Android 7.0 Nougat: All the new features, benefits, and improvements in detail

Android 7.0 Nougat Nougat represents one of the most ambitious and comprehensive updates to Google's operating system for mobile devices and tablets. The arrival of this version marked a significant leap in terms of features, performance, efficiency, and customization, being the first step in integrating the system with new trends such as virtual reality, advanced graphics optimization, and new forms of multitasking interaction. Although Nougat was initially available for Nexus and Pixel C devices, it has progressively been implemented by other brands and models, providing an improved user experience and access to advanced features. productivity and security unpublished until then. In this complete guide, you will discover in detail all the New features, improvements, advanced tricks, advantages, and hidden features of Android 7.0 Nougat which make it a reference operating system even today.

Android 7.0 Nougat: An evolutionary leap in the Android ecosystem

nougat Not only was it a further update, but it also introduced More than 250 improvements and changes compared to previous versions such as Android 6.0 MarshmallowSince its implementation, developers and users have been able to check the depth of its new features, as it incorporates advanced options for the Personalization, productivity, application management, energy efficiency and the overall user experience. Below, we explore each of these innovations in depth.

Native Multi-Window and Split Screen: Real Productivity on Android

One of the most anticipated and celebrated functions was the introduction of the native multi-window On Android. Until then, only a few customization layers, such as those from Samsung, allowed two apps to be opened simultaneously, and always with limitations. Android 7.0 Nougat officially and universally integrates the ability to run two applications at the same time on a single screen, which translates into true multitasking from the core of the system itself.

With multi-window, the user can:

• Display two apps side by side or on top of each other (depending on the device orientation).
• Resize the size of each window dragging the splitter bar between both apps.
• Drag and drop text between supported applications, a key enhancement for office work, email, and messaging.
• Activate multi-window mode from the recent apps view or with a long press on the task button.
• Enjoy three different vertical display formats and one horizontally, according to preference.

Thanks to this feature, you can watch a YouTube video while responding to WhatsApp messages, check your email and take notes at the same time, or compare files and documents in real time.

The behavior of the “Back” and “Home” buttons intelligently adapts to multi-window mode to make it easier to manage active apps.

Fast switching between apps and better multitasking controls

Android 7.0 Nougat allows a Instant switching between the last two open applications Simply double-tap the recent apps button. This is equivalent to the classic "ALT+TAB" on computers and is a significant time saver for those who work across multiple tools.

Multitasking management is further enhanced with the ability to:

• Close all open applications at once using the button "Erase everything" in the recent apps view.
• Preview each open application in a larger format.
• Quickly access detailed information about an app by long-pressing its icon.

These improvements make Android a much more efficient platform for everyday work and leisure.

Revamped notification system: quick replies and grouped notifications

Android Nougat takes the notification system to a new level of usability:

• Notifications grouped by application, allowing, for example, all WhatsApp messages to appear together and can be expanded to manage each one individually.
• Direct reply from the notification bar for messages and other interactions, without having to open the app.
• New minimalist and functional design of the notification bar, eliminating card formatting and optimizing the view.
• Quick access to notification settings by swiping or long-pressing on the message.
• possibility of set priorities for notifications, ensuring that the most important ones stay at the top and don't get lost among the rest.

Advanced settings and customization of notifications

The user can adjust the importance of each notice from the System UI Configurator > Other > Notification power controls. Additionally, if you're downloading files or apps, you can cancel the download directly from the notification itself.

Quick settings bar and customizable controls

Along with the renewed notification bar, a new one is integrated quick settings minibar at the top, accessible by swiping down. This bar allows you to:

• Instant access to the most used features (WiFi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode, flashlight, etc.).
• Customize, remove, or rearrange quick settings to the user's taste.
• Include third-party developed settings and access new features from the bar itself.
• Check battery status and activate energy saving from a shortcut.

Doze on the Go: Better battery management and smart battery saving

Android 7.0 Nougat significantly improves battery consumption thanks to improved and expanded system PickupsWhile in Android 6.0 it was only activated when the device was still, Nougat extends power savings even when the phone is in motion, such as in a pocket or backpack..

Among its advantages are:

• Dramatically reduced standby power consumption, even if the device is moving but not actively in use.
• Disable syncing, Wi-Fi, network scanning, and other background tasks while preserving important notifications.
• Perfect complement to some manufacturers' own saving modes.
• Greater daily autonomy, extending battery life between charges.

Project Svelte and ART JIT: Performance Optimization and Memory Management

The overall performance of the system also takes a leap forward thanks to the implementation of two major technical innovations:

• Project Svelte: Optimizes RAM usage, especially with background applications. This results in smoother performance even on devices with limited memory.
• ART runtime with JIT (just-in-time) compilation: Installing and updating apps takes less time and takes up less space. Apps are dynamically compiled while running, and frequently used parts are automatically optimized in the background while the device is charging.

These advances have a direct impact on a faster, more stable system with a better user experience, both when opening apps and when navigating between them.

Direct Boot and Background Updates

Nougat introduces a feature called Direct Boot, which allows the device Start up faster and basic applications work before fully unlocking the deviceThis is useful for receiving calls, alarms, messages, and critical notifications even at startup.

On the other hand, Nougat-compatible phones can perform background system updates ("seamless" updates), so they are downloaded, installed, and applied on a separate partition, requiring only a brief reboot to activate them. This reduces the wait time after each major update, and users don't have to wait through lengthy application optimization processes after an update.

Advanced graphics enhancements: Vulkan API and VR support

Android 7.0 Nougat prepares the operating system for the next-generation video games and graphic applications. It incorporates as standard the Low-level Vulkan API, providing direct access to the graphics power of GPUs. This allows:

• Get higher-quality graphics and advanced visual effects in supported games and apps.
• Smoother, faster graphics performance in demanding games, comparable to what current consoles offer.
• Support for graphics engines such as Unity or Unreal with new development possibilities.

In addition, native support for platforms is advanced. virtual reality (Daydream VR), facilitating the development and enjoyment of immersive experiences from pure Android.

Full-featured file explorer and storage features

Android Nougat improves the native file explorer, now allowing advanced actions such as:

• Create, move, copy, and rename files and folders without needing third-party applications.
• Manage files downloaded, transferred via Bluetooth, or generated by apps.
• Visualize and manage storage efficiently.

These features make Nougat a much more self-sufficient option, even for advanced users.

Custom wallpapers and interface changes

For the first time in the official version of Android, Nougat allows Use different wallpapers for the home and lock screens, increasing the customization options. It also introduces the option to adjust the screen density (DPI) directly from the settings, making it easy for users to adapt the size of icons and graphic elements to their preferences.

Advanced multi-local and multi-language support

One of the most appreciated new features for users from different regions is the multi-local support. The user can:

• Select multiple primary languages ​​for apps to recognize in order of preference.
• View apps in Spanish, English, Galician, Catalan, Basque, and other languages, regardless of the system language.
• Choose from new official languages, such as Galician on Nexus devices.

This is ideal for bilingual families, travelers, or people who use international apps.

New emojis, accessibility settings, and customization

Android 7.0 features 72 new emojis In addition to the existing ones, which are compatible with Unicode 9.0 and feature a new skin tone selector for greater diversity, many of the emoji have been redesigned to appear more human and expressive.

In terms of accessibility, options are included for increase or decrease the size of the interface and text through a simple configuration adjustment, making it easy for people with vision problems to use.

The quick settings bar, shortcuts, and other parts of the interface are now fully customizable, allowing the device to be adapted to the needs of each user.

Data usage manager and intelligent background app control

Nougat incorporates a optimized data manager which restricts background data usage for apps, giving the option to turn on the data saver from Settings > Data Usage, which helps you avoid additional charges and better control consumption on limited plans.

If the user runs out of data or the connection is disabled, the status bar displays an X on the coverage icon to warn of the lack of connectivity.

General UI improvements

The basis of Material Design It is still valid, but with Redesigned settings, menus, and navigation bar to improve usability. A side menu in settings to quickly jump between sections, alerts about disabled important settings, and helpful tips in each section. The overall design is cleaner, more direct, and informative.

Notices and solutions for apps that stop working

When an app crashes or closes unexpectedly, Android 7.0 displays a pop-up window with the option to reopen the app or close it permanentlyIf the problem persists, you are advised to close the app to avoid system crashes.

Other new features and security improvements

• Chrome as WebView: Now, if Chrome is installed, it is used to display web content within other apps, improving speed and RAM usage.
• Improved screen pinning: To exit a pinned app, simply long press “Back”.
• Direct access to the settings of each app from the system settings.
• View the installation source of an app (Google Play Store or manual APK).
• Java 8 and OpenJDK: The system adopts a more modern and efficient development platform, facilitating the creation of advanced and secure apps.
• Easter egg: Android Nougat includes its traditional easter egg, this time with a cat-related minigame, accessible from the device settings.
• Secure Folder (on supported devices): To store private information under password.
• Always On Display (on supported models): Advanced customization of the always-on display.
• Camera app improvements and quick photography shortcuts, especially in brands that have adapted Nougat to their terminals.

Fragmentation and Availability: Challenges in Android 7.0 Nougat Adoption

Despite its advantages, one of the traditional problems of the Android ecosystem is the fragmentationWhile Nougat has been rolling out quickly to Nexus and Pixel devices, its arrival on other manufacturers' devices depends on each brand's schedule and updates for the different models. You can check the official versions and expectations on its deployment and compatibility.

As is often the case, most devices latest generation receive the update earlier, while older or lower-end models may be excluded or experience significant delays. Hence, it's important to regularly check for available updates for your model and assess compatibility with the latest security and productivity features.