Android 7.0 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 forward in terms of features, performance, efficiency, and customization, serving as the first step in integrating the system with emerging trends such as virtual reality, advanced graphics optimization, and new forms of multitasking. Although initially available for Nexus and Pixel C devices, Nougat has been progressively implemented by other brands and models, providing an enhanced user experience and access to previously unseen productivity and security features. In this comprehensive guide, you will discover in detail all the new features, improvements, advanced tips, advantages, and hidden functionalities of Android 7.0 Nougat that make it a benchmark operating system even today.
Android 7.0 Nougat: An evolutionary leap in the Android ecosystem
Nougat wasn't just another update; it introduced over 250 improvements and changes compared to previous versions like Android 6.0 Marshmallow . Since its release, developers and users have been able to experience the depth of its new features, as it incorporates advanced options for customization, productivity, application management, energy efficiency , and overall user experience. Below, we explore each of these innovations in detail.
Native Multi-Window and Split Screen: Real Productivity on Android
One of the most anticipated and celebrated features was the introduction of native multi-window support in Android. Until then, only some custom interfaces, such as Samsung's, allowed two apps to be opened simultaneously, and always with limitations. Android 7.0 Nougat officially and universally integrates the ability to run two apps at once on a single screen , resulting in true multitasking from the system's core.
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 you to instantly switch between the two most recently opened apps simply by double-tapping the recent apps button. This is equivalent to the classic "ALT+TAB" on computers and represents a significant time saving for those who work with multiple applications.
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 notification from the System UI Configurator > Other > Notification Power Controls. Additionally, if files or apps are being downloaded, the download can be canceled directly from the notification itself.
Quick settings bar and customizable controls
Alongside the redesigned notification bar, a mini quick settings bar is integrated 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 the enhanced and expanded Doze system . While in Android 6.0 it only activated when the device was stationary, Nougat extends power saving 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 to boot faster and basic applications to run before the device is fully unlocked . This is useful for receiving calls, alarms, messages, and critical notifications even at startup.
On the other hand, Nougat-compatible phones can perform system updates in the background ("seamless"), meaning they are downloaded, installed, and applied in a separate partition, requiring only a brief restart to activate them. This reduces waiting time after each major update, and users don't have to endure lengthy app optimization processes after an update.
Advanced graphics enhancements: Vulkan API and VR support
Android 7.0 Nougat prepares the operating system for next-generation video games and graphics applications . It incorporates the low-level Vulkan API by default , 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 virtual reality platforms (Daydream VR) is being advanced , 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 an official Android release, Nougat allows users to use different wallpapers for the home and lock screens , increasing customization options. It also introduces the option to adjust screen density (DPI) directly from the settings, making it easier for users to customize the size of icons and graphic elements to their liking.
Advanced multi-local and multi-language support
One of the most appreciated new features for users in different regions is 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 introduces 72 new emojis in addition to the existing ones, all compatible with Unicode 9.0 and accompanied by a new skin tone selector for greater diversity. Many of the emojis have been redesigned to look more human and expressive.
Regarding accessibility, options are included to increase or decrease the size of the interface and text through a simple adjustment in the settings, making it easier for people with visual impairments to use.
The quick settings bar, shortcuts, and other parts of the interface are now fully customizable , allowing you to adapt the device to your individual needs.
Data usage manager and intelligent background app control
Nougat incorporates an optimized data manager that restricts background data usage for applications, giving the option to activate data saver from Settings > Data usage, which helps avoid extra 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 core Material Design principles remain, but with redesigned settings, menus, and navigation bar for improved usability. A side menu has been introduced in settings for quickly switching between sections, alerts for important settings have been disabled, and helpful suggestions are now available in each section. The overall design is cleaner, more direct, and more 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 permanently . If the problem persists, you are prompted to close the app to prevent 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 fragmentation . Although Nougat began rolling out quickly on Nexus and Pixel devices, its arrival on other manufacturers' devices depends on each brand's schedule and the updates for different models. You can check the official versions and expectations regarding its rollout and compatibility.
As is usually the case, most newer devices receive the update first , while older or lower-end models may be excluded or experience significant delays. Therefore, it's important to regularly check for available updates for your model and assess compatibility with the latest security and productivity features.
