Android 7.1 (Nougat)

Review of the mobile operating system Android 7.1.
Codename: Nougat.
API level/NDK release: 25.

Google developers have chosen to use a different principle of assign numbers to new versions of Android is already the sixth global change – the first digit is incremented at most, than once a year, and between intermediate versions of the OS is practically not substantial changes implemented. The first service pack Android N, only targeted at developers, was released in spring 2016, and the official release of Android 7.0 Nougat occurred in late summer-August. Interesting, but the two main for Google Smartphone – Pixel and Pixel XL, that replaced a Nexus, out of the box already have a preinstalled version of Android 7.1. Something revolutionary new the seventh version of the platform from the software giant "did not happen", But even those small implemented in firmware changes, fundamentally change the ergonomics and usability of the devices interact with them. In this article we analyse only the most visible of the metamorphosis, present in the "stuffing" Android 7.1.

Night mode (Night Light)

A key feature of nougat is to work in so-called night mode, already noticed in Beta Edition, but it's not implemented in service pack 7.0. By the way, such a regime was borrowed from Apple (There he is called Night Shift), and the concept is, to reduce the load from the bright screen on users ' eyes in dim light, for example, in a dark room or night. Night Light "picks up" the screen color blue, giving thus a slightly reddish or yellowish hue, that depends on the ambient lighting – This greatly minimizes stress to the eye of the owner of the mobile device. Fortunately, in patch 7.1 Nougat like a very useful "feature" still present.

VR platform support

Focusing on the success of the Oculus Rift and Gear VR, Google Corporation introduced its proprietary device DayDream View VR. In order to make full use of all the advantages of a Smartphone, the latter simply must "maintain Daydream", what fully and is embodied in release 7.1 Nougat. And as you know in 7.0 support VR headset from Google was not. But with the advent of service pack 7.1 operating system will have 100% support of this modern and advanced in terms of technology development, which, It should be noted, the devices will be available "Pixel factory", and other devices will get it later, with the next update of the platform.

Using gestures in fingerprint scanner

It's not such a big, but qualitatively and carefully implemented in software feature, that the developers had not been declared when the output Pixel – gestures, used to fingerprint scanner. One tap unlocks a mobile device, movement on the reader down – Displays the notifications Panel, and swipe up performs other preset function, for example, activates the camera and so on. In smartphones Pixel, already have when selling Android OS 7.1, such variance with gestures in the fingerprint scanner is already integrated, other flagship devices will have to wait a bit, When manufacturers update the firmware to the most current version of the OS. Such a possibility is stated for Nexus 5 x and Samsung Galaxy S7, think and other developers will soon.

Other changes

We examined in detail only a few of the large number of changes, present in Android 7.1 Nougat. Google with emphasis said, that improvement just touched the screen sensor and its overall performance, updated with new perspectives to developer mode, fixed some minor bugs and not critical errors.

What can bribe is another update of the ordinary user? In the first place, qualitatively working mechanics of multitasking, that is,, the simultaneous interaction of the owner of the apparatus with multiple applications (in this regard, Android is capable of giving a head of iOS). Secondly, variability in the choice of instruments, to respond effectively to the various tasks. Third, full integration with services from the software giant, After all, many people actively use them. Fourthly, friendlier and intelligently structured user interface, confused which simply inconceivable. It is also worth noting the fact, Google apps minimized the list out of the box, thus releasing the platform from whom little is used in everyday life "junk".