Google shared more details about its forthcoming Android N operating system at the Google I/O 2016 Keynote, which took place at the Shoreline Amphitheater in California. Google VP of Engineering, Dave Burke explained among many features, users can expect improvements in performance, security and productivity with Android N.
Android N Performance
Android N will introduce Vulkan API to improve gaming playback. With Vulkan API on Android N, users can expect gaming app installation to be 75 percent faster than on the previous OS, Android Marshmallow. On benchmark tests, overall gaming performance should be 30 to 60 percent faster, according to Burke. Application file sizes will also be up to 50 percent smaller, which will help with battery life.
Android N Security
Android N will introduce file based encryptions, meaning the OS will allow users to encrypt files of their choosing, instead of the whole device. Media framework hardening will allow Android N to prevent small bugs from being major insecurities. Android N will also include more seamless background updates, which will allow the device to be used for other functions simultaneously. Users will no longer see the “android is updating” notification, which blocks them from performing other functions on a device while it it updating.
Android N Productivity
Android N will boast many multitasking features, including Split screen and Picture-in-Picture. The former allows users to view two applications at once on a smartphone or tablet. The latter enables users to see a screen within a screen while using Android TV on a TV set.
Google is also improving its recents tab in Android N. The OS will allow users to see on the seven most recent pages accessed on a device, clearing older pages once they’ve been up for a long time. Recents also has a new quick switch feature, which will allow users to double tap the recents button to switch the first two pages in the recents tab. This could give users easy access to the phone app and a Google Chrome window they are using at the same time Android users will also be happy to know that with Android N, the recents tab will have a “clear all” function.
Other productivity features in Android N include a direct reply in messenger feature, so users can text without launching the messenger app, and new controls for how a device presents notifications.
Andriod N will be the first OS to support unicode 9 emoji, which will bring more human-like emojis to Android with skin tone variations, 72 new emoji glyphs and emojis featuring women in professional roles.
Android N Release Date
Android N is expected to release sometime during the summer; however, users can download a public beta of the software at Android.com/beta . The beta is compatible with the Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G devices.
