings:

1. Now you can not only move various shortcuts and folders around the screen, but also change their size in the settings using a special slider.
2. There is simultaneous support for several system languages.
3. A feature called “Factory Unlock” allows you to protect your device from unwanted flashing. For example, if the device is stolen, attackers will not be able to change the firmware without unlocking this feature using a special password.

You can see an even more complete description of the settings available in the updated Android operating system in the video review.

Working with applications

In the new system, you can quickly find out where this or that application was installed from. To do this, open the corresponding section in the settings, select any program and scroll through the information about it all the way down.
As for working with applications, the main feature is the same multi-window mode. It is especially useful if you work on a tablet with documents. It is not known for sure whether Android 7.1 will make interaction with programs even easier, but in the current version of Android this function is not 100% developed.

File system

Interestingly, before the 6th version of the platform, the built-in file system did not exist at all. Now file storage is provided, although it is not included in the main menu. You will find the manager, as before, in the settings. The developers have slightly modified it, adding the function of copying files, as well as equipping the storage with a side menu - navigation has become faster and more convenient.

Google Assistant

One of the updates expected in Android 7.0 is the personal assistant Google Assistant, which before the upgrade was familiar to many Android users under the guise of Google Now. The assistant has a wide range of actions: answers questions, carries out instructions, sends reminders, etc. It works as follows. For example, if you need to know the location of the nearest Chinese food restaurant, ask your assistant about it - the system will quickly analyze the request and provide the address.

Android 7.0 Nougat Review: Notifications

The release of the new version of Android 7.0 and its features should appeal to many fans of this operating system, and one of them is the updated look and functionality of notifications. They have become much larger and now display more useful information. If you do not completely close the notification, a gear-shaped icon will appear to the right of it, with which you can make settings. Finally, the “quick response” function is at your disposal. It is implemented as follows: if you pull the notification down, an input field will open where you can write and immediately send a response.

Also, now all notifications are subject to automatic sorting and grouping. For example, if you receive five notifications from the Facebook app, they will all be grouped into one.
You can activate the automatic display backlight function, which will work every time a notification arrives or you pick up the device.

Cameras

With the release of the new version of Android 7.0, according to tradition, an update for the standard Camera application appeared with interesting features and characteristics. By the way, users of older OS versions can also update the program on Google Play.

Peculiarities:

1. Now you can save photos directly during video shooting, which are subsequently sent to the gallery.
2. Slow-motion shooting has appeared, provided that the mobile device supports this mode.
3. Increased shooting speed in HDR mode.
4. Video recording can be paused.

Autonomy

Rapid battery drain is a major problem for many Android devices. In the update, the developers have improved Doze, a device mode during which the system goes into a deep “sleep”. Previously, it was activated only when the gadget was lying on a flat surface. In the new version, it saves mobile device resources during any inactivity. Google representatives assure that the system can save up to 20% of charge. All that remains is to find out exactly which phones will receive the Android 7.0 update and check the effectiveness of the Doze technology yourself.

Software Updates and Direct Downloads

One of the significant innovations is a more simplified software update. Previously, this procedure caused a lot of unpleasant emotions, since for a long time the system downloaded data, installed it, rebooted the mobile device several times, etc. Now the update is much easier and faster. Downloading new files is carried out unnoticed, and the system update itself occurs after the next reboot of the gadget.

What to expect in games

In the new version, the platform will gain support for Vulkan. This is a special interface for game developers, thanks to which the graphics in them will look much brighter and better quality. To date, Vulkan support has already been implemented for Android 7.0 on the Samsung Galaxy S7 and other models, however, Android users will be able to see improvements in new games, since there is no point for developers to remake existing projects for just a few devices. In addition, support for games in virtual reality mode will be available.

Cool emoticons

The Android 7.0 interface has shown that with each new version Google surprises us more and more - the design changes, the functionality improves, new features are added and unnecessary ones are removed. What about some nice little things? For example, emoticons that we actively use during communication? Especially communicative users will like the appearance of 72 new emoticons, which was made possible thanks to support for Unicode 9. You can even change the traditional yellow emoji color.

Conclusion

The presented detailed review of Android 7.0 Nugaty is intended so that you can evaluate all the strengths and weaknesses of the new platform before installing it. If you decide to install new Android firmware, but don’t know where to download it, files for some models are already available on the developer’s official website.

After being in beta mode for almost six months, Google has finally released the update, as usual, the Nexus family of devices was the first to receive it. Improvements have affected all important functions: optimization of battery performance, additions to the interface and increased security. Now is the time to learn more about this update.

Performance

Google says the 72 new emoji are a critical improvement. But not everyone thinks so; the more important thing is that Android has switched to a JIT compiler. For us, users, this means that the system uses resources more efficiently, increasing performance and RAM consumption. Applications launch faster, programs take up less space on devices. This is already noticeable in the speed of updating the phone: the process of switching to Android 6.0 Marshmallow took longer than installing the latest Android 7.0 Nougat.

Another improvement concerns the operation of applications in the background. They consume less battery and RAM, a real savings.

In the new Android, we also worked on graphics and added support for the Vulkan API. This will help developers produce games and applications with higher-quality graphics: effective blurring of the background, streaks and highlights on water, splashes. If the developers are not lazy, then everything will become more beautiful. In any case, the game Need for Speed ​​No Limits, which has already been improved using new features, is perceived differently, it looks better.

Autonomy

Android 6.0 introduced a thing called Doze to make your phone last longer while you're not using it. Now it works more efficiently. Previously, it turned on when the phone was lying still, but now it starts when the display is turned off, taking into account the load on the processor and data transfer. In total, this leads to higher battery life.

The Data Saver function has also appeared. It limits traffic consumption, although with the current unlimited tariffs for mobile Internet, I don’t see much point in it. On the other hand, when the traffic package is small, then you can prevent applications from downloading updates via the mobile network using only Wi-Fi. So you can safely go on vacation, buy a local SIM card and not be afraid of sudden software updates.

2 applications on 1 screen

Samsung was the first to add multi-window mode to phones, a great feature for a large screen. This is now a standard feature of Android N, it just took a few years to get there. At 5 inches it’s difficult to feel the charm, but at the large diagonal of the Motorola Nexus 6 the advantages are obvious. You sit, chat on Telegram, and watch videos on YouTube in the background, it’s convenient.

The Quick switch function also works by double-clicking the button of running programs. It seems like a small thing, but it helps to quickly switch between recently launched applications in multi-window mode.

On the left is a running application, and on the right is a window with programs that have recently been used.

Improved notifications and menu settings

Notifications are sorted by application, so there is now more order in the event curtain. It has become easier to respond to messages; you do not need to launch the program. At the same time, by holding your finger on the screen, you quickly get to the application settings menu. Convenient when you want to change something, but are too lazy to look for the program itself in the menu.

In the notification shade, you can customize icons to quickly launch applications and functions, adding or removing unnecessary ones. The most important things are highlighted in a separate line: Wi-Fi, cellular data transfer, battery, turning off all notifications and a flashlight. The menu is good, but the icons could be made larger. You can set different wallpapers in the menu and on the lock screen.

Minor improvements

You can feel all the improvements to the platform only after using it for several weeks; there are many small improvements like the Direct Boot function, which speeds up the reboot of the phone. A “clear all” button has appeared in the running applications menu, which has been awaited since the days of Android Lollipop.

In the settings, we change not only the font size in the menu, but also the order of the items, so as not to scroll through the list again. For example, right on the main screen of the tree with parameters you can see how much free memory is in the phone, without opening the section. You can see the volume level or time zone. It seems like a small thing, but these are useful improvements.

All updates are now downloaded in the background, after which they notify you that you can install the update. All that remains is to choose a convenient time to reboot the phone.

Opinion

The eternal war between iOS and Android continues. There are many more devices on Android, but developers still adore Apple; the most solvent population is on iOS. Apple has more and more glitches, Android is not perfect, but the system is becoming more convenient, more beautiful, and more efficient.

My main phone is an iPhone, but I love what Google is doing with Android. True, not everyone will appreciate the additions to Android N. Much of what has become standard functions has long been built into Samsung's TouchWiz and other shells. So the effect of novelty is very relative, not everyone will notice or understand it.

Owners of Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C and Android One devices will be the first to try out the new Android N. Updates appear slowly; at the end of August, only 15% of all Android models run Android 6.0. So the update to 7.0 will take many months.

P.S. We have previously published several materials that may be of interest on this topic.

• " " in Android, starting from the first versions
• from Android N
• 7 unknown features from Developer Preview

About the release of the Android 7.0 Nougat operating system. In the coming days, devices from the Nexus family will receive the appropriate firmware, and later other models of smartphones and tablets. In this material we have collected all the innovations implemented in Android 7.0 Nougat - let's see what to expect from the new version of the most popular mobile OS.

Ability to change the density of interface elements. In Android 7.0 Nougat, users can change the density of OS interface elements. Some of them can become smaller or larger, in addition, this option allows you to select the number of icons in the menu bar. The main goal of this innovation is to make it easier for people with low vision to use mobile devices.

Prohibiting the display of notifications by individual applications. Applications can now be prevented from displaying notifications. You can also turn off the sound for notifications from specific programs. This is true, for example, when there is a conversation in a Skype chat that does not concern you personally. Messages pour in one after another, which is frankly annoying and even annoying. Using this option, you can turn off the sound for Skype, while messages from Facebook or VKontakte will come with sound.

Improved update system. Android 7.0 Nougat introduced the ability to automatically download and install updates from Chrome OS devices. A smartphone or tablet automatically downloads the update in the background and installs it the next time it reboots, without bothering the user with messages that it’s time to install a software update.

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Advanced Doze Technology. The developers have improved the Doze energy saving technology, familiar from the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system. In Android version 7.0 Nougat, she learned to recognize whether the smartphone is lying on any surface for an extended period of time or, for example, is in the pocket of a walking person. In the first case, more stringent restrictions are introduced on data transfer and background processes, since it is assumed that the person is sleeping and is unlikely to use the smartphone in the near future.

Unicode 9 support and new emoticons. Android 7.0 Nougat is the first operating system to support Unicode 9, which will, among other things, provide support for 72 new emoticons.

"Clear" button in the list of running applications. The list of recently running applications now has a “Clear” button, which allows you to erase all cards with one touch. (Such a button is found in many branded launchers for Android - for example, TouchWiz from Samsung.) Those applications that the user has not accessed for a long time disappear from the list automatically.

Support for non-installable applications (Instant Apps). When you land on a particular site (for example, an online store), the smartphone browser opens not the mobile version of this very site, but its application, which is much more convenient. The application is not installed into memory. After the user has completed all his work related to the site, the application closes.

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Virtual reality platform. Daydream includes a special version of the Google Play Store catalog with VR content (including versions of View, YouTube, Play Movies and Google Photos), as well as a corresponding mode on smartphones. Google will certify the latter for compatibility with Daydream, since normal work with VR content requires a fairly powerful hardware platform. The first Daydream-compatible smartphone is , but Samsung, HTC, Huawei, Xiaomi, LG, ZTE, Asus and Alcatel are also preparing compatible models.

Multi-window mode and picture-in-picture mode. In multi-window mode, two applications can be displayed on the screen of a mobile device. If you hold the smartphone horizontally, then they will be next to each other, if vertically, then they will be above each other. As for the picture-in-picture mode, it is intended mainly for TVs running Android TV and players like . In it, the user can, for example, surf the Internet through a browser, and at this time the movie will be shown in a small window in the corner of the screen.

Grouping notifications. In Android 7.0 Nougat, notifications can be grouped by specific application, that is, notifications from mail will first appear in the curtain, then, for example, from WhatsApp, then from VKontakte, etc. This allows you to organize notifications and ensure a higher speed of familiarization of the user with the topic , that they managed to send him.

Ability to quickly respond to notifications from the curtain. Android 7.0 Nougat added the ability to quickly respond to notifications from the curtain, that is, without opening the application. This is really convenient, especially on inexpensive devices that take a couple of seconds to launch the application.

Quickly switch between active applications. In Android 7.0 Nougat, you can switch between them without touching the screen - by double-clicking the running applications button.

More switches in the curtain. There are now more switches in the curtain, and they can be swapped and new ones can be added, which allows you to more flexibly customize the device for yourself.

Night mode. It colors Android 7.0 Nougat interface elements in shades that are less irritating to the eyes, which is important when working with a smartphone in the dark.

Improved file manager. Many people are not even aware that the latest versions of Android have a file manager, but it is there. In Android 7.0 Nougat it has been improved again - in particular, it now offers a wider range of options for working with files.

Screen calibration capability. A calibration option has appeared in the display settings, allowing you to adjust the image in accordance with a particular user’s ideas about beauty. Many Android smartphones have had similar options for a long time, but in Android 7.0 Nougat this feature has become standard and, as a result, it will now be found in smartphones much more often.

Option to save traffic. The Data Saver function is designed to save traffic for applications - both running in the background and deployed. Savings are achieved, for example, by reducing the quality of pictures in the browser, reducing the resolution of the video being watched, etc.

Ability to add data about the user’s body. The user can specify his blood type, allergies, phone numbers of relatives - and all this can be displayed on the lock screen. So that if something happens, emergency services have access to this information as quickly as possible.

It is worth emphasizing that all of the above options may not be present in every smartphone or tablet running Android 7.0 Nougat. Knowing the love of individual manufacturers (HTC, LG, Samsung, not to mention Meizu and Xiaomi) for their own branded launchers, we can assume that when creating firmware based on “nougat”, certain basic options of this version of the OS can simply be cut out.

And further. Google is already working on the first update for Android 7.0 Nougat - perhaps it will be called 7.0.1, or maybe something else. It is expected that in this update there will be an application menu without a call button, a service and new icons for virtual keys.

This is what the new virtual buttons will supposedly look like

New launcher with a modified search bar and without an application menu key

The release of the update is supposedly scheduled for October 2016. At the same time, perhaps, two new Nexus smartphones developed by HTC - and Sailfish - will be revealed to the world.