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Android (operating system)

Ahead of fall smartphone season, Google releases Android 7.0 update

Eli Blumenthal, USA TODAY

NEW YORK—There’s a new Android dessert ready to be devoured. 

Multi-window on Android Nougat.

On Monday, Google announced its flagship Nexus line of phones will be among the first to get their hands on the latest and greatest version of the company’s Android operating system, version 7.0 Nougat.

Android N has a name: Nougat

First released to developers in March before its official unveiling in June, Google says Nougat brings “over 250 major features” to Android. Among the notables: 72 new emojis, the ability to run two apps side-by-side, improved battery optimizations and interactive notifications.  

New, high-end phones being released in the future with Nougat will also be able to take advantage of Daydream, Google's virtual reality platform due to launch later this year.

6 big changes coming to Android phones

Google says the update will start rolling out to users of the Nexus 6, 5X and 6P smartphones, Nexus 9 and Pixel C tablets and the Nexus Player streaming box over the coming weeks. The General Mobile 4G, a smartphone taking part in Google’s Android One initiative to create cheaper Android devices for international and emerging markets, will also be included in the initial rollout.

Google usually upgrades its Nexus line, devices that it creates in tandem with manufacturers to highlight new Android features, first. Unlike the Samsung Galaxy S7 or LG G5, the Nexus devices don’t include software from the manufacturers or wireless carriers making them simpler and quicker to update.   

As is the case with biggest Android updates, the latest flagship devices from Samsung, LG and others will also likely get the update at some point in the future, but manufacturers have not disclosed which devices will get the update or when. The process varies by manufacturer and can take anywhere from days after the update is available for Google devices, to weeks and in some cases, months. 

The update comes as smartphone makers prepare to launch their latest line of devices for the fall. This past Friday, Samsung released the Galaxy Note 7, while Apple is rumored to announce the next iPhone on September 7.

LG has an event scheduled for September 6 to announce the LG V20, the first phone to come with Android Nougat out of the box. Google, meanwhile, is said to be prepping two new Nexus devices with HTC. Those phones are set to be released later this year. 

Follow Eli Blumenthal on Twitter @eliblumenthal

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