The developers across the globe are in the habit of seeing Google release its newer version of Android operating system in its annual Developer I/O conference. However, this time, Google has given a surprise to all by releasing a developer version of its upcoming and highly anticipated Android N operating system which also makes significance since the annual Google I/O conference for this year is scheduled to happen in the month of May.
Recommended: Android N Updated features
The biggest advantage that the developers or rather the company would have from this step is that a number of devices will get a taste of new operating system, something that has never happened before. Google vice president of engineering Dave Burke said in a blog post "We're doing something a little different this year by releasing the preview early really early. By releasing a 'work in progress' build earlier in development, we have more time to incorporate developer feedback. In addition, activities can also go into picture-in-picture mode on devices like TVs, and is a great feature for apps that play video. As we get closer to a final product, we’ll be inviting consumers to try it out as well."
On the features end, Google has enlisted the new beta version of Android N with many enticing features that users can look out for once the final release comes out. Let's take a short look at the features of the Developer preview of Android N that are added in with the help of the above-mentioned video.
Google Senior Vice President Hiroshi Lockheimer also explained that the real motto of this pre-release is that Google wants more developer feedback. His official statement reads, "By releasing the first preview and asking for your feedback now (in March!), we'll be able to act on that feedback while still being able to hand off the final N release to device makers this summer, so they can get their hands on the latest version of Android earlier than ever." Though Google as of now has warned that this initial release is for developers only and “may contain errors and defects that can result in serious damage to your computer systems, devices and data.” So don’t expect Android N to perform as well as the current operating system on your phone. However, one can test the build on Google-branded Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Nexus 5X, Nexus 9, and Pixel C device.
The first addition is the multi-window support that has been in demand for a long time. This feature will be available on both the smartphone as well as tablets. Google's official statement on its developer site reads "On handheld devices, two apps can run side-by-side or one-above-the-other in split-screen mode. On TV devices, apps can use picture-in-picture mode to continue video playback while users are interacting with another app." It is worth a mention that Samsung already gives the multi-window support on its Galaxy Note series.
The next addon is of giving users a better notification support that further gets enriched with the ability to make users interact with them without opening the original application. This will allow users to reply to the incoming messages without giving a stop to their ongoing task.
The last addition other than the Quick Settings feature will allow developers to bundle notifications from the same app together enabling users to see all their SMS notifications in one place rather than as separate entries. The company also states that Android N will come equipped with the Doze feature and will save battery when the device screen will be turned off. The feature originally showcased in Marshmallow OS that was released late last year.
Get latest and updated information about technology on our Google Plus Community Page.