Android Nougat: Google releases new mobile operating system, saying it is its ‘sweetest yet’
The company has allowed people to play with Android 7.0 ahead of its release, and it was first unveiled in June
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Google is releasing the new version of Android – to some people.
Android Nougat is being sent out to people’s phones around the world from today.
It will initially arrive on Google’s own Nexus devices first, and soon arrive on the upcoming LG V20. Other phones will have to wait until their carriers and manufacturers decide to make it available – potentially leaving them open to big security problems.
The new version of Android brings new features including better battery life, more emojis and virtual reality compatibility that sits alongside a whole host of VR tools.
Google said that there are more than 250 major new features in the newest version of Android, which is officially version 7.0.
But the primary new tools include expanded emoji, quick settings controls that can be easily accessed to change settings and the ability to run two apps side-by-side. It also has new battery tools, which allow the phone to drop into a special lower power usage mode that will let it last for longer.
It also brings new security features, meant to make Android better at keeping data private. Many of those features are locked to new devices, but they allow phones to automatically store information in the background and make sure that files are encrypted so they can’t easily be read by people.
Some people have already been able to use those features, since Google this year allowed developers to try out the software before it was actually released. That should have allowed them to ensure that apps are all up to date for the new operating system, making it run more smoothly from the off.
For everyone else, the software will roll out gradually. All of the recent Nexus devices will be updated over-the-air, and others will come with time.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments