Android 7.0 Nougat: Everything you need to know

The latest version of Android is here, and it’s coming to a Nexus near you.

Android 7.0 Nougat is Google’s way of refining what we already have, and adding some essential features to an operating system they were already happy with.

Since Android 5.0 we’ve seen how Google was shifting their design language on the phones they sell themselves and the apps and services that come on your phone. Android itself has followed this trend, and with Marshmallow we saw a flat but bold design that tied everything together.

Android Nougat doesn’t make major changes to the way your phone looks or the way it “feels.” But what Google has done under the hood brings some new features — and much needed polish — to our favorite smartphone operating system.

Android Nougat makes updates faster and easier

When it’s time for your phone or tablet to get updated, you won’t have to do anything. While you’re doing the things you normally do all the hard work is done in the background — very similar to the upgrade experience on Chrome OS. The only thing you need to do is restart your phone to finish things up.

Here’s Google’s succinct explanation about the situation:

Android Nougat also adds some important new features to help keep users safer and more secure. Inspired by how Chromebooks apply updates, we’re introducing seamless updates, so that new Android devices built on Nougat can install system updates in the background. This means that the next time a user powers up their device, new devices can automatically and seamlessly switch into the new updated system image.

Changes to what’s called the run-time compiler also mean that you won’t have to wait as long while all your apps are optimizing once you do restart — we’ve all been there watching an “Optimizing …” screen for 30 minutes after an OTA update.

More: Seamless updates come to Android in version 7.0

Multi-window multitasking

Sometimes when you’re doing two things at once it’s handy to be able to see them both at the same time. That’s what Multi-window is: more than one “window” on your phone’s screen.

We’ve seen a similar feature with the same name from Samsung (and to a lesser extent LG) for a while, but Google has built things in a way that any app will just work, without the developer — or you — doing anything special. The screen will be split 50/50 by default, and it’s quick to pull up different apps on the top and bottom on a phone or left and right on a tablet.

For devices with larger screens, there’s also a freeform mode that let’s you change a window’s size.

More: Multi-window is now for everyone

Even better notifications

With Android Nougat, you can reply to your notifications directly from their spot in the tray. You won’t have to open the app or install anything extra, either. Once the folks who built your app support the feature, it will just work.

Don’t worry though. When you need to see more or do more than just send a quick reply, you can still tap the notification to open an app and see everything. And with better bundling of multiple notifications from the same app, you’ll be able to tell when you need to see everything even easier.

More: Understanding notification changes in Android Nougat

Your phone will feel faster and use less battery

Google’s “Project Doze” — its code name for ways to have your phone use less battery while it’s not in your hands with the screen on — that was introduced with Marshmallow has gotten a major update in Nougat. While it previously worked great while the phone was sitting still and not plugged in, now it works while it’s in your pocket or purse. How it does it hasn’t changed much; once your phone’s screen has been off for a while, it stops doing things in the background all the time, and instead uses what Google calls “windows” to check for new messages or do things like update your location.

Better ways to manage memory and when (and how) apps can run in the background (Google’s “Project Svelte”) means that you won’t have as much unnecessary stuff happening when you weren’t expecting it to happen. By only allowing things that you really need to run, your phone will perform better and use less battery.

More: Android 7.0 improvements in performance and battery efficiency

Using less mobile data

Overage charges from your phone company suck. With Android Nougat new tools can help keep them from happening.

When you’re on a metered connection (one that’s not unlimited) — cellular or Wi-Fi — the new Data Saver setting can block background random data usage and restrict things like checking for tweets or emails so that your phone uses less data.

You can tell Data Saver to ignore certain apps, and while it’s active you’ll have an icon in your notifications to let you know what’s up.

More: Data Saver goes above and beyond to help keep bills down

More human emoji

In addition to 72 new glyphs, Android 7.0 has over 1,500 emoji, many of which have been revamped to look a bit more…. human. Traditionally, Android emoji have been cartoony, which has encouraged other manufacturers like Samsung and LG to write their own.

More: Nougat changes Android’s emoji to look like people

Improved security

Keeping your data private and personal is important. New features in Android Nougat make things even more secure.

When you start your phone, some apps are able to partially work before you sign in with your password or PIN. Things like the actual phone app or your text messages can still come in, your alarm will still work and any accessibility features needed to better interact with your phone can still run. Other apps and their data will remain unavailable and/or encrypted.

Once you sign in, everything will work normally.

This feature helps keep your data safe if your phone gets lost or stolen, and synergizes well with the remote features of Android Device Manager.

More: What is Direct Boot in Android Nougat?

With Android Nougat, you can give an app access to a certain folder (like your picture library) without letting it have access to all of your external (SD card) storage.

Only granting permission to the folders an app needs to function is the best practice when it comes to security. Scoped directories does just that.

More: Developer documentation on scoped directories

For apps targeted for Android Nougat, the geolocation API is allowed over secure origins (over HTTPS.) This policy is designed to protect users’ private information when they’re using an insecure connection.

Android For Work

If you use your personal Android phone on the job through a managed system, changes are coming.

For us, things will mostly look and act the same — but better tools and easier ways to set things up mean your IT guy might not be so busy (or so grumpy) and everyone’s information will be safer and more secure.

The things we could see, like not being able to use an app we love on company time or being forced to a certain network, depend on what your company needs and how they have things set up. Be sure to go over any questions with your hopefully less-grumpy IT guy if you have them.

Language and locale

If you have your phone set for a specific region — let’s say the French-speaking portion of Switzerland — your phone will now try to use a similar region setting if it can’t find a specific match. In our example, that means an app can display text and numerical data for standard French instead of just using the default language settings if Swiss localization wasn’t included.

You can also select multiple languages (or regionalizations of the same language) in an order of importance — if an app you’re using is localized for multiple languages you’ll see your top pick — if it’s set up for one but not all of your languages, it’ll pick the highest one it can.

More: Android Nougat is a big deal for bilingual smartphone users

Android TV recording and Picture-in-Picture

Basic DVR functionality is coming to Android TV with 7.0. Besides basic controls like Play or Rewind, you’ll be able to save multiple sessions. This means you can schedule recordings or record as you watch.

This should be a great feature for Televisions that come with Android TV installed.

More: TV recording and picture-in-picture come to Android TV

New accessibility features

Not all of us are the same and have the same needs. Better accessibility features in Android Nougat make it easier for everyone to be able to use their phone.

New ways of zooming in on what you see on your screen or adjusting the size of text make a big difference for folks who need them, and bringing accessibility features like TalkBack and a custom display resolution to the initial setup process means it’s easier to get started, too.

More: Understanding new accessibility features in Nougat

Want Android Nougat on your Nexus right now?

You don’t have to wait for Android 7.0 Nougat to roll out over the air to get it on your Nexus phone. If you’re enterprising, you can download the factory image and install it over your current Marshmallow install.

More: How to get Android 7.0 Nougat on your phone right now

Android 7.0 Nougat

Android Nougat is the 12th nicknamed version of Android and was released to the public in August 2016. Here’s everything you need to know so far!

• Android 7.0 Nougat: Everything you need to know
• Will my phone get Android Nougat?
• All Android Nougat news
• How to manually update your Nexus
• Join the Discussion

How to get Android 7.0 Nougat on your Nexus right now

How do I get Android 7.0 Nougat on your Nexus phone right now?

Android 7.0 Nougat is officially available for the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player and Pixel C (and the General Mobile 4G Android One), but your phone may not get the OTA (over-the-air) update for another couple of weeks.

If you know your way around a command line, you can skip the waiting game by downloading the factory image for your particular device and flashing it on top of your software. But there are some caveats you need to know about when flashing a factory image, so read on to find out what you need to know.

Note: The Android 7.0 factory images are not yet available, but these steps will apply when they go live.

How to get the right tools to flash a factory image

Note: This portion is performed on your computer.

The first thing you need to know about flashing a factory image on top of your Nexus phone is that you need to have a portion of Android SDK installed on your computer. Specifically, you need adb and fastboot, which you can download from the Android Studio portal.

Go to Android Studio webpage
Scroll to the bottom of the page.
Find command line tools for your platform — Windows, Mac, or Linux.
Extract the accompanying file (.exe, .zip, .tgz)

How to unlock your bootloader

Note: This portion is performed on your phone.

The next thing you need to do after downloading the command line tools is to make sure that your phone is ready for flashing. This is a two-step process: you need to enable USB Debugging; and you need to unlock your bootloader. If you have already unlocked your bootloader, you can skip to flashing.

Enable developer settings and USB debugging

Go to your Nexus’ Settings.
Scroll down to About Phone/Tablet.
Tap on the Build number seven times until the dialog box says you are now a developer.
Open Settings and you should find a new option called Developer options.
Click into the Developer options.
Make sure that the developer options are turned on and that USB debugging is checked on.
Check Enable OEM unlock.
Plug your Nexus device into your computer.
Tap OK on the dialog box asking you to Allow USB debugging while connected to the computer.

If done correctly, this will be everything you will need to do on your phone or tablet for the moment. After this, you need to unlock your phone’s bootloader.

Unlocking your bootloader

Unlocking your bootloader is relatively simple, but you must know one thing: your phone will factory reset, and you will lose all of your apps and personal data stored on the phone. Make sure that you back up your device before this process.

Turn off your phone or tablet.
Hold down the power button and the volume down button.
On your Nexus device, type: ./fastboot flashing unlock
Press volume up button and the power button to confirm bootloader unlock.
On your Nexus device, type: ./fastboot reboot

Now your bootloader is unlocked and ready to flash the Android 7.0 factory image for your device.

How to flash the Android 7.0 factory image

Note: This portion is performed on your computer.

Visit Nexus Factory Images page.
Scroll down to your phone and find the Android 7.0 image for your phone.
Once downloaded, extract the file in your Platform tools folder.
Put your phone into bootloader mode (see above) and plug it into your computer.
Open Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (Mac).
On the command line, type:./adb devices to ensure your phone is seen by your computer.
Type the flash-all command. On Windows, that will be flash-all.bat On Mac, that will be flash-all.sh

Note: The flash-all script is prone to failing on OS X/macOS, and by default wipes your phone. Follow our step-by-step manual flashing tutorial to bypass this issue.

Learning about Nougat

Once you flash the Android 7.0 Nougat factory image onto your Nexus phone, you should reboot into the operating system. Depending on whether you unlocked your bootloader (and wiped your phone in the process), or kept your data intact by flashing the images manually, Nougat should look considerably different to Marshmallow. Now you have to learn what’s new in Nougat.

Everything you need to know about Android 7.0 Nougat

Your turn

Having issues flashing your Nexus phone? Just want to wait until the OTA is pushed to your phone? Tell us your experience with flashing the Nougat factory image in the comments below.

How to manually flash your Nexus

Continue the conversation in the forum

Android 7.0 Nougat

Android Nougat is the 12th nicknamed version of Android and was released to the public in August 2016. Here’s everything you need to know so far!

• Android 7.0 Nougat: Everything you need to know
• Will my phone get Android Nougat?
• All Android Nougat news
• How to manually update your Nexus
• Join the Discussion

LG V20: Google gives us our first look at Nougat-powered phone

Google ‘introduces’ new LG phone on Nougat promo page.

As Google officially unveiled Android 7.0 Nougat, there’s a small surprise waiting on the shiny new Nougat promo page — an early look at the upcoming LG V20.

The V20, which will be the first phone to ship with Android 7.0, is referenced at the end of the page, along with an image showing a home screen and a holographic-style outline of the handset. The image is broadly in line with CAD renders that leaked a couple of weeks back showing a modular, G5-like design.

Google hails the device as “the first new smartphone that comes with Android Nougat, right out of the box. Coming soon.”

The home screen itself mirrors what we’ve already seen on the LG G5, with a app-drawer-free layout and rounded rectangular icons. Beyond that, there’s not a whole lot to see here.

However it is unusual to see Google promoting LG’s phone alongside its new operating system. In the absence of any new Nexus phones — those aren’t expected for another month or two — it’s a natural fit. LG is set to officially unveil the V20 at an event in San Francisco on Sept. 6.

Android 7.0 Nougat

Android Nougat is the 12th nicknamed version of Android and was released to the public in August 2016. Here’s everything you need to know so far!

• Android 7.0 Nougat: Everything you need to know
• Will my phone get Android Nougat?
• All Android Nougat news
• How to manually update your Nexus
• Join the Discussion

Pretend Rdio never died with this Spotify theme

Remember Rdio? I do. A beautiful music streaming service that was eventually outmuscled by Spotify, Google Play Music and the like. If you miss its light, well-considered design like I do, you might be interested in “Spotio,” a new Spotify theme by designer and writer Devin Halladay. The legality of his work is a tad questionable, but until it’s pulled by Spotify’s overlords you can grab it right here. You’ll need to set your Mac’s security preferences to accept apps from “anywhere,” and close the regular version from Spotify HQ. Then it’s just a matter of deleting the original app from your Mac, should you prefer Halladay’s Rdio-inspired alternative.

It’s only a reskin, so temper your expectations — this isn’t a full recreation of the Rdio interface. Still, for fans of the now deceased music streaming service, it’s a nice way to show your appreciation. We miss you, Rdio.

Via: Aziz Firat

Source: Spotio

Samsung might soon sell refurbished high-end phones at a discount

Samsung is reportedly developing a recycling program of sorts in which it would sell refurbished, used versions of its high-end smartphones.

According to Reuters, which spoke to a person “with direct knowledge of the matter”, the company wants to revive its mobile profits and maximise its cost efficiency, so it’s looking to launch a program that will involve refurbishing premium phones returned by users who are part of its upgrade programs in countries such as the US and South Korea. The new program should launch as early as next year (2017).

Once the phones are refurbished, Samsung would resell them at a lower price, though it’s not yet clear how much of a discount they would get, where they would be sold, nor how many refurbished devices Samsung plans to sell. It’s also unclear how exactly they will be refurbished, but one can assume the company is ready to fit them with new parts like casings or batteries.

Keep in mind refurbished phones could help Samsung in emerging markets, such as India, where high-end devices that cost $800 each are too expensive. Apple, for instance, already sells refurbished phones in some markets, including the US, and it is trying to do so in India, where Reuters said the average smartphone costs less than $90. This new program would help Samsung compete against not only Apple but also Chinese rivals.

Samsung’s market share is being eroded by cheaper handset makers coming out of China. Examples include Huawei, Lenovo, Oppo, and others. By selling used phones, Samsung could free up capital to invest elsewhere, and if more consumers start to buy refurbished, used premium models instead budget brands, it’ll be able to cannibalise sales of new devices coming from those cheaper handset makers.

Refurbished phones might also lure enterprise clients who want Samsung’s security, software, and hardware for a fraction of the price. The only obvious downside Samsung could face is the cannibalisation of its own mid-tier devices.

Android 7.0 Nougat release: Everything you need to know

Android 7.0 has carved an unusual path through its pre-release. Often reserved for developers, the big change with the Nougat release is that Google has been very open and sharing about it.

Google has confirmed the roll-out of Android 7.0 Nougat has now started. To keep things simple, we’ve broken it down for you, so you can get to exactly the information you need. 

Android 7.0 Nougat: Release date

On 22 August 2016, Google confirmed the roll-out of the final release version of Android 7.0 Nougat.

There’s no official dates or timeframe for the roll-out to Nexus devices, but Google has said that updates will be pushed over the “coming weeks.”

Google also hasn’t specified when the factory images will be released, but they are often made available for those who want to manually flash devices in advance of over the air updates.

Android 7.0 Nougat: What Nexus devices are supported?

Android Nougat will be available on the following devices as an over the air update. 

• Nexus 6
• Nexus 5X
• Nexus 6P
• Nexus 9
• Nexus Player
• Pixel C
• General Mobile 4G (Android One)

If you have any of those devices, you’ll be able to sit back and relax and wait for the update to arrive.

Android 7.0 Nougat: What happens to Beta Program users?

Google has confirmed that anyone on the Beta Program will be also receive the final version of Android 7.0. 

Whether this will include those using the Sony Xperia Z3 as a preview device isn’t yet confirmed.

Android 7.0 Nougat: What about new Nexus launches?

What about indeed. Google has made no mention of new Nexus devices. Normally a new version of Android launches on a new handset and this year things appear to be a little different. 

We’ve been following the rumours surrounding the Nexus Marlin and Nexus Sailfish devices, so we can only assume that they will be releasing closer to normal Nexus update schedule at the end of September.

Android 7.0 Nougat: What about the LG V20?

LG announced that the LG V20 – due to be released in early September – would be the first new device to run Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box.

This has been confirmed by Google, who says that it will indeed be the first new phone to offer Android’s latest software. Just as HTC managed to launch the HTC One A9 on Marshmallow soon after launch, it now looks like it’s LG’s turn.

Android 7.0 Nougat: What new features are there?

Android Nougat adds a whole host of new features, sticking very much to the foundation that Marshmallow laid down visually, by making it easier to get to a lot more information. There’s tweaks to notifications, to Doze, to the settings menu and quick settings options, as well as native support for Daydream VR. 

Android 7.0 Nougat: Want to know more?

• We’ve been tracking the changes through the Android N Beta Program, so you can read our preview of the software experience right here.
• Intrigued by the talk of split-screen working? You can watch it in action right here, as we give you a walk-through of one of Android Nougat’s biggest new features.
• The roll-out of Android Nougat to other Android devices – e.g. Samsung or HTC – will come over the next few months. Head over to our upgrade guide to see when you’ll be getting Android 7.0 Nougat.
• Want a quick rundown of Android Nougat’s new features? We’ve rounded up 7 Nougat features for you to get excited about.
• HTC is rumoured to be manufacturing two new Nexus devices, codenamed Marlin and Sailfish. Catch up on all the rumours and see exactly what Google has in store.

Android 7.0 Nougat: 7 new features to get excited about

There are a lot of changes coming in Android 7.0 Nougat, which Google has confirmed will be rolling-out from 22 August.

Here’s a run down of some of the things to get excited about.

1. Revamped quick settings

The quick settings have been refreshed, giving you the opportunity to change the order that they appear, as well as add and remove those you don’t want.

2. Settings menu refresh

The Settings menu has had a thorough overhaul in Android 7.0. More information has been bubbled up, so it’s easier to see information at a glance and save you constantly tapping through. The settings menu will also give you notifications and suggestions to help you get more from your device.

3. Split-screen apps

At last Android is going to be supporting split-screen natively. Offered by companies like Samsung for some time, the Google solution is similar, letting you pop an app into the top of the display and open a second. You can change the sizes too, helping you get the most from your apps and display. The recent apps button now has a new lease of live. 

4. Quick switching between apps

We’ve all got used to hitting the recent apps button and selecting a different app from the deck. But with Android Nougat, a double tap on the recent apps button will let you switch between your two most often-used apps. Want to play Pokemon Go and keep that WhatsApp conversation going? It’s now much simpler.

5. Save more power

Android Marshmallow introduced Doze, a system feature that will let your device go to sleep and save power when it’s not being used – it really works, but your phone needed to be still for it to work. In Nougat this has now been super-charged, letting you save power when on the move. Doze in Nougat won’t need your phone to be still.

6. Designed for Daydream

Love Google Cardboard? Get ready to scrap it as Google changes gear on VR. The new Daydream platform will be designed with specific hardware in mind to ensure a better mobile VR experience. The good news is that Daydream support is natively baked into Nougat, and ready to roll. 

7. Notifications are more informative

Android is notifications and it offers the best mobile notifications you’ll find. In Nougat, notifications are richer, with more information. Direct reply is also going mainstream. Messenger and WhatsApp have allowed direct replying without opening the app and this will be widespread across more Android apps in the future.