Samsung is by far the world’s largest maker of Android smartphones. But it is not too speedy when it comes to releasing Android updates. After weeks of testing, the Korean electronics giant announced Thursday that it had started rolling out the Android Nougat update to the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge devices in several markets. If you own the S7 or S7 Edge, check whether there is an over-the-air update available.
Will your phone get the Nougat update?
Fortunately, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge won’t be the only Samsung devices to receive the latest version of Android. The company plans to expand the Android Nougat update to many older devices. Here’s the complete list of Samsung phones and tablets that will get the update:
- Galaxy S7
- Galaxy S7 Edge
- Galaxy S6
- Galaxy S6 Edge
- Galaxy S6 Edge+
- Galaxy Note 5
- Galaxy A3
- Galaxy A8
- Galaxy Tab A with S Pen
- Galaxy Tab S2
The update will combine Google’s software improvements with Samsung TouchWiz interface. If your device is not on the list, you are not going to get the Nougat update at all. Samsung promised that all these smartphones and tablets would receive the Android Nougat within the first half of this year. It means by the time all the above devices get the Nougat, Google will be almost ready to announce the new version of Android.
What will Samsung’s Android Nougat update bring?
The update will bring major UX changes such as a new Quick Panel and notifications, Samsung Pass, Performance Mode, and an improved multi-window feature. Performance Mode sounds similar to the rumored Beast Mode on the upcoming Galaxy S8. There will be an Optimized mode to enhance your phone’s speed and extend battery life. An Entertainment mode will boost the sound and image quality when watching TV shows and movies. There will also be a Game mode to enhance your gaming experience.
But the biggest changes can be seen the in the notification tray. The new Quick Panel interface has much cleaner aesthetics than before, as titles have been removed from the icons. The “second depth,” which opens with a subsequent downward swipe, has icons organized into groups of nine. Notifications have also been grouped to show information more clearly and support Direct reply.
The update will bring Samsung Pass feature
Many Samsung devices already offer split-screen apps, but the feature will become a standard with the new update. A ‘popup window’ mode can run a maximum of five apps simultaneously. You will be able to access up to seven apps at the same time. Most people can’t run that many apps at the same time, but it’s good to have the option.
Finally, the Android Nougat update will bring the Samsung Pass feature, a fingerprint-activated master key for website logins.
