14 DAY TRIAL // Google has just introduced the last Android N Developer Preview, thus signaling the launch of the upcoming Android Nougat 7.0. The current release will provide supported devices with near-final system updates so that developers can test how their applications perform on the next Android OS version.
Android N Developer Preview 5 comes with system images for Nexus and other preview devices, as well as an emulation for performing final app tests. In addition, it boasts the final N APIs (API level 24) and the latest system behaviors and UI, and it also includes the most recent bug fixes and optimizations across the system and in preinstalled apps.
The blog post also mentions that, before installing the new build, developers should make sure that their applications handle all system behavior changes in Android N, like Doze on the Go, background optimizations, screen zoom, and permission changes.
It's also important to note that Google has also implemented new developer features in Android N, among which multi-window support, direct reply, and other notification enhancements. Moreover, there's also a detail that might be of great interest, with the blog post mentioning that Android Nougat 7.0 should arrive later this summer.
The preview contains an Easter Egg
The new Developer Preview includes an Easter Egg, as previous Android versions did too. The Android Nougat Easter Egg isn't in the same location as previous such surprises. When accessing the About Phone settings options and tapping on the Android version, users should see a large N.
If they press and hold, a tiny cat head appears, and a tap on the head only shows a “No entry” emoji. However, once the process is completed, a new option appears in the Quick Settings, which reads "??? Android Easter Egg." Users simply need to drag the option into the Quick Settings lineup.
The Easter Egg comes in the form of an Empty Dish in the Quick Settings, and users can add bits, fish, chicken or treats to attract a kitty. The cat will show notifications, and users can even share it if they want.