How Do You Know if an App Will Still Work With Android Nougat
By , Contributing Editor, Computerworld |
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Not your average Android news — a diverse mix of advice, insight, and analysis with veteran Android journalist JR Raphael.
Android 7.0, Nougat: The complete FAQ
Google'southward Android vii.0 Nougat release is full of fresh new features and flavors. This detailed (and delightfully chewy!) FAQ has everything you demand to know.
I never knew it was possible for so many people to exist excited about Nougat.
Heck, I don't call up I'd even heard the word "nougat" more than 20 times -- ever, in my entire life -- upwardly until Google decided to utilize the sweet treat as the name for its latest Android release.
Simply alas, here we are: Android 7.0 is officially on its manner into the earth, and that ways the dear, egg, and nut-based gloop (yup, that's nougat for ya) is atop many a tech-lover's mind.
So what's Nougat -- the Android software, that is -- all about? And what'll it hateful for you? Here are answers to all of your burning questions.
(Warning: Consumption of this story may cause you to consume several to several dozen candy bars. The author accepts no responsibility for weight gained or cavities formed as a result of any such mid-reading munching. He does, all the same, require that you send him 1 candy bar for every three that yous swallow.)
(Totally not kidding.)
(Don't let me downward.)
What are the biggest new features in Android seven.0?
Not wasting any fourth dimension getting to the good stuff, eh? I similar the way you piece of work.
I'd say Nougat has three "headline features" that you're bound to notice -- or at least want to detect -- starting time:
1. Split-screen mode. Also called multi-window manner, depending on where you await. It's basically the same thing we've seen on devices from Samsung and other manufacturers for a while, only now it'due south a native part of Android itself -- which ways it'll work consistently beyond all Android devices and with near any app.
The way split-screen mode works in Nougat is pretty simple, though the function is a bit hidden: While using an app, you press and hold the Overview cardinal (the typically-square-shaped button next to Back and Dwelling house). That splits the screen in two, with your current app on top (or left) and a list of your about recently opened apps on lesser (or right).
Alternatively, you tin tap the Overview central and then press and concord an app'southward bill of fare from there. That allows you lot to drag that carte du jour to the meridian of the screen to initiate split-screen style. Either way you go about it, you'll exist able to motility a slider to adjust the size of the two windows -- and when you're fix to get back to a regular unmarried-app view, you'll printing and hold the Overview primal once again to exit.
2. New and improved notifications (yes, again!). Android's notifications are an always-evolving beast, and with the seven.0 Nougat release, they get another fresh glaze of paint.
Updated appearances aside, notifications in Nougat are bundled by app -- then if you lot accept, say, iii new e-mail alerts from Gmail, they'll all announced within a single carte du jour in your notification console.
Y'all can and so tap that menu to fan it out into private mini-cards with more detailed info on each message, and you can then tap on whatsoever of those mini-cards to expand it and gain access to activity-performing buttons (like commands for archiving or replying).
Speaking of actions, Nougat'south notifications let you reply to different kinds of letters correct within their notifications -- without having to interrupt what you're doing or alter processes in any way. It'southward one of those things that seems so sensible, yous'll wonder how you ever got by without it.
three. A revamped Quick Settings.Android's Quick Settings gets far more useful with Nougat, thanks to a new prepare of always-present toggles on top of the regular notification console (illustrated to a higher place) and a newly customizable set of tiles when you swipe down from that view.
Changing the guild of your Quick Settings tiles as well changes what toggles appear in the permanent notification bar (shall we telephone call those the "Quick Quick Settings"?). Information technology's something third-party versions of Android have had for ages now, but having it in the base of operations Os itself is useful nevertheless -- and a much more constructive utilise of the notification console'due south infinite.
Blah, blah blah, apathetic blah apathetic blah. Isn't in that location any other interesting stuff -- stuff that'll actually affect the way I use my device mean solar day to day?
My, you lot're demanding! But not to fear: I've got ya covered.
In fact, 2 of my favorite Nougat features (in terms of what makes the nigh meaningful difference in my own day-to-day life) are things that fall right smack into that category.
The get-go is the newly present power to switch quickly between apps. Think of it like Alt-Tab for Android: With Nougat, you can just double-tap the Overview key to snap back and forth between your two well-nigh recently used apps or processes. It happens in a split second and makes a globe of departure in how like shooting fish in a barrel it is to multitask and go effectually your device.
The second is a seemingly subtle thing that makes my life significantly easier: the power to pin your virtually used apps to the top of Android's Share menu. That means the apps yous want to see kickoff will always appear at the acme of the list when you share something from anywhere in the arrangement.
You lot can pin multiple apps, too, and they'll announced at the top of the listing in alphabetical social club. It seems similar a petty thing, but it affects me more than times throughout the day than probably annihilation else new in Nougat.
Wait a sec, Sherlock: Isn't in that location something else that's dissimilar in the Overview interface?
Man -- I can't get anything by you! You're adept. No wonder we go forth then well.
Indeed, Android 7.0'south Overview menu has a couple of new touches. Commencement, the Overview screen now limits the number of recently used apps and processes shown then you lot don't go an overwhelming array of cards to endeavour to wrap your head around (one of my pet peeves since Android's Lollipop era).
And second, Nougat introduces a native "Clear All" control for those times when yous just can't stand the clutter and want everything out of sight. Simply scroll all the way to the top of the Overview list, tap the "Articulate All" text, and permit your OCD-ladled brain rest easy.
What about appearance? Will Nougat look any different from what I take now?
Information technology really depends on what version of Android you're coming from, merely by and large speaking, Nougat sticks with the overall aesthetic introduced in Lollipop and refined in Marshmallow and simply fine-tunes information technology even more. You might non fifty-fifty immediately exist aware of any obvious differences.
That being said, the notification and Quick Settings elements we talked virtually a minute ago are probably the biggest visual changes. The main organization settings menu too has a slightly updated look, with a new "Suggestions" section at the height and a newly added navigation bill of fare that makes information technology (slightly) easier to jump between sections.
Let's see...what else? Android 7.0 includes new emojis, and so there's that. It has a new option to increase the size of everything on your screen, for those of us prone to squinting (previous versions of Android only immune you to increase the size of text -- not all on-screen elements). And in that location'due south now a native fashion to ready different wallpapers for your home and lock screen, if you lot're so inclined (though it isn't particularly easy to command the two areas independently).
You hateful to tell me we're going from vi.0 to 7.0, and that's it? Surely there'due south something else new here, even if it isn't earth-shattering?
Well, yeah -- I mean, there's a smattering of random new and improved this-and-thats, if you lot're really gonna push the subject.
Drumroll, please:
- Data Saver. With Nougat, you can activate a Information Saver mode and so that any app running in the background won't be able to transport or receive information over your cellular connexion.
- New languages and multi-locale back up. Nougat knows a hundred new languages and a handful of new locales, then if U.Due south. English isn't your cup of tea, you lot can still go your message across. You tin can select multiple locales equally your system default, too, in case you go back and forth between unlike dialects and want your device to human action accordingly.
- Meliorate backup and restore. Android's backup and restore system has gotten pretty darn good over recent years, but Nougat delivers a bit more than punch to the parade. Specifically, Android 7.0 adds extra areas of device settings into the list of stuff that gets synced with your Google account and restored whenever you set upward a new phone -- things similar app permissions, accessibility settings, and Wi-Fi hotspot preferences.
- Seamless software updates (for certain new devices). Information technology won't affect existing phones, but "select" new devices running Nougat volition be able to become futurity software updates in the background -- without any waiting or user-facing hassles. It'south taking a folio from the Chrome Os book (imagine that!), though remember that in this instance, a manufacturer and/or carrier volition still have to approve and deploy any updates before they come through.
How about security? Anything new on that forepart?
Rest secured, my security-lovin' amigo: You shan't be disappointed.
Android 7.0 improves encryption past moving it to the file level (the full explanation gets pretty technical, but the of import thing is that it'southward a more secure way of doing things).
It as well lets yous allow apps to access only specific folders on your device instead of having to grant access to all of your local storage, and it introduces a new and improved Trusted Face system that makes your confront appear more trustworthy to friends, loved ones, and passersby.
Wait a minute...I think I got that last part wrong. The new Trusted Confront arrangement is actually just an comeback to the feature that lets you unlock your device with your smiling mug. The updated version is supposed to piece of work better in poor lighting weather condition and even with changes to your appearance (improver or removal of glasses, facial hair, clown noses, etc).
And functioning? Volition Nougat devices run faster? Last longer? Make me experience loved and attractive for who I am, even if I might have gained a few pounds over the past several months?
I mean, wait: Every operating system upgrade ever promises to provide better operation, stronger stamina, and more caress time when you lot're finished. Nougat is no exception: The latest version of Android has lots of impressive-sounding technical mumbo-jumbo that basically amounts to all those things you mentioned (aside from the loved and bonny office -- sorry, pal, but you're on your own there).
In reality, I doubt most people volition notice much of a departure. In my fourth dimension using Nougat (in its pre-release beta version over the past couple months, in its pre-beta preview form before that, and in its terminal release these by 24 hours or so), goose egg meaningfully unlike has jumped out at me. Just perhaps your mileage will vary.
Android 7.0 is supposed to include some crazy new VR bidness, idn't it?
Showtime of all, kudos on the hip lingo there. Replacing an "south" with a "d" is fashion overdue to become the Next Big Thing™ all the cool kids do.
You're admittedly right, though: Nougat does have some virtual reality, erm, bidness attached to it. Information technology'southward function of a new VR platform Google's creating chosen Daydream, just the reality (see what I did at that place?) is that information technology's not going to be relevant for virtually people -- and it'due south not going to touch anyone at all, period, for a while all the same.
Why? Here'south why: First, not many current phones (to put it mildly) have the hardware required to support Daydream. And 2d, Daydream itself isn't really ready yet.
Then what Android seven.0 really has is the framework for a time to come virtual reality platform -- a platform that'll likely come along afterward this year and be limited to a small number of phones for the moment. Zippo to get too excited most...yet.
Aren't there any new Nexus phones to go forth with this release?
Weird that we oasis't heard annihilation official on that front nonetheless, isn't it? Thus far, Google is staying mum about plans for new Nexus devices, but don't panic: It's highly likely we'll see a couple new phones straight from Googleland subsequently this yr.
Every bit for why the timing is different than usual this fourth dimension, all nosotros tin do is speculate. The crew at Android Central, nevertheless, did a fine chore of using facts and logic to make sense of the situation. If yous're interested in the nitty-gritty of what might be going on behind the scenes, their proposal is well worth reading.
The short answer, though, is that we'll virtually certainly have some new Nexus devices afterwards this autumn -- probably forth with a handful of new features in tow. And then hang tight.
Please, please, delight: Before nosotros commencement wrapping this matter upwardly, tell me nearly some deadening work-related crap Android 7.0 enables.
Zzzz......oh, sorry. Fell comatose earlier I could start answering.
Ah, but I jest. Enterprise uses of Android may non exist the sexiest subject in the globe, but for businesses relying on the operating system, they absolutely are of import. And then if you lot really, truly insist, permit'southward ability through that surface area existent quick.
Nougat has a handful of work-related improvements. To go along this entertaining for everyone, I recommend trying to read through the post-obit items in a single breath.
Gear up? Here we go (group inhale....):
- An always-on VPN feature
- The ability to apply security features to work apps without affecting the unabridged device
- The ability to search for work contacts in the dialer and messaging apps
- Admission to corporate directory contacts for incoming calls
- A new work mode setting that lets you disable work-related interruptions during personal time
- Better app and policy controls for admins
- QR code provisioning for new devices
- Digital TPS report cover sheets with a patented eLumbergh feature (if you have to inquire what that ways, concord your breath for an extra 12 seconds as penalization)
Whew! Did you make it? Nice work, squad. (And yeah, I fabricated that final one upwards. Just you lot take to admit, it'd be a greaaat improver. Yeaaaaaah.)
Okay, wise guy. So will my phone or tablet get Nougat, then? And if so, when?
The million-dollar question, eh? Every bit usual, it's up to each manufacturer to provide the upgrade to its phones and tablets -- and as usual, some manufacturers are improve than others when information technology comes to communicating with customers about their upgrade plans.
Heck, let's not cease there: Some manufacturers are too better than others at making upgrades a priority and getting them out to users in a reasonably timely manner. Check out my most contempo Android upgrade written report card to run across how the big players accept been stacking up lately.
Aside from Google'southward ain Nexus devices -- which are really the only Android phones you should consider if timely and reliable ongoing updates are truly important to yous -- nosotros don't have much in the manner of business firm timelines yet.
As for those Nexus devices, Google started the rollout process on Mon and will be continuing it in phases (as usual) over the next several weeks. The Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus ix, Nexus Player, Pixel C, and Android One General Mobile 4G are all on the list to exist updated over the coming month.
Will all the features and changes you mentioned actually come to my device?
Non necessarily. First of all, some of the features are hardware-dependent -- like all that VR bidness (did I use that right?) we were rapping about (seriously, practise I sound cool now?!) a while ago. And then those are things that'll be more relevant for new devices coming out downwardly the road than existing devices getting Nougat today.
Beyond that -- as nosotros've discussed countless times before -- Android's open up nature means manufacturers tin modify the software in unlike ways and put their own individual stamps on it. If y'all want the software as Google designed it, a Google Nexus device is the way to get. Other manufacturers do their own things -- which can be both practiced and bad, depending on the specific nature of the thing and what type of experience y'all adopt. But they don't always include everything Google's core software offers, specially when it comes to interface- and design-related elements.
For better and for worse, that's part of what you lot become when you purchase non-Nexus Android products -- and it's something you lot have to think most when you decide which type of device is right for you.
How do you lot pronounce Nougat, anyway? Is it "noo-GIT" or "noo-GUT"?
Neither; it'south "n'YOO-gaaaaaaaaaaat," followed by a guttural cough.
Is the nougat in three Musketeers real nougat?
No. It's a rare breed of onion mixed with a hint of peppered gecko egg.
Is there whatever connection between craving nougat and giving noogies?
Yes. Now for the love of Goog, go get me a damn candy bar.
Copyright © 2016 IDG Communications, Inc.
Source: https://www.computerworld.com/article/3110607/android-70-nougat-faq.html
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