One of Android's biggest problems is fragmentation, which keeps the latest and greatest version of the OS from making it to many devices fast. Samsung is looking to end that by launching the Android 7.0 Nougat Galaxy Beta Program for Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.
Before Google unveiled its new Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, its Nexus handsets were the devices Android smartphone fans flocked to since they came with the guarantee of receiving Android OS updates directly from Google. The Pixel and Pixel XL continue Google's tradition of getting timely Android updates.
Now, the biggest Android smartphone maker is addressing the Android fragmentation issue.
Samsung Addresses Android Fragmentation Issue
Samsung has just announced the Android 7.0 Nougat Galaxy Beta Program for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. The company is allowing users in the U.S., UK and South Korea to sign up for the beta program. Users in China will gain access to the program shortly, according to the company. Samsung notes that users can apply for the program and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
"Throughout the Galaxy Beta Program period**, users can get a feel for Android 7.0 Nougat*** with Samsung's latest UX, and can provide feedback on performance, reliability and usability. Users' responses will in turn help Samsung develop reliable, high-performing software and provide an improved and optimized experience to all Galaxy users," according to a post on Samsung's website. "Users that have an active Samsung Account and meet program requirements may apply for the program by downloading the Galaxy Beta Program app through Galaxy Apps or the Samsung Members app which is available through the Google Play store or Galaxy Apps depending on their country of residence."
This program is only available to Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge users, Galaxy S7 edge Olympic Games Limited Edition and Galaxy S7 edge Injustice Edition device owners will not have access to the beta program. UK users must have a non-operator locked handset to take part in the program.
Android 7.0 Nougat Features
Some of the best new features in Android 7.0 Nougat include new power savings enhancements that will squeeze more battery life out of your smartphone. Building on Google's Doze feature, which debuted in Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Nougat's "Doze on the Go" kicks in whenever the display is off, even if the phone is in motion, saving precious battery life.
Multi-window app support was already a feature Samsung offered on its Galaxy Note phablets but Android 7.0 Nougat brings the feature to all smartphones. Users are able to open two apps and display the apps side by side on the screen. For instance, you can surf the web while messaging, or write an email while watching a YouTube video, which brings enhanced multitasking to Android 7.0 Nougat.
Have you signed up for the Android 7.0 Nougat Galaxy Beta Program on your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge and taken it for a spin? What do you think of it? Please let us know in the comments below.
