Android N
Google is focusing Android N around three fundamental aspects of the operating system: performance, productivity and security. It has developed ways to make apps install and run faster while consuming less storage and introduced a new 3D graphics API to let game developers create more complex titles that still run smoothly.
These new APIs should translate to faster apps, smoother games, improved system performance, more storage space and less battery consumption. Developers will be able to create powerful new apps that will be less demanding on your phone’s hardware.
Android N
Google Android Developers Blog
There are a few notable interface changes, including a “streamlined” notifications experience, support for split-screen multitasking and 72 new emoji. Existing emoji have also received a visual refresh. The system updater has acquired its own update and is now capable of installing new Android versions in the background. The next time you reboot your device, you’ll find its automatically running the new version.
VR in Android
In a major new announcement, Google introduced Daydream, a new platform for virtual reality that runs atop Android. Every area of Android has been tweaked to support VR headsets natively, resulting in an out-of-the-box VR Mode that will be available on every Android N device.
Google Daydream – virtual reality for Android
Google
“On top of Android N, we’ve built a new platform for high quality mobile VR called Daydream,” said Google. “Together with Android manufacturers, we’re working on upcoming phones, and sharing designs with them for a VR viewer and controller that will be really immersive, comfortable and intuitive to use. Your favorite apps and games will be coming to Daydream too, including Google’s – like YouTube, Street View, Play Movies, Google Photos and the Play Store. More to come this fall.”
Performance has been carefully tuned to ensure you’ll be comfortable when wearing a mobile headset. Google claims display latency is down to under 20ms, a speed necessary to maintain immersion for the user. Developers will have access to a number of advanced rendering and processing features that are integrated into Android for fast performance.
Android Wear 2.0
Alongside Android N, Google announced Android Wear 2.0. It is the most significant update to the wearable OS since its launch two years ago. It now includes support for standalone apps that run directly on the watch rather than from your phone, boosting performance and decreasing load times.
Android Wear 2.0
Google Android Developers Blog
The user interface has been updated in a number of areas. There’s new watch faces and an integrated messaging feature. An onscreen keyboard lets you respond to messages straight from your watch, even when disconnected from your phone. Apps now receive native access to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and cellular connections.
Name Android N
According to Google, Android N will launch this summer. It has just released the third developer preview of the software, describing it as the “first beta-ready candidate.” The company now advises it should be safe to use on a primary device, although installing still shouldn’t be attempted by anyone who isn’t comfortable with running pre-release software.
Android N Developer Preview 3 is supported on a range of devices including the Google Nexus 6, 9, 5X, 6P, Player and Pixel C. If you’re not installing the preview, there’s still a way you can contribute to Android N development. Google wants the public’s help in choosing a sweet-flavoured name for this year’s release and has created a website for you to pitch your ideas. If your suggestion is chosen, it’ll become the official name for N, following the likes of Gingerbread, Jellybean and Marshmallow.
