On June 30, 2016 Google announced that Android N refers to "Nougat." It is also known as Android 7.0, following the Android Marshmallow or 6.0, and bringing a variety of new upgrades and features.
Previously, Google has been asking users to send their suggestions on what to name the next OS version. Many initially believed that the company will go for Nutella.
Other suggestions on the Android N website include nachos, nectar and naan. However, the official announcement confirmed that the company opted for a different sweet treat.
The new version's predecessors include the Android Marshmallow, Lollipop, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, Froyo, Gingerbread and KitKat.
To celebrate the launch of the Android Nougat, Google showcased an Android statue with the dessert at the garden of its Mountain View headquarters.
PC Advisor said that the new features of the Google Android N can be categorized into three, namely security, performance and productivity.
In terms of security, Android Nougat introduces file-based encryption, seamless updates and media framework hardening. Users can download new updates to the OS silently in the background and these will be ready to use during the next restart.
However the seamless update capability may only work on devices that have two system images or products that come with Android N out of the box.
In terms of performance, Google introduced that Vulkan 3D graphics API and JTI Compiler. Google Android Nougat is expected to improve graphics and runtime.
Apps are installed 75 percent faster and the compiled code size is decreased by half. The new graphics PI consumes less CPU power compared to OpenGL and allows developers to add more graphical detail into frames.
Other features include battery optimization, enhanced memory consumption and new background upgrades.
Google Android N has several productivity add-ons, including the Direct Reply feature, new emoji, notification bar adjustments, redesigned navigation buttons, multitasking improvements, multi-window function and Daydream, the company's new VR platform.
Other things to expect include bundled notifications, enhanced Java and language support and added efficiency. Android Nougat will not replace Java with open-source Swift as its primary language, however.
PCMag revealed that developers have been working on the Google Android N since March 2016. The launch is rather late, compared to previous versions, which were generally released at Google I/O.
Users are expected to receive the new Android in the following months, although it will most likely become available first on next-generation Google Nexus products.
More updates and details on the Android Nougat are expected soon.
