Android 7.1 Nougat is about to roll out, and the update to the latest OS is set to bring smart storage, app shortcuts and other features that might make iOS users jealous.
First things first, App Shortcuts are in tow, with a quick presentation delivered during the Android Nougat beta program.
It takes a leaf out of iOS 9's 3D Touch playbook, and thanks to Pixel Launcher, designers will be able to run wild with its capabilities. According to Android OS developers, App Shortcuts will enable each app to sport up to five unique shortcuts.
Picture Keyboard is a feature that will allow users to easily send content from the keyboard, but it is unclear if it will be bundled with Google Keyboard or not. Another element that might not make it into the final Android 7.1 is the Night mode. Officially dubbed Night Light, the feature discharges blue tints from your smartphones screen during the evening, to benefit your health.
A number of select finger impression gestures will land on the latest Android OS. For example, users can swipe down their finger on the unique mark sensor, thus opening up the notification bar; swiping will disband it.
Smart Storage is a neat tool that cleans up your storage space, and you can tap into it via Menu to free up space. The tools get three sections: one handles photos and videos that are more than 30 days old; another tackles downloads; and the third will showcase what apps you have not used in the past three months. Keep in mind that it lacks the cache cleaner that rivals are loading into their devices.
After users choose what to remove from their mobile devices, the bottom side of the UI calculates the amount of potentially freed up space. The Smart Storage feature in the Android 7.1 seems to be visually consistent on all devices sporting Google's mobile OS.
The latest Android OS also packs an enhanced VR-friendly mode, and also delivers round app icons, giving the OS a more consistent look and resembling how the 7.1 looks on Google's own Pixel handset.
Another notable thing about the Android 7.1 update is that it will behave somewhat like the Chromebook updates. This means that the new OS is downloaded in the background, and as the gadget restarts, it immediately offers users the new updated version of the OS.
You can check out even more details about the 7.1 and the phones that are getting it, aside from the Pixel and Pixel XL, in our coverage.
