Google's battery saving Android Nougat update is rolling out now
Google is now starting to roll out the next version of Android.
Android 7.0 Nougat, which brings better battery life, new multitasking features and a bunch of new emoji, is now starting to roll out to Nexus devices.
The first devices to get the update will be Google's Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and General Mobile 4G handsets as well as the Pixel C and Nexus 9 tablets and the Nexus Player set-top box.
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As usual, the exact timing of the over-the-air update will vary by carrier (Google says the OTA update should be arriving in the next couple weeks for those devices, though some will get it sooner). The company also confirmed that LG's V20 will be the first new device to ship with Nougat pre-installed. The rollout for non-Nexus devices from other manufacturers will vary based on carrier and device.
If you've been previewing Android Nougat during the developer preview, the official update will look pretty close to what you've been using. While much of Android N's biggest improvements were focused around improving security and performance, there are still a few notable enhancements.
Feature-wise, one of the biggest changes is the addition of multi-tasking support so that you can run two apps simultaneously in a new split-screen mode.
The update also brings 72 new emoji to Android (these are the same characters that will arrive on iOS later this month with iOS 10.)
Under the hood, Google also made several improvements that should result in better battery life. The Doze feature, which arrived with Android Marshmallow last year, will now kick in when your phone is getting shuffled around in a pocket or a bag.
Finally, Android Nougat-equipped devices will be much more virtual reality-friendly. The latest operating system was optimized for Daydream, Google's upcoming mobile VR platform and built to support better 3D graphics.
Karissa was Mashable's Senior Tech Reporter, and is based in San Francisco. She covers social media platforms, Silicon Valley, and the many ways technology is changing our lives. Her work has also appeared in Wired, Macworld, Popular Mechanics, and The Wirecutter. In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding and watching too many cat videos on Instagram. Follow her on Twitter @karissabe.
