Google launches Android 7.0 Nougat, Nexus devices receive it first

Google announced on Monday that it is rolling out a new version of its Android OS software to Nexus devices.

Over the next few weeks Android 7.0 Nougat will be available via an over-the-air software update for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus Player, Pixel C and Android One.

Those who enrolled in the Android Beta Program will also have access to the new version of the OS.

Nougat comes with 250 new features, including the ability to view two apps side-by-side, a new Bundled Notifications feature which will allow users to see all the notifications released by an app, as well as support for VulkanTM (an advanced 3D rendering API) and Daydream (Google’s platform for mobile virtual reality).

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Other notable new features of Android 7.0 include:

• Direct Reply: Gives users the ability to reply to notifications directly without the need to open any app.

• Quick Switch: Allows users to switch between two of their most recently used apps by double tapping the Overview button.

• Multi-locale support: Apps can tailor their content based on the locale settings of a user. So if someone speaks multiple languages, for instance, then search engines can show results in each of those languages.

• Quick Settings controls: Users now have the ability to control what tiles go where, and move them around to fit their needs.

• File-based encryption: A security feature which will better isolate and protect files for individual users on a device.

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” Today, we’ll begin rolling out Android 7.0 Nougat to Nexus devices,” said Android’s Sameer Samat.

“And with more ways to make Android your own, it’s by far our sweetest release yet.

“We took a different approach to building and launching Nougat this year. For starters, we invited developers to take a sneak peek at Android N back in March, so they could bring their apps to the new platform earlier.”