Android 7 Nougat brings plenty of refinements to Google's popular mobile platform.
Multiwindow mode: New in Nougat is the ability to display two app windows at the same time, either side by side in a split-screen view or vertically, with one window on top and the other below. Adjust the dividing line between the two windows to make one app larger and one smaller. You can also drag and drop text or other elements from one window to another in multiwindow mode. And with Nougat and Android TV, you can pin a video on the screen while using an app.
Notifications: In the new Android OS, notifications are easier to work with. Respond directly in-line in a notification shade, including on the lockscreen, so you don't have to launch another app to respond. Nougat also groups related notifications so that they appear as a single notification, letting you see messages in context.
Quick Settings: Quick Settings provide access to common system settings like Wi-Fi. They are now customizable, letting you set which ones you want to see in the notification list.
Power management: Nougat builds on Marshmallow's battery-conservation techniques. It does a smarter job of saving energy when a device is unplugged but not in use, and limiting system activities to lessen power consumption.
Data savings: If you're concerned about cellular data usage, the Data Saver tool lets you set a limit on the amount of network data that specific apps use. You can block background data usage and force apps to use less data in the foreground when possible. The tool also lets you whitelist specific apps for background data usage.
Display size: For users with low or impaired vision, a new accessibility setting lets you change a device's display size, and you can blow up or shrink the elements on the screen.
Wait for the update: Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, and Pixel C devices owners should be able to adopt Nougat quickly. While Google is pushing handset makers and carriers to release Nougat more quickly than they have released Android updates in the past, if you own a non-Nexus Android device, you most likely will have to wait for Nougat.
Android overlays and bloatware: Google allows handset makers and carriers to bolt on their own custom interfaces and add apps to the Android OS. The changes let vendors differentiate their devices, but that means users have to navigate through a device-specific interface cluttered with unwanted cameras, calendars, and messaging apps. If you are seeking an unadulterated Android experience, look to an Nexus device.
Android 7's helpful refinements and additions -- including multiwindows, in-line notifications, and battery-saving tactics -- make Nougat a welcome update.
Google's Android Nougat is finally here for your Nexus phone and tablet.
Now that Android 7 Nougat is available it is easily downloaded and installed. However, not all Android devices support it. Generally speaking, the newer your phone, the more likely it is to either already have it installed or can install it now.
What phones support Android 7?
If you have a Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Huawei P9 or Honor 8, there is a good chance you have the latest version already installed. It is also pre-loaded on the Google Pixel and Pixel XL. It is also available on the e LG G5, Moto Z and Moto Z Force, Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus phones as well as Sony's Xperia X and Xperia X Compact.
Backing up your phone before installing Android 7
Before embarking on installing Android 7, it is always a good idea to back up your device. While Nougat is a stable operating system, if anything goes wrong, you will have something to fall back on. To do this go to Settings, then tap Backup & reset to ensure both Backup my data and Automatic restore are ticked.
It is also vitally important that any photos you have taken are also backed up. To do this, connect your phone via a USB cable to your computer (PC/Mac) and open up a folder window and look for a folder named DCIM. Then copy the content to your computer's hard drive.
Update check
Once this is done, you can start the update process. For a lot of devices, Nougat will be pushed to them over the air, this means you should see a notification of availability. That said, you can also manually check by going to the Settings page, scrolling down until you see the option About Phone.
Tap on that and choose System Updates or Software updates. You'll see your update status. Follow any on-screen steps.
Force an update
Another way of getting Android 7 is by opting into the Android Beta program. The beta for 7.1.2 is gradually rolling out to the following enrolled devices: Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, and Pixel C. Most vendors are still in the process of deploying Android 7.0, so don't expect to see 7.1.1 or 7.1.2 anytime soon.
To get an update to the latest version of Android, go to the Android Beta program portal on your Nexus or Pixel C devices, sign into your Google account that is linked to the device, choose the device you want to enrol in the program and then follow the instructions to accept and download the code.
Downloading Android 7
Once you have manually checked if an update is available or you have received a notification, the new operating system can be downloaded and installed. Before installing, make sure you are connected to Wi-Fi and has enough battery power to complete things. It is recommended that the device is plugged into a charger. Once downloaded and installed your device should be ready to use.