Android N Is Official, here are the latest known

As is the tradition, each year sees a new version of Android deployed by Google. In 2016 it was the turn of the grind 'N' made its debut on the front of the stage, which establishes a size polishing which undermines the inaccuracy to joust with perfection. Although it is not new, we decided to take this zero item into a reference section that will identify all the known new Android N. So you can already consider to add to your favorites to come back later, and also because the list will be exposed as a result upgradeable to the final version. Recall that we are before a first beta of Android N. Update: a new section "Android N: other unearthed functions" has been added with other new!

Remember: as I mentioned at the entrance of the article, keep in mind that the list presented following change with time. Why ? Although the Android version N has been formalized two months before Google I / O 2016 (unlike last year where the Developer Preview of Android M was unveiled and made available on the sidelines of the event), the Californian giant wants to move out in 2016 and that, hoping to get a stable version of Android N for summer 2016. following this, Google confirms availability 'in the wake' for brands wishing to adopt and fit their product (s) (s). Thus, the first non-Nexus to be launched on the market with Android N could well see the day before the New Year holidays, so it's a little before. I'll come back to this below. Anyway, keep in mind that the new can be altered in the final beta version of Android N.

Everything you need to know about Android N (Developer Preview)

Android N: all about availability

5 months of waiting, a final version in the summer of 2016

Although the version of Android N has been formalized, it is important not to confuse it with the final version. First, he must already know that we are facing an unfinished beta version of the system will require a minimum of 5 months of testing to hope to reach a point of stability for the fifth Developer Preview of Android N, which is announced for summer. For now, no date 'precise' output has been communicated since the N Android version is still in development, but it is now open to the community. Thus, it takes at least 5 months before the deployment of the final version of the first mobile compatible.

Here is a graphical view of the plan of the development of the Android N beta (details). Also according to the words of Google, a beta test more accessible is scheduled for launch later this summer. For those who are wondering, the number and the final naming Android N are not yet known.

Download Android beta N Nexus

In addition to already available to developers and other hackers via the Android SDK, it is also found that some Google Nexus are too. Indeed, Google has proposed no less than 7 system images in stride that may already be flashed on its Nexus 6. To quote them, so we find there the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, 6P Nexus, Nexus 9 (Wi-Fi and LTE versions), and Google Nexus Player Pixel C.

But where are the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013)?

Marketed in November 2013 Nexus 5 could enter the circle of elders, although it still requires official confirmation from Google. After falling nose-to-nose with sources of Nexus 5 'hammerhead'; which is other than the international version of the product available everywhere, we want to believe in the next release of Android Developer Preview N for this particular model, but it could come later. Indeed, Google would have experienced compatibility issues. As it is, we do not know the decision of the piece, while the deployment appears to have been canceled or postponed temporarily, perhaps for the Developer Preview 2. For the curious among you can even those famous sources available on the Google site Git. As for the Nexus 7 (2013), guess what, it's the same thing and that, for the WiFi model (flo) and the WiFi + 4G LTE (deb).

Nexus 5 "Hammerhead", the international version, could also go to Android officially N. © Google Git

When will updates for non-Nexus?

As I mentioned in the first paragraph of the subsection "5 months of waiting, a final version for summer 2016", Google hopes to get a point of stability in summer 2016 and that, to make the source code available from brands and other integrators to that date. However, this does not mean that your mobile will be directly upgraded since it will have to wait for these brands and integrators the test before offering it in products. Generally, it takes between six weeks and almost a year to get an update on a non-Nexus device, but the deal could accelerate in 2016, remains to be seen whether the others will follow.

Android N: the first new recorded

In this section, you can find the first known major innovations around Android N.

The status / notification bar wins in ergonomics

Among the biggest news of Android, I wanted to lead the way with the new status bar / notification sported the Android version N, and as you say it is rather innovative and very flexible to use. In the image of Android Marshmallow, it is always possible to open the two-way notification bar; using a finger to preview or two fingers to unfold completely, except now they are five icons that dominate the head, next to the time, date and a down arrow indicating the status bar can be folded.

That is how the new status bar / notification of Android N with few possibilities. 

To unfold, so you can help this directional arrow or click on any location to place the status bar. To return to the five foundations icons at the top of the status bar, it is not obliged to always keep the same as the status bar - which are displayed the quick settings - can now be changed at will and, in changing the order of items you want are / see, besides being able to add and / or remove. For this, simply click on the 'Edit', which is now displayed in the Android status bar N. Hence, the action of a single long press quick setting of the bar state leads directly to its dedicated menu. By performing a long press on the mechanical wheel of the status bar (which leads to system settings) you can unlock even more with the System Tuner UI menu.

dedicated to improving the system notifications

Unfolding the status bar, it often falls nose to nose with its notifications and Google wanted to improve the interaction we have with them. Now, notifications no longer have a fine separation that erases the gap between them, but also a better interaction through fast action. Where some applications disappear once swept to the right, persistent notifications now let appear a mechanical wheel that provides the option to enable notifications. Note that pressing and persistent warning also leads to this option, the same long support that works for non-persistent notifications.

Notifications provide new opportunities and a more streamlined design. Some applications, like Hangouts, allow even the possibility for the user to respond directly from the status bar.

The system parameters are smarter

What to say about the Android system settings, except that they are now truly smarter! For those who are missed, the Android version N introduces new ideas that merely improve the current situation. So, I discovered that each particular section that leads directly to a displayed item now persistent annotation. To cite some examples, WiFi now indicates the network which it occupies, the consumption data shows the number of mobile data consumed, the volume information noise level as a percentage (%) or the Memory menu indicates the memory amount.

The new parameters of the N Android system gives much more information.

In addition to the research that is always available, system parameters now have the ability to display suggestions, such as counselor to set a lock screen and wallpaper to the user. Although the component that is dedicated to these boards be persistent, you can delete the recommendations by scanning using vertical dots placed to the right. To put the icing on the cake, the developers finally decided to bring the side drawer in the system settings. When the user browses in a sub-section, it can now appeal to the left side drawer to teleport easily into sections.

Final integration of the 'Multi-window' in 'Recent Applications'

Expected by many, the mode Multi-window 'now takes its seat as a native feature of Android N! To use it, it is rather easy since the function is already proposed in the menu dedicated to the 'Recent Applications', except that it is not necessarily indicated. Rather simple, how to use it is very simple and does not request to activate a particular option. For that, just click on the square of the latest applications. This option will work on all devices with Android installed and N, either on mobile or tablets. In words, it is not impossible that windows are moved at will, just like Remix OS on PC.

The menu dedicated to 'Recent Applications' now houses the multi-window mode that works with almost any application, in addition to being relatively easy to use. A simple long press to create a top of the display window, while the other can continue to host the latest applications or view one application choice. To return to normal, this is possible by reducing the space occupied by the first window or by clicking on the square that takes some as a symbol 'Pause'. Note that it is possible to transfer content from one window to another. Yes, the famous feature 'Drag and drop', the French 'drag and drop'. Still in experimental stage, the function shows still very buggy.

When Android N is placed in this menu, it is sufficient to perform a long press on the desired window to move to the top of the screen. This action, half a window is created with the selected application, while the other part remains under the governance of the menu dedicated to the latest applications. In addition to providing an option to resize the space occupied by the two sides of the screen, the use of multi-window mode is especially advisable in landscape mode as it wants clearer. To return to normal, simply place your finger on the dividing line to push the top of the screen. This simple action, the preselected application disappears.

The dormant function 'Doze is now more lucid

With Marshmallow, the device does not necessarily mode 'Doze', especially when it is not in the pocket. With the release of Android Developer Preview N, Google has also made it more intelligent power saving mode, which allows him to activate at any time after the mobile screen is turned off and, whether or not moving. In addition to this, the function now has better control of the different elements of the mobile. Great news that is detailed in this post written by Google elsewhere.

The feature 'Doze' now shows more effective with N.

The return of the night mode for everyone!

Although it has not yet been a final integration with Android N, the night mode is indeed back and now finds its foundation in the menu 'System UI Tuner', then 'Color and Appearance '. By discovering this menu, we can see that Google does not content himself with a single latch, but has developed a suite of convenient options. By activating the main latch, the night mode will be active at all times, where the second option allows sitting in second position to activate depending on the position and time of day. As for other options, they are used to activate the dark theme, but also to adjust the color and brightness of the screen.

A glimpse of the famous Night Mode Android N, which is the same as Marshmallow, but with options.

The optimization applications takes the form of a notification

After you install an update or change an element of the system, generally, the Android mobile OS takes some time to reorganize the whole, and it goes through application optimization is done at startup.Seeing that she was taking a pretty crazy time and some energy consumption, Google has worked to optimize its virtual machine ART. Now, so there will be no need to wait until this screen because the system will be launched automatically as the reorganization of applications now takes the form of a notification in the status bar does more blocking the cellphone. When not optimized, application will show slowdowns, but will still be usable. As for the new installed, they will also show slowdowns in their first launch, but will become stable after the optimization done by the system.

The reorganization option for applications that would crack down on startup after an update now takes the form of a notification. Thus, it will not lock the device for some time.

Ability to change the size of the interface and the font

'Font size', 'Display Size' or 'Gesture expansion', know that all these options are now in the parameters dedicated to accessibility and, for four levels of settings that reduce or grow writing and / or interface to the whim of the user. Rather useful to visually impaired or those who find that the native Android interface is too empty on the big screen. Even native functions size!

This is an example of three possibilities. Sorry, I forgot to remove the dark theme, but it changes a little.

Integration of the 'Play mono' for the hearing impaired, including

If you are deaf in one ear, an option, sitting in audio settings, now lets you configure the sound output in mono, not forcing more deaf to the stereo while it their useless.

One option 'Play mono' becomes part of Android's settings N.

Android N: other functions unearthed

A subsection dedicated to 'emergency information'

Although this first Developer Preview has been not fully translated into French, there is some notable features, one of them is called "Emergency Information". Be careful though, as stated in the title, the information is accessible to all since the emergency keyboard without unlocking your phone.In opening this sub-section, it is possible to enter personal information, including the first three require you to enter the name, but also the business address and birthday, while the second box of the medical information of the owner. In addition, you will be able to enter one or more emergency contacts in case of problems. Once configured, this information will, as I have already mentioned earlier, to settle on the screensaver / lock your Android in 'Emergency'.

In the 'User' is a new sub-section 'Emergency Information'.

Integration of a call blocker

Even if the alternative applications have not waited for integration on Android, the Android version N now has the advantage of incorporating a blocker calls natively. Sitting in the application settings 'Phone' option takes has not been translated into French, but it results in 'Call Barring'.In it, the title mentions that the blocked numbers can still be ability to continue to leave voice messages. Rather easy to use, simply select the 'Add number' which leads directly to the list of your contacts stored on the device to select one.

Here is where and how to present the 'Call Barring' with Android N

The menu 'data consumption' evolves

Split into two tabs in the past, the menu of data consumption 'sees reworked on its disposal of its interface and its options, plus add a size that starts with margin' Doze '. Dubbed 'unrestricted access to data', this option is findable in two ways: by clicking on the 'Data Saver' on the home page of the sub-section (which leads to the list of applications installed) or from the options of 'data consumption on WiFi and / or mobile networks' in a more targeted, among others. For example, I can select 'Google Play Services' and say no to that famous restricted access.

With Android N, it is now possible to grant unrestricted access to data when the data saver is activated.

A new design for the 'forced Stops'

In addition to hosting a flattened design in tune with the times, the menu dedicated to the crash, also called 'Force Close' or 'Forced Off', sees host of new options, the first of which is no longer limited only to stop the application, but the restart to restart. developer side, it is even possible to mute the application up until the next reboot of the machine. You really had that developers revise this aging game.

Two screenshots, this is how it looks menu 'Force close' Android N.

Calibrate the amount of colors the screen becomes a breeze

By the arrival of Android N, we could see the menu 'System Tuner IU had also got his size integrations, one of them is to provide and allow for' Calibrate 'screen'. Based on the RGB standard, it is possible to change the complexion of the desire to display and, for that is better suited to an environment or context.

Installed in 'System UI Tuner', a new option to calibrate the screen.

Evolution Explorer Android files

For those who do not know yet, the Google mobile OS lighthouse has been integrated into a native file browser for Android Developer Preview M. Housed in the menu 'USB Storage', it is easily accessible by going down the list and clicking on the 'Explore'. From there you are then immediately teleported explorer Android native files that can reorganize folders and files. We are far from a Asto File Manager, but Android N is still merit to make a backup.

This upgrade of the Android N File Explorer makes it much more pleasant to handle.

'Do not disturb' can be cut in case of emergency

If the mobile is configured mode 'do not disturb', there is a new option that allows the function to automatically cut off when an alarm is set. Still more intelligence, it does not hurt.

Rather minor as an option, but I'm sure that will serve many users. Note that two other options, dedicated to the 'Do Not Disturb' hide in 'System UI Tuner'. These are called 'Show with volume control' and 'Shortcut volume buttons'.

Improved downloads and their manager

Other noticed news, downloads and their managers have also received their little surprises, and it starts with a small relifting. Since the Download Manager, it is now possible to move a file to another folder once the download is complete. Absent to date, the developers have also added an option any beast that will stop a download in the status bar.

During the download of a file, you can now stop it from the status bar or move it to another folder once it is finished downloading. 

Thumbnails can be applications or their functions

This feature finally this API is not addressed directly to users but to developers. N with Android, we noticed that the quick settings had been entitled to their share of innovations, and this does not stop there. For application developers, know that Google now provides an API for adding your application or a particular function of it to take shape and be as clickable thumbnails in the status bar. For more information on this subject, I refer you to the Android Developer site.

Here is a first example of this with this screenshot of our colleagues AndroidPolice.

There are not the only news. In a future update of the article, we will talk more minor, but which we consider as important. In the meantime, I leave you hand in the comments.