Google’s Android 7.0 Nougat officially released with over 250 new features

Google begins the rollout of Android 7.0 Nougat, and here are the devices that are downloading it first and the most important features included in the new version.

Android Nougat

The wait is over as Google begins rolling out Android Nougat on supported devices. Android Nougat (version 7) replaces Android Marshmallow (version 6), and it brings over 250 new features to phones and tablets. This also include VR Mode, which is Google’s virtual reality platform.

The search giant will start upgrading Nexus devices followed by all the other tablets and phones that support the new update.

At the official Android blog, the company notes that Android Nougat is a major update that reflects the input of thousands of fans who submitted feedback and developers around the world.

What devices can download Android Nougat

This is a great update, but downloading it won’t be easy, as Google will be slowly rolling out the new version starting today, but it’ll take days — even weeks — before everybody gets Nougat on their Android phone or tablet.

Starting today (August 22nd) the roll out begins with Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C, and General Mobile 4G (Android One) will receive the version 7 of the operating system though an over-the-air update.

Along with the devices on the list, devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program will also get the final version of Nougat starting today.

In addition, Google points out that Android 7.0 will soon be available out of the box on new devices from partners. The LG V20 will be the first new device shipping with Nougat.

What’s new on Android Nougat

This version of the popular mobile operating system comes with a lot of new features and improvements, and here are some the noticeable changes:

Multi-Window

Multitasking on your phone is nothing new, but now with Nougat, you can have two apps running on one screen.

Android Nougat multi-window

Data Saver

When it comes to cellular data every bit you save is precious to prevent going over your data cap. Android 7.0 introduces a new feature called Data Saver, which you can configure to restrict apps from accessing the internet as soon as you enable the feature.

Customize Quick Settings

While Marshmallow brought you a more useful Quick Settings menu, in Android Nougat you can also add and remove the options you see in the menu.

Emoji and Quick Settings Android Nougat

Emoji and more emoji

Everyone loves emoji, and this new version of Android include over 1500 emoji, including 72 new ones just for this release.

Virtual Reality Mode

This is the first version of the mobile operating system that has been designed for virtual reality. However, it’s worth pointing out that you’ll need a new device that includes support for Daydream.

Display scaling

Previous versions of the operating system let you change the text size on the screen, but now you can also change the size of icons and a number of other parts of the operating system.

Keyboard theme

Google has now improved the default keyboard, and similar to the third-party keyboard apps, you now have the ability to customize your keyboard with themes.

Doze updated

This is a battery saver feature that has been improved to save battery life even when you’re on the go. In Nougat, the device will go into a low power usage while you’re on the move.

Notifications revamped

In the new version, you now have access to “Notifications Direct Reply”, which let you interact with a message without the need of opening the app. And there is also “Bundled Notifications”, which allows you to see at a glance notifications group by app.

Multiple languages

If you can speak more than one language, you can now use Android 7.0 Nougat with two or more languages.

Security improvements

Google has spent a lot of time improving the security aspect of Android 7.0. This release includes file-based encryption, direct boot, background software update, and a lot more.

What do you think about the version of Android for tablets and phones? Tell us in the comments below.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.