Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) released on Monday the 7th major version of its Android operating system, set up for comparisons with Apple’s iOS 10. Android 7.0 Nougat got first released as a series of beta builds from March to July, but now the update has officially arrived.
The Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player and General Mobile 4G smartphones, and the Pixel C tablet were the first devices to receive the Nougat. Updates to the new Android version will be quarterly maintenance releases to refine and polish it. The next one is expected to come out in fall this year.
The latest Android 7.0 has introduced notable changes to the operating system and its development platform, and for those trying to make up their minds between buying an Android smartphone or an iPhone, here are some new Nougat features that iOS doesn’t have.
Two apps on-screen in split-view
A new multi-window feature lets users use two apps at once, regardless of whether they’re on a Nexus series phone or a tablet. Once inside an app, long press the Recent Apps button to pick another app. Apple introduced a similar feature called Split View with last year’s iOS 9 update but only for iPads. It was also made available for Macs.
Change to preferred display size
The Display Size setting, found in the Accessibility folder of the Settings menu, lets users shrink or enlarge the scale of the entire Android interface. Zoom to detail info better or put it smaller to see more info on-screen. iOS has had a Display Zoom setting on recent iPhones, but it doesn’t allow to reduce the screen.
Quickly switch between apps
When running several apps at the same time, users can double-tap the Recent Apps button to jump between the last two apps used. In iOS, one might say it’s a little slower, or at least different because users can double-tap the iPhone’s home button and select between all the open programs.
More control over menus
Inside the menu users will find an Edit button, which lets exchanging and rearranging multiple options like Wi-Fi and location. They can also change which settings show up alongside the notification panel and create their shortcuts.
Every option in the Quick Settings menu comes with information handy when looking to know how much storage is available. Plus, a new slide-out menu lets users navigate all options faster. iOS 10 doesn’t offer all this control handed by Android for customization.
Supports virtual reality
Nougat will also support Google’s new Daydream mobile virtual reality (VR) platform. It is expected to be released in fall 2016, which will coincide with the first maintenance Nougat update.
Daydream will come with hardware (comfortable headsets and an intuitive controller) and software built for VR rich, responsive, and immersive experiences. Meanwhile, Apple has only expressed interest in VR.
Source: Business Insider