Android N guide: Notifications explained

It’s been barely 24 hours since the last Android N leak and now another has landed on our desk. This time it’s the notifications panel that had an overhaul, for the better.

Android Police has managed to get a look at an early build of Android N and using that glimpse has mocked up images of what it looks like.

On an aesthetic level the shade of the panel itself will be changed, but on a more functional level settings access is also upgrading.

So what can we hopefully expect in the new Android N?

Android Poilce

Android N: Notifications

The look of the new notifications panel is a cleaner one with more information condensed into full width tiles. Currently there is a space between notifications panels, above and below. This is being done away with for Android N in favour of a more linear approach. The result is more space for a greater amount of information.

One piece of information now included at a glance is the app name which the notification relates to. This was accessible before but required a long press of the notification tile.

The older tiles featured larger app icons. Since the app name is now included, these have been shrunk down. The result is more centralised writing for focus on what’s important – the message itself. Colour also makes an appearance in the notifications, which could make breaking up the more condensed text easier for a clearer view.

Android Poilce

Android N: Quick settings

Google has previously always kept its quick notifications in the top panel. Other companies have skinned the OS and offered more quick options in the pull-down. Now Google appears to want to do the same.

The Android N mock-up shows the new pull-down, which offers full settings options. Gone are the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth expandable menus but added are an edit function and pagination.

Now you’ll be able to pick which apps you want at the top and for those you use less often there’s another page for relegation.

Also there’s apparently a cool new drop-down animation that expands the bar out as you slide it open.

Android N is expected to get shown off at Google I/O in the summer.

READ: Android N appears without an app tray, just like iOS: Fans freak out