Android N is finally real, after Google revealed a ton of new info about the forthcoming mobile OS in its I/O 2016 keynote.
Despite Android having been around for more than seven years now, Google’s still finding ways to enhance and improve the OS, some of which could significantly impact the way you use your phone or tablet. And that’s true even if you’re not thrilled about VR (although maybe you should be)!
Ready to get caught up? Here are the 10 things you need to know about Android N before the full release comes later this year.
1. Big performance boost
An updated version of Need for Speed: No Limits was shown running on a Nexus 6P, and between the super-smooth frame rate, motion blur, added detail, and water reflections, it was almost a convincing facsimile of last year’s Need for Speed console game. (Almost!)
But it’s not just about games: Google says there will be big improvements in runtime speed, especially with app installation times, compared to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. All told, Android N ought to be a zippier OS assuming your hardware is up to par.
2. More secure, less hassle
New devices built for Android N will have two system images and automatically download the latest updates onto the one running in the background; when it’s ready, your phone or tablet will swap to the updated one and continue on, now newly secured against recent threats.
And lastly, all the code enhancements mean that pesky “Android is starting” post-update screen, in which all of your third-party apps have to be optimised before launching the OS, will be gone forever. Can we throw Google a parade for that one? We really should.
3. Google begins Daydreaming
Makers like Samsung, HTC, LG, Huawei, and more will release Daydream-optimised phones starting around September, along with their own headsets and one-handed motion controllers based on Google’s own specifications.
And Android N will have a VR mode that is optimised for VR performance and latency, with notifications coming through properly into your VR view and the ability to browse and use the Play Store right from the headset. It sounds like a massive step up from Cardboard, to be sure – although Cardboard will remain as a low-end VR option.
4. More recent than ever
Other enhancements are coming, as well – for example, a long desired “clear all” button for recent apps in stock Android, which is found at the top right of the screen. Also, you’ll be able to double-tap the Recents button from anywhere to switch over to your last-used app, making multitasking easier and faster than ever.
5. Do the splits
Additionally, Android TV will get a new picture-in-picture mode in Android N, letting you continue to watch video in a small pane while, say, browsing the Play Store or accessing other apps and info. Handy!
6. Be better notified
And now you can long-tap a notification to change its visibility directly from the notification, which means no more digging around the Settings menu to make a change. You’ll also see the top five most-used icons up top thanks to some slick streamlining of the notifications bar, although you can pull down to find the rest.
7. It has updated emoji
With the Unicode 9 standard embraced, we’ll also get an array of goofy new emoji to populate our chats with, and more importantly, the addition of skin tones and further female emoji options. A sincere hooray for representation!
8. Sleepier smartphones
Dozing while you’re running around? Now that’s helpful. Android N can also trim down your data usage, thanks to a data saver function that nudges your apps to cut down on wasteful cellular data use. Luckily, you can whitelist apps you don’t mind spilling excess data for – gotta get those nonstop Facebook alerts, right?
9. You can help choose the name
Well, you can help decide. Whether you like Nutella, New York cheesecake, or something else entirely (beginning with “N,” of course), Google wants to hear your suggestions. Choose wisely: we’ll be writing the chosen name regularly for at least a year, you realise.
10. The beta is out now
You’ll need a specific device, however, and they’re all Google-branded: the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, and Pixel C are supported, as well as the General Mobile 4G Android One handset. However, Sony’s Xperia Z3 can also run a version of Android N through Sony’s separate Developer Preview program. No word yet on whether any other non-Google devices will be compatible before the official release.