The Android N Developer Preview has been released. Which is quite surprising as it's way ahead of the launch date. The most apparent changes that appear in the Android N are the native Multi-Window support and the enhanced Notification.
Quite a few new APIs have been included inside the Android N code that will definitely help developers too. Updates for Doze are also included in the latest Android N package. The multi-Window support means that the different apps will be displayed side by side employing the split-screen feature, just like the one that appears in Windows 10. Multi-Window support will allow enhanced productivity because more than one apps can now be viewed side by side. Google explained the multi-window support features in Android TVs as:
activities can also go into picture-in-picture mode on devices like TVs, and is a great feature for apps that play video; be sure to set ‘android:supportsPictureInPicture’ to true to take advantage of this.
The new improved Notification means that a new notifications are identified readily by an associated image. Bundle Notifications is just another modification to the existing Notifications feature. Just like Android Wear, it will allow the user to view bundled up messages thus ensuring ease of use.
Inline replies have been incorporated to the Android N thus allowing the users to respond quickly using the notification shade.
GoogleDoze has been updated included which will reduce CPU access while the smartphone is in the pocket or rests on the desk. This feature is meant to enhance the battery life of the phone.
Quick Settings tiles updates in Android N will improve the customization process. However, Google does not recommend this feature for app launch.
“Quick Settings tiles are reserved for controls or actions that are either urgently required or frequently used, and should not be used as shortcuts to launching an app.”
Data Saver is a perfect feature for users of the limited data plans whereby they will be able to optimize data usage by limiting the number of apps using mobile data when they are running out of the available data.
Other interesting new features in Android N include Android TV recording, number blocking, call-screening and direct boot options. Android N promises to provide a wholesome experience to the Android users while providing the developers new options to enhance their apps. Google has not yet disclosed the dessert name of Android N. Sundar Pichai previously said that a voting could be organized to roll in the name. However, later Hiroshi Lockheimer said, “We’re nut tellin’ you yet,” when questioned regarding the ‘N’ in the name. However, the ‘nut’ in the answer gives a clue.