Google names Android N as Android Nougat
Google’s obsession with dessert names continues as it officially titles the next iteration of its Android operating system.
Google had played something of a teasing game with Android 7.0, or Android N, but it has now formally announced the title (and the new statue to go with it) of the next iteration of its Android operating system.
That moment when... #AndroidNougat #AndroidNReveal pic.twitter.com/dzWYeiW0gk
— Android (@Android) June 30, 2016
Android Nougat will offer a range of new features including split screen multitasking, a revised notification shade and support for Daydream, Google’s new VR platform, but only for hardware that meets the Daydream specification.
When can I get Android Nougat?
Google typically makes its latest Android builds available for its Nexus branded handsets and tablets, so if you’re rocking a Nexus 6P or 5X, that’s where Nougat will land first. For other manufacturers it’s a tricky mix of managing their own software and often carrier requirements as well, so it may be some time (or never) before your handset officially sees Android Nougat.
The open nature of Android means that if you’re happy with running unofficial ROMs on your phone, and it’s able to be rooted for upgrading purposes, you do have the option of forcing Android versions onto it. This isn’t without its risks, however, and you would potentially void the warranty on your phone if anything went wrong.
If I’m not on Android Nougat, what should I call my version of Android?
Google has gone through an entire dessert tray’s worth of names for Android, all the way back to Android 1.5. You can check which version of Android you’re currently running by heading to Settings>About Device>Software Info, which should give you the version number you’re currently on. Here’s how the naming of each version works out.
| Android Version | Name |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | Cupcake |
| 1.6 | Donut |
| 2.0–2.1 | Eclair |
| 2.2–2.2.3 | Froyo |
| 2.3–2.3.7 | Gingerbread |
| 3.0–3.2.6 | Honeycomb |
| 4.0–4.0.4 | Ice Cream Sandwich |
| 4.1–4.3.1 | Jelly Bean |
| 4.4–4.4.4, 4.4W–4.4W.2 | KitKat |
| 5.0–5.1.1 | Lollipop |
| 6.0–6.0.1 | Marshmallow |
