Android 7.0 Nougat starts rolling out to Nexus devices: Top features

NEW DELHI: Google has started rolling out its latest installment of Android, version 7.0, also christened as Nougat, which adds split-screen multitasking, quick-reply notifications, much better emoji, and other changes to your smartphone. Search giant Google announced the same on its official blog post.  "Today, we’ll begin rolling out Android 7.0 Nougat to Nexus devices. And with more ways to make Android your own, it’s by far our sweetest release yet," Google said. "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. Android Nougat reflects input from thousands of fans and developers all over the world. There are over 250 major features in Android Nougat," the company said. So anyone using the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G (Android One) should recieve software update to Android 7.0 Nougat soon. Any devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program will also receive the update. Here are interesting things you would love to know about Android Nougat and why it is one of the most important release for Google: Expanded emoji: There are now over 1,500 different emoji built into Android, including 72 new ones, so go ahead: express yourself. Quick Settings controls: Quick Settings gives you easy access to things like bluetooth, WiFi and the all-important flashlight. With Android Nougat, you can actually control what tiles go where, and move ‘em around to fit your needs. Multi-locale support: Apps can tailor their content based on your locale settings. So if you speak multiple languages, for instance, then search engines can show results in each of those languages. Multi-window: Run two apps side-by-side. The windows are resizable, too, by simply dragging the divider. Direct Reply: Reply directly to notifications without having to open any app. Quick Switch: Switch between your two most recently used apps by simply double tapping the Overview button. Daydream: Android Nougat is ready to transport you to virtual worlds with Daydream-ready phones, headsets and controllers — all coming later this year. File-based encryption: Android Nougat can better isolate and protect files for individual users on your device. Direct Boot: Direct Boot helps your device startup faster, and apps run securely even before you unlock your device when your device reboots.