This seems like a step for Google to promote the testing of their new beta feature – Split Screen view – on their tablets. Google’s Hangouts now allows customers to reply from an Android notification, but that still requires a pop-up window. The idea is to let people respond to messages directly from the notification shade without completely supplanting the current task. “Plus, you’ll be able to use this additional time to support all of the new goodies in N in your apps”.
Advertisement
Google continues to target efficiency.
Of course, the link provided to the images for the preview now links to a page about Android Marshmallow. Doze automatically puts background processes to sleep when the phone is inactive. Each line shows much more information now (and there’s a slightly-redundant navigation drawer on the left).
However, Google stresses that this build “is for developers only and not intended for daily use or consumer use”, but there’s nothing to stop you having a peak if you’re the curious type. Google is also trying to figure out how to keep Android appealing, innovative and adept at running fresh on low-end devices in emerging markets, where its biggest growth will come. On the flip side, other Java 8 tools, like streams and functional interfaces, can be used to target Android N devices.
The supported devices for the Android N Preview are the Nexus 5X, the Nexus 6, the Nexus 6P, the Nexus 9, the Nexus 9G, the Nexus Player and the Pixel C. Google is dropping the price of the Pixel from $499 to $349 for developers. But this year, Google is sharing a few details early. The Android N Preview can be installed on supported devices or tested through the Android Emulator.
The early developer preview version launched this week is far from the finished article but it should get more polished over time – and Google has already starting updating its mobile apps to play nicely with the new OS.
In a post on the Android developers blog, VP of Engineering Dave Burke said they’re trying something a little different this year by releasing the preview early.
Advertisement
Devices that you opt into the program will receive an over-the-air (OTA) update to the latest beta version of Android N. The updates that you’ll receive as a part of this program are unstable pre-release versions, and may contain errors and defects that affect your device. The software is created to highlight Google’s search engine, maps and other features, giving the company more opportunities to sell the digital ads that generate most of its revenue.
