Some reasons why you might want or not want Android Nougat

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you probably know by now that Android has just named the latest update to its OS, which was long hidden under the code ‘Android N’ — and it’s called the Nougat.

While a lot of people were disappointed to find out that Google went for Nougat rather than Nutella (the name which everyone originally expected the update to be called) — there are probably a few points to consider that may actually be enough to convince users that it’s probably for the best that things turned out the way they have.

The new Android update may seem like it falls short of expectations, and users of the operating system might actually end up agreeing that Nougat is a rather more suitable name than everyone’s favorite, Nutella.

But then again, some might think it’s the greatest of all the Android updates — it’s all a matter of perspective, after all.

Android Nougat Features

If, for some reason, you find yourself undecided — here are some features of the Android Nougat that you might or might not love.

Notifications

While previous versions of the Android OS required users to perform a healthy swipe from the top of the screen down to reveal the device’s notifications and quick settings options — the Android Nougat update now no longer requires such in order to reveal both the settings and the notifications.

Users can instead gently slide their finger on the same location as before, and a row of icons representing quick settings will be displayed right on top of the notifications bar. To expand and know more about what it is exactly that these icons do, users need only tap on the arrow down icon located at the right-hand corner of the bar.

Customize quick settings

A handy new feature of the Android Nougat now allows users to customize quick settings and leave out the options that don’t really matter that much to them. To do this, tap on the option that says ‘EDIT’ under the full quick settings display. Users can also drag and drop icons to rearrange them according to their liking.

Clear all

The Nougat finally comes with a feature to simply ‘Clear All’ tasks on the multi-tasking or ‘Recents’ menu — and users no longer have to close each app down manually. The only thing rather annoying about this otherwise useful feature is that users will have to scroll all the way to the top to actually see the option.

App jumping

Going back to the app you were previously using couldn’t be easier with Android’s Nougat update. A simple double tap on the device’s multitasking button takes users immediately back to the previous app opened. One tap on the multi-tasking button, on the other hand, still allows users to preview and launch previously opened applications.

Seeing double

But perhaps the most important (and undoubtedly most useful) feature that comes with the Android Nougat Update is the option that lets users multitask by allowing the screen to split in two. Finally, users can run two apps at a time with this sleek new feature. To use this feature, one must simply long-press on the multi-tasking or ‘Recents’ button, and the screen will magically split into two — with the bottom one showing choices of apps already running, waiting to be opened.

There’s one catch with this feature, however. Apps must already be running in the background for them to be able to run on the lower part of the split-screen. Otherwise, you will have to go back to the homescreen and launch the app first.

Users are also cautioned that not all apps will be able to run on this screen — only the apps that are deemed compatible by the operating system.

Messages

Another long overdue update that finally came with the Android Nougat is the feature that allows users to respond to messages without actually having to open the app that carries the message.

Responding to Facebook messages, for example, can now be done simply by tapping on the ‘Reply’ option of the message received — right on the Notifications app. Gone is the need to launch every message-receiving app every time you feel the need to respond to any of the messages you receive.

How do you find Android’s Nougat update so far? Let us know in the comments below! 🙂