Introduction to Android 7.0 Nougat
Released in the second half of 2016, Android 7.0 Nougat brought numerous features and improvements to enhance the user experience. This article explores the key features and enhancements introduced in Android 7.0, highlighting their impact on users and developers.
Key Features and Enhancements
Grouped Notifications
Grouped notifications allow users to manage notifications more efficiently by organizing them into relevant packages. These groups can be collapsed or expanded with a tap, providing a cleaner notifications panel.
Benefits:
- Easier identification and management of notifications
- Neatly sorts notifications on a per-app basis
Split-screen Mode
Split-screen mode enables users to run two apps simultaneously on the screen, making multitasking more efficient. Activate this feature by dragging and dividing the screen between two apps, with the option to resize each window.
Benefits:
- Enhanced productivity
- Available on more devices beyond Samsung's Galaxy line
Quick Settings Tiles
Quick Settings tiles have been enhanced, allowing users to swipe down twice to expand the tiles fully. Users can add new tiles and control the placement of elements on the panel.
Benefits:
- Quick access to required features
- Customizable options for each user
File System Permissions
Improved security features include file system permissions, preventing leakage of metadata from private files. This setting ensures apps cannot access personal data or know if a file exists in a private directory.
Benefits:
- Better protection of personal data
- Higher level of security compared to previous versions
Change Display Size
Users can now change the display size, including buttons, icons, and other controls. This feature is particularly beneficial for users with vision problems.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive customization of screen settings
- Enhanced user experience for those with vision impairments
Data Saver Mode
Data Saver mode helps users limit data usage by preventing background apps from accessing cell data when enabled.
Benefits:
- Control over which apps use data
- Prevents unnecessary data consumption
Picture-in-picture Mode
On Android TV, picture-in-picture mode allows users to continue watching videos while browsing or changing settings.
Benefits:
- Enhanced multitasking capabilities
- Seamless video watching experience
Direct Reply
Direct reply allows users to quickly respond to messages directly from the notification shade without launching the app.
Benefits:
- Saves time
- Efficient communication
Bundled Notifications
Bundled notifications group alerts from individual apps into a single line. Users can swipe down on a notification to view more details and interact with each alert.
Benefits:
- Cleaner and more organized notifications
- Quick interaction with each notification
Quick Settings Bar
The redesigned Quick Settings bar provides faster access to top Quick Settings tiles directly in the notification shade.
Benefits:
- Intuitive management of settings
- Quick toggling of settings
Customizable Quick Settings
Users can customize Quick Settings tiles by rearranging, deleting, or adding new tiles through the Pencil button near the top of the screen.
Benefits:
- Personalized settings panel
- Multiple pages of tiles for tailored workflows
Improved Settings Navigation
The redesigned Settings app offers suggestions and toggles for items users may want to set up or disable. A slide-out menu from the left side of the display allows easy navigation between categories.
Benefits:
- Easier navigation
- More intuitive management of device settings
Clear All Button
A clear-all button in Overview allows users to instantly close all open apps running in the background.
Benefits:
- Improved device performance
- Better battery life
Emergency Information
Users can add emergency information such as name, blood type, allergies, and an emergency contact, viewable through the device's lock screen.
Benefits:
- Enhanced safety
- Timely and appropriate care in emergencies
Lockscreen Wallpaper
Nougat introduced the ability to have different wallpapers on the homescreen and lockscreen.
Benefits:
- More customization options
- Enhanced device personalization
Unicode 9 Emoji
Nougat includes all-new emoji, including redesigned human emoji with multiple skin tones.
Benefits:
- More diverse and inclusive emojis
- Enhanced visual appeal in messaging
Direct Boot
Direct Boot helps devices start up faster and ensures important communications run even before the user inputs their password.
Benefits:
- Improved startup experience
- Immediate availability of essential functions
Seamless Software Updates
Seamless software updates allow OS updates to download in the background on select new devices.
Benefits:
- Reduced downtime
- Always up-to-date with the latest security patches and features
File-based Encryption
File-based encryption encrypts files at the file level, better isolating and protecting files for individual users on the device.
Benefits:
- Higher level of security
- Reduced risk of data breaches
Scoped Folder Access
Scoped folder access allows apps to request access to specific folders, which users can allow or deny.
Benefits:
- Enhanced security
- Reduced risk of data leakage
Trusted Face
Trusted face, part of Smart Lock, makes unlocking easier with a new face recognizer less sensitive to conditions like lighting and facial decorations.
Benefits:
- More reliable face recognition
- Easier device unlocking
Multi-locale Support
Multi-locale support in Settings allows users to tailor experiences for them, including showing search results in multiple languages.
Benefits:
- Personalized and localized experience
- Easier navigation in different languages
New Languages
Nougat includes support for new languages, making it more accessible to users worldwide.
Benefits:
- More inclusive and accessible
- Enhanced usability
Improved System Backup Coverage
Improved system backup coverage includes accessibility settings, run-time permissions for apps, Wi-Fi hotspot settings, and Wi-Fi network restrictions.
Benefits:
- Better backup and restore process
- Easier restoration of device settings
Variable Text-to-speech Speed
Variable text-to-speech speed allows users to adjust the speed of text-to-speech output.
Benefits:
- Enhanced accessibility
- More control over text-to-speech output
Mono Output
Mono output ensures audio output is optimized for users with single-ear hearing loss.
Benefits:
- Improved audio experience
- Better accessibility for users with hearing impairments
DPI Slider
The DPI slider allows users to resize on-screen content, making it easier for users with vision impairments to adjust display settings.
Benefits:
- More control over display settings
- Easier adjustment of on-screen elements
Android for Work Features
Android for Work features include an always-on VPN and a Work Mode setting that blocks work-related notifications after hours.
Benefits:
- Enhanced productivity and security
- Separation of work and personal activities
