Tech

The 12 biggest changes coming to Android

By Antonio Villas-Boas
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android n
Tech Insider

Unlike Apple, Google doesn't keep its latest innovations a secret before they're officially released.

At the Google I/O event on Wednesday, Google announced a few more features in Android N, the latest yet-to-be-released mobile operating system, on top of the features we already knew about.

Most of the new features are smaller, but they make a big impact on how you'll use your Android phones.

Here are all the Android N features you need to know about:

It's more streamlined and efficient so that games and general performance are better.

android n performance game
Google

Apps will install extremely quickly and they'll take up less storage than they do now.

android n app install and storage space
You don't need to know what a "JIT Compiler" is, but it makes app installs faster and apps can also take up less space on your phone. Google

Apps you haven't used in a while will close automatically in the Recents menu, which makes it less cluttered.

android n apps close u havent used in a while
Google

There's a "Clear All" button at the top of the Recents menu to close all your running apps in one go if you want to start fresh.

android n clear all
Google

Quick Switch lets double tap the square Recents button to switch back to the previous app you were using and then back again to the app you were using quickly.

Use two apps at the same time with Multi-Window.

android n multitasking
Here, Google Keep and YouTube are both on one screen. Google

Reply to messages straight from the notifications shade.

android n reply from notification shade
Google

Control which apps show you notifications by long-tapping on the notification itself. It's faster than going through the Settings.

android n notification prioritization
Google

Security updates will be downloaded automatically, but you'll have to turn your phone off and back on for them to install.

android n security updates
Google

You'll never see this again!

android n app optimization dialog
Google

You'll be able to run Google's new virtual reality platform with a VR headset if your phone is powerful enough. This is the biggest new feature Google announced.

Google Daydream
Google

Read about Google new VR platform here.

An improved "Doze" mode that will put your phone in a semi-sleep mode when the screen is off for outstanding battery life.

android n
The original Doze mode would only work when you don't touch your phone for long periods of time. Tech Insider

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Antonio Villas Boas
Antonio Villas-Boas
Antonio Villas-Boas was a consumer tech expert with over a decade of experience testing and reviewing smartphones, tablets, computers, smartwatches, and phone carriers.ExperienceAntonio joined the Business Insider team in 2015 as a tech reporter on the news desk and moved to the service journalism team in 2020. During his time as Business Insider’s senior tech reporter, Antonio developed industry-leading battery-life tests for smartphones and tablets, and covered and reviewed hundreds (if not thousands) of products from major brands like Apple, Google, Samsung, and OnePlus since as far back as Samsung’s Galaxy S6, the original Apple Watch, and the very first Google Pixel. This decade-plus of experience has given him tremendous insights into what consumer tech truly stands the test of time and what will be irrelevant in just a few years' time (RIP The Pebble).Antonio is also an experienced deal hunter, surfacing the best discounts on phones, laptops, and smartwatches for readers during sale events like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Previously, Antonio was a consumer-electronics analyst at PCMag and ran his own blog. Why you can trust AntonioAntonio approaches all his reviews not only as a tech expert but as a consumer himself. He reads every word of fine print in the phone carrier plans he reviews, and is deeply skeptical of deals that promise you the latest iPhone model for free. (Spoiler: it might be “free,” but you could be stuck with it for three years.)He largely recommends less expensive and small-scale fixes to upgrade your existing tech before considering buying the latest and flashiest in new tech. Antonio believes his role as the go-to “tech guy” for his family and friends extends to his readers as well; he only recommends products that have stood up to the testing process.Scripps News, NewsNation, Fox 5 DC, NBC LX, and Rich DeMuro’s “Rich On Tech” radio show have requested his commentary and expertise. ExpertiseHis expertise includes:
  • Phones, including the iPhone, Google Pixel, and Samsung Galaxy models
  • Phone accessories, including charging cables, phone cases, and protection plans
  • Smartwatches, including the Apple Watch, Galaxy Watch, Pixel Watch
  • Mobile carrier plans, including major carriers and MVNOs
  • Tablets, including iPads and Galaxy Tabs
  • Laptops and computers, including MacBooks and Windows models
  • Computer accessories, including mice, keyboards, and monitors
EducationAntonio graduated from Colgate University in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in history.Outside of workBesides testing tech products, Antonio is also a full time dad to two young kids. His ideal day would be spent on a lake in the Adirondacks.Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here.Learn more about how we test tech and electronics.
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