Android N, one of the most revolutionary versions of Google's mobile operating system, hit the market after months of rumors, expectations, and intense internal and developer testing. Although in its early stages it was only available for a selection of Nexus devices, its improvements and new features marked a turning point in the Android ecosystem. Below is a detailed, thorough, and exhaustive guide to the What's new and what's new in Android N, integrating the most relevant contributions from the main specialized analyses and delving into each section to offer the most complete source of information possible.
Android N not only represented a leap forward in the user experience, but also in app development, security, battery life, and overall device efficiency. Here, we break down everything you need to know to fully understand the full scope of this update.
Key new features of Android N
- Split-screen multitasking (multi-window): Actual simultaneous use of two applications.
- Direct reply and grouped notifications: Improvements to notification management, grouping, and action.
- Battery and performance optimization: New version of Doze, Project Svelte, and advanced RAM management.
- Support for Java 8, Vulkan API and Daydream VR: What's new for developers and power users.
- Quick Access and Settings Redesign: More control and customization.
- Enhanced Security: Ransomware blocking, permission enforcement, and protection against malicious apps.
True multitasking: split screen on smartphones and tablets
One of the most anticipated and best received innovations by Android users was, without a doubt, the multi-window modeThis feature, previously reserved for certain customization layers (such as Samsung's on its high-end tablets and mobile phones), has finally been natively integrated into the operating system.
- How does it work?: It allows you to open and use two applications at the same time, either in portrait or landscape orientation, sharing the screen in variable proportions according to the user's preference. Window sizes can be adjusted by dragging the dividing bar.
- Use cases: Compose messages while browsing, watch videos and take notes, view maps, and interact on social media simultaneously.
- Easy Activation: Simply press and hold the recent apps button and select the desired apps.
- Compatibility: Available on both smartphones and tablets, and has been extended to Android TV using Picture-in-Picture (PIP) mode, allowing you to watch videos in a floating window while browsing other menus.
- Drag and drop: Support for transferring text or data between apps (depending on app compatibility).
This functionality represented a significant advance in productivity for professional, educational and entertainment environments, positioning Android N as a robust alternative for real multitasking compared to other platforms.
Revamped Notifications: Direct Reply and Smart Grouping
Android N represented a substantial evolution in notification management, one of the most valued aspects of the mobile experience:
- Direct response: Now it is possible reply to messages (WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS, Hangouts, etc.) directly from the notification, without having to open the app. This streamlines interaction and improves efficiency, especially for urgent messaging and communications.
- Grouped notifications: When an app generates multiple notifications, they are automatically grouped together. By expanding them (using a gesture), you can manage them individually. This is especially useful in messaging, email, or social media apps, reducing clutter and making management easier.
- New visual design: Notifications now fill the entire screen, displaying more comprehensive information at a glance. Plus, shortcuts (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, flashlight, etc.) are fully customizable.
- Advanced management: From the notification itself, you can access individual settings for each type of notification, mute or prioritize notifications, and fully customize the experience.
Improved Doze and Project Svelte: Greater autonomy and energy efficiency
Battery life is one of the critical aspects of any mobile device. Android N introduced an advanced version of Pickups, the power optimization system introduced in Android 6 Marshmallow:
- Doze on the move: Unlike the previous version, which only activated power saving when the device was completely asleep, Doze now activates every time the screen is off, even if we carry the phone in our pocket or backpack.
- Wakelock reduction: Minimizes resource consumption of background processes by closing or throttling non-essential processes while prioritizing only critical notifications.
- Project Svelte: In addition, RAM management was optimized through an evolution of Project Svelte (inherited from KitKat). This means less resource usage and better performance even on devices with more modest technical specifications.
- Visible results: Greater daily autonomy, more evenly spaced charging cycles and sustained efficiency even when the phone is intensively multitasking.
Security Innovations: Protection Against Threats and Ransomware
User security and privacy were strengthened in Android N, which adopted both preventive and reactive measures against malware, ransomware attacks, and the risk of data loss:
- Barriers against ransomware: Controls and restrictions have been implemented to prevent malicious apps from changing passwords or blocking access to the device. When using a PIN, unlock pattern, or fingerprint, protection is even greater.
- Permissions update and sandboxing: Apps have more granular permission controls, and the system actively manages them. Furthermore, malicious apps lose access to critical areas of the system.
- Security updates: The system received faster and more transparent update mechanics, allowing patches and fixes to be installed without requiring long reboots or losing use of the device.
- Safe operation of external APKs: Android N now reports the installation source of each app, helping users identify software downloaded outside of Google Play and making it easier to detect potential risks.
Advanced developer support: Java 8, Vulkan API, and more
Android N was a particularly significant release for the developer community:
- Java 8 Support: Switching from the Apache Harmony environment to OpenJDK enabled access to the advantages of the Java 8 language, enabling code portability, the use of new libraries, lambdas, and other modern features that facilitate efficient and maintainable programming.
- Vulkan API: One of the biggest breakthroughs in graphics, allowing for advanced rendering and high-end 3D gaming, bringing the experience on par with that of consoles and PCs.
- Daydream VR: Google's virtual reality platform is born, with both software and hardware requirements and geared toward high-quality immersive experiences, from games to educational and multimedia applications.
- Optimization and new APIs: API level 24 has been released for full integration with Android Studio, allowing you to take full advantage of all the improvements and new features brought by Android N.
These features represented a qualitative leap in app development, both in terms of performance and creative possibilities.
Settings panel, quick access and customization
Android N completely overhauled the system settings panel, improving usability:
- New side menu: It allows much faster access to all sections of the system, navigating between settings without having to leave each screen.
- Status display: Relevant information about the current setting status is displayed before entering (such as exact battery level, connected networks, etc.).
- Customizable shortcuts: Quick accesses can be reordered, added, or removed according to the user's preference.
- Advanced data management: The "Data Saver" option has been integrated to control mobile data usage, allowing you to select which apps can use the network in the background.
- Multi-language and accessibility: Android N allows you to configure multiple preferred languages and makes it easy to access and adjust accessibility options from the first boot of your device.
Improvements to keyboard, emojis, and user experience
- More customizable keyboard: New support for customizing colors, adding backgrounds, and improving the visual experience.
- Updated emojis: Unicode 9 support, more inclusive icons (diversity, professions, genders), and different skin tones.
- Quick replies and bubble notifications: New APIs allow messaging apps to display floating chat bubbles, improving the management of multiple conversations.
Improved performance and efficient system upgrade
- Just-in-Time (JiT) Compiler: Android N incorporates a new JiT compiler that improves app installation and update speed, reduces app pre-optimization after a system update, and speeds up device startup after each update.
- Simplified OTA updates: Inspired by Chrome OS, the system downloads and applies updates in the background, making restarting after an update much faster.
- Direct boot: Essential apps can be prepared and running before the user unlocks the device, improving the initial experience after a boot or restart.
Other notable technical improvements
- Support for secure directories: Apps can be given permissions to access only specific folders, increasing security.
- Support for enterprise developers (Android for Work): New options for remote device management, personal/work contact integration, always-on VPN mode, and advanced QR code configuration.
- New visual design of the settings: Clearer information, smart suggestions, and the ability to enable accessibility from the very first launch.
- Picture-in-Picture (PIP) on Android TV: Support for viewing a floating window while navigating through multiple apps or menus.
Availability, update and compatible devices
- Final version: Following the Developer Preview phases, the final version was first distributed on Nexus and Pixel devices, and then gradually rolled out to mobile phones and tablets from other manufacturers.
- Compatibility: The Nexus 5X, 6, 6P, 9, Nexus Player and Pixel C were able to access the developer version and the first updates.
- Nexus 5 excluded: For the first time, one of Google's most popular devices has been left off the official update list, setting a trend for future versions.
- Progressive update: As usual, older devices and those purchased through carriers may take longer to receive the new version, or may not even receive it officially.
Android N FAQ
- How do I activate multi-window mode?
From the recent apps menu, long press the desired app and drag it to the top or side (depending on the screen orientation). - Are all devices supported?
It depends on the manufacturer, model, and age. Recent mid-range and high-end devices usually receive the update, while older devices may be left out due to technical limitations. - Can I go back if I'm not satisfied with the update?
Downgrading is not recommended unless you are an advanced user, as it involves losing data and performing advanced procedures. - Who gets the update first?
Google devices (Nexus, Pixel) and "Android One" models are usually the first. The rest depend on the manufacturer and carrier.
Curiosities and historical context: the evolution of Android to N
Android N (Nougat) marked the end of a stage in which the The name of each version was associated with a sweet. In addition, it meant the consolidation of Material Design and the full maturity of the system:
- Material Design: Consistent visual aesthetics and smooth animations at 30 and 60 fps.
- Android 6 Marshmallow: Introduced granular permissions, original Doze, and support for fingerprint readers.
- Android 5 Lollipop: The turning point in design and the foundation for the new era of Android.
Android N solidified Android's leadership as the world's most widely used mobile operating system, with an overwhelming global market share, and became a benchmark in intelligent resource management, security, and customization, laying the groundwork for successive, more advanced versions.