Google releases Android 7.0 Nougat: what's new in your pocket
By Chris C., August 26 2016
Android smartphone and tablet users can begin upgrading to Google’s latest Android 7.0 Nougat software this week, unleashing many new features to make multitasking, global roaming and conserving your battery life much easier.
Top of the list: native Android OS support for running two apps simultaneously on the one screen.
While some Samsung and LG phones already have a similar function, this update extends multitasking to all Android devices. For instance, you can email a client while you cross-check a document in Google Drive, or flick through emails while watching a movie.
Switching between apps also becomes easier by double tapping on the ‘recent apps’ button, and if you’re bilingual, you can switch keyboard languages by a single click on the globe icon:
The ‘quick settings’ menu can now also be customised with your most-used settings, so for business travellers, move the on/off switches for WiFi, mobile data, Bluetooth, airplane mode and ‘do not disturb’ front and centre, plus the flashlight which can come in handy.
Then there’s ‘Data Saver’, which you can also add to that menu – switch it on and your apps won’t have access to mobile data when running in the background.
A great setting to activate when you’re roaming, it means that the app you’re using can still access the mobile data network (such as Uber when ordering a car), but that other apps like email and social media won’t tear through your data when left unattended.
Also take a look at ‘Doze on the Go’ – an improvement on the original ‘Doze’ feature which automatically puts your phone into low power mode to save battery, but with Doze on the Go, your phone will know to do that when it’s moving about in your pocket or purse, too.
Rounding out the new features, the ability to quickly reply to messages and alerts from whatever screen you’re on without opening an app itself, 72 new emojis and future support for Virtual Reality mode on Daydream-ready phones.
Also read: First look at Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 stylus smartphone
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Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Oct 2014
Total posts 687
"Android smartphone and tablet users can begin upgrading to Google’s latest Android 7.0 Nougat software this week, unleashing many new features to make multitasking, global roaming and conserving your battery life much easier."
On 'selected' devices only, Chris.
"While some Samsung and LG phones already have a similar function, this update extends multitasking to all Android devices." Sorry, but my Nexus 7.0 hasn't even been offered an update from V5.1.1 to 6.0, let alone 7.0 - and that's a Google product. I also have an old HTC Legend sitting in a drawer. I'd be delighted to know how to upgrade that particular device.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2424
Note the phrase 'begin to' as opposed to 'can now' – it's up to your manufacturer as to when the upgrade is cleared for your device, although the latest version is now on public release.
The update extends the functionality described once installed.
We've removed your opening personal remark, kindly keep conversation constructive – and if you have concerns to express about our editorial, you're welcome to contact our editor (or myself) directly.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Oct 2014
Total posts 687
Sorry, Chris - but I stand by my original post.
Your OP is written in such a manner to imply that anyone running an Android device can run out sometime this week and upgrade to Android 7 Nougat. That is patently incorrect.
While the update is available now, it is 'model specific' and is primarily only available to current Google Nexus devices; the 5X, 6P, 6, 9, Pixel C, and Nexus Player.
Users of Samsung, HTC and many other devices will have to wait until these partners approve the code for their devices. HTC MTC 8 users, for instance, will not be able to upgrade at all, despite this being a relatively recent device. Those partners that proceed through the approval process will see Nougat delivered as a 'maintenance update' - and that could take months before users see it.
Further, I did not question the 'functionality' options contained in your article, so I am at a loss as to why you make separate reference to this in your reply.
Whilst I understand your enthusiasm for the updated operating system and it's new functionality features, the article ignores minimum requirements (hardware) to upgrade and fails to mention which devices are capable of upgrade. A little research would have tempered the article and produced a more informative - and accurate - article.
In any case, multi-taking on a 5" or 5.5" screen? Why would you bother? A tablet is a different matter, though.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Mar 2014
Total posts 31
Interesting list of "new" features, i.e. I'm a bit confused.
The "recent apps" button is not new - most phones which had the three button console on the screen (rather than externally on the phone, which seems to be going out of fashion these days), the right most button was frequently the app switcher, and only needed a single tap. Unless, I've got the wrong Android or what not.
The globe icon available when using the keyboard to switch between languages is not new. I used it on my Android previously across a number of ROMs - in fact, it was odd sometimes to be writing in one language then accidently "thumb" the globe icon (instead of space) and suddenly the keys shifted...
I'm not sure about all flavours of Android OS, but several of them allowed changing of the quick settings icons (i.e. in the pulldown), both the contents and the order/layout of icons. So that's not exactly new.
In any case, as mentioned it will be up to the respective manufacturers to push out the new Android ROMs for their respective supported devices. In the gradual process of doing so, there may be differences to the user interface across the brands which may mean that some of the "new features" discussed here may not necessarily be available, or at least in the exact form as that of the stock ROM.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2424
Hi SBP, these changes relate to the general, master release version of Android 7.0 Nougat. As some manufacturers choose to customise the master version with their own added functionality (as noted in the section on multitasking), some features might already be available to some Android users – the update, however, makes these features standard across all devices running 7.0.
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