After weeks of testing, it looks like Samsung is finally ready to release the Android 7.0 Nougat update to its Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge flagship smartphones. The update is currently being rolled out, and will be available over-the-air.
Android 7.0 Nougat brings a host of new, and improved features to the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, including faster speeds for downloading apps, and some changes to the interface.
First up, the Quick Panel feature on Android 7.0 Nougat looks a lot cleaner than before, making it easier for users to find apps. The panel also allow users to use S Finder to locate things on the phone, and even from the web. Lastly, notifications are now grouped so it can display information more clearly, and users can use Direct Reply to reply to a message notification without leaving to another app.
Samsung also tweaked its multitasking feature in Android Nougat. There’s now an improved controller for users to adjust windows in split-screen view. The new pop-up window function supports up to five separate windows, and in addition to the two in split-screen view, users can run up to seven apps at the same time.
That’s not all, the update also brings a new Performance Mode to the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Performance Mode comes with four different options – Optimised mode for better battery life and speed, Game mode for useful gaming functions like Game Launcher and Game Tools, Entertainment mode for enhanced sound and image and quality, and High Performance mode for the highest quality display settings possible.
Finally, the update also brings Samsung Pass, a feature that works as a master key for website login on Samsung Internet. With Samsung Pass, users can use their fingerprint to log into selected websites and apps, and in the future, it can even be used on mobile banking apps.
The update is currently rolled out to Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, so do check your phone to see if the update is available yet. As for older devices, Samsung says that selected devices will be getting their Android 7.0 Nougat update “within the first half of this year”. The devices that will be receiving Android 7.0 Nougat are:
- Galaxy S6
- Galaxy S6 edge
- Galaxy S6 edge Plus
- Galaxy Note5
- Galaxy Tab A with S Pen
- Galaxy Tab S2 (LTE unlock)
- Galaxy A3
- Galaxy A8
