Android Nougat

Android Nougat also known as Android 7.0 and 7.1, was the seventh major version of the Android operating system, released by Google. It introduced several new features, enhancements, and improvements over its predecessor, Android Marshmallow (6.0). Android Nougat was officially announced in March 2016 and was first released in August 2016. Here are some of the key features and changes introduced in Android Nougat:

1. Multi-Window Support: Android Nougat introduced native support for running multiple apps side by side on larger screens, such as tablets and Android TV. This feature allowed users to run two apps simultaneously in split-screen mode or use a picture-in-picture mode for video playback.

2. Improved Notifications: Notifications received significant improvements, including the ability to reply directly to messages and emails from within the notification shade. Users could also group notifications from the same app together, making it easier to manage them.

3. Quick Settings Customization: Users could customize the Quick Settings panel by rearranging and adding toggles for commonly used functions like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and screen brightness.

4. Doze on the Go: Building on the Doze feature introduced in Android Marshmallow, Android Nougat improved power efficiency even when the device was in motion. This helped extend battery life.

5. Vulkan API Support: Android Nougat introduced support for the Vulkan API, which provided better graphics performance and allowed developers to create more advanced and visually appealing games and apps.

6. Direct Boot: Android Nougat introduced a feature called “Direct Boot” that allowed certain apps to run securely even before the user enters their PIN or pattern after a device restart. This ensured that critical functions like alarms and accessibility services remained operational during the boot process.

7. Enhanced Data Saver: Users could enable Data Saver mode to restrict background data usage for specific apps, helping to reduce mobile data usage and save on data costs.

8. Virtual Reality (VR) Mode: Android Nougat included native support for virtual reality applications through the Daydream VR platform. This allowed developers to create VR experiences for compatible Android devices.

9. App Shortcuts: Android Nougat introduced the concept of app shortcuts, which allowed developers to create shortcuts to specific app functions or actions directly from the home screen. Users could access these shortcuts by long-pressing the app icon.

10. Improved Accessibility: Accessibility features were enhanced in Android Nougat, including screen readers, magnification gestures, and improved support for Braille devices.

11. Security Updates: Android Nougat included various security enhancements, including regular monthly security updates to protect devices from vulnerabilities.

12. Emoji Redesign: The emoji set in Android Nougat received a redesign with over 70 new emoji characters.

13. Seamless Updates (7.1+): Android Nougat 7.1 and later introduced “seamless updates” for certain devices, making the process of updating the Android OS smoother and more efficient.

Android Nougat represented a significant step forward in terms of features and user experience for the Android platform. It brought improvements in multitasking, notifications, power efficiency, and overall usability. However, it has since been succeeded by newer Android versions, each introducing its own set of features and enhancements.