As expected, Google on Wednesday launched its new operating system Android N at the ongoing I/O 2016, an annual developer conference organised by the company. The beta version of the firmware is currently available for download, but the actual release of the OS will take place later.
The search giant has the tradition of releasing its operating system along with its flagship device, but this time it could launch the firmware earlier than expected. Google VP of engineering Dave Burke has confirmed that the Android N will be released later this summer, according to PhoneArena.
Google usually releases its new OS in October along with its flagship device, so an early launch would mean that it could launch its upcoming next-generation device, perhaps the successors of the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, later this summer or release the Android N first.
The public beta of the firmware has been currently made available to Google Nexus phones via OTA (over-the-air) but it is just for testing and not the final version. The public beta comes months after the developer beta of the OS was released.
Android N update will brings several features, including multi-window, direct reply notifications, Google Assistant, Clear All, Improved file browser, VR interface, bundled notifications, Data saver, Extra power efficiency and improved Java 8 language support among others.
Google is yet to reveal what the letter "N" in Android N stands for but it is speculated to be a name of a sweet. Nutella, Nectar, Napoleon, Nut brittle, Nachos, Nori, Noodles, Nougat, and Neapolitan ice cream are some of the favourite sweet names doing the rounds that could be chosen by the search giant for its new OS.
