Key Difference – Android 6.0 Marshmallow vs 7.0 Nougat
The key difference between Android 6.0 Marshmallow and Android 7.0 Nougat is that Android Nougat comes with features that refine the earlier version of the mobile operating system. Although the look and feel of the operating system would not see much of a change, the upgrades have been done under the hood. Let us take a closer look at the upgrades that come with this new operating system.
Android 7.0 Nougat Review – New Features
Android 7.0 Nougat is the latest operating system released by Google. It can be defined as a refinement of the previous Android 6.0 Marshmallow version. The new OS comes with some essential features as well. Since the advent of Android 5.0, we have been able to see a design language shift in the apps and services of the operating systems. With the Android Marshmallow, we were able to see a flat design that was bold and compact.
The new OS does not make major changes to the way your phone looks or feels. However, Google has made some changes under the hood by bringing in some new features that polish the existing operating system even further.
Faster and easy updates
When it’s time for an update all the hard work will be done in the background so that you can do your things as usual. This is very similar to the upgrade experience found on the Chrome OS. After the update is over, you only need to restart for the upgrade to take effect. The new OS is also more safe and secure with seamless updates. You will not need to wait for an optimization of the apps as with previous operating systems due to the changes made in the runtime compiler of the new OS.
Multitasking
The new operating system comes with a multi-window option where the screen is able to support more windows at once. This is very handy when doing two things at the same time. A similar feature came with Samsung and LG. The special feature of Google is that, it is able to work with any app without the developer or you needing to do anything special. The screen will split into 50/50. Apps can be pulled down from the top or the bottom of the phone or from the left or the right on a tablet. Larger devices are helped by a feature called free form mode that lets you change the size of the window as on a PC.
Notifications
The new OS is able to support notifications directly from the tray it was received in. You will not need to open up or install an app to reply. The app only needs to support this feature in order to work. You can also open up an app in order to do more than just reply. Tapping on the notification will open up the app as usual. Multiple notifications are bundled more effectively to be viewed easily. The phone is faster while consuming less battery power.
Android Marshmallow came with Google’s project Doze. While the screen is on and the phone is not in your hands, the OS will help in consuming less battery. This Doze feature has come as a major update in Nougat. Now the feature not only works while it is idle and not plugged in, but it also works while in your purse or pocket. After the screen has turned off for a while, it will stop the background operations and use an option known as “window” that checks your messages and do location updates. Management of memory has also become efficient to reduce battery consumption and improve its performance.
Mobile data consumption
The operating system comes with a data saver option that blocks background data usages that may consume additional unwanted data. The data saver option can be instructed to ignore certain applications.
More emojis
There are 72 glyphs and 1500 new emojis that have been added to the Android 7.0 operating systems. Emojis with the Android 7.0 are more human like rather than cartoony.
Security
Phone data needs to be kept private and personal. New features that come with the Android Nougat make it feel more secure. Even if the phone is lost or stolen, you can be assured that your data remains safe. You can grant applications to access a certain folder without letting it access your whole SD card. This will ensure best security practices.
Work
Android Nougat will come with better tools for work that will function very easily and are safe and secure.
Language
Now Android Nougat is able to support languages according to the locale you are in. Multiple languages can be selected according to the preference of the user. The language can be selected according to the order of preference.
Android TV
Features found on a DVR are found with Android 7.0. You will be able to play, rewind and save sessions. You can schedule a recording or record content as you watch. This will be a great feature for Android TV installed.
Accessibility
Now you are able to zoom the screen, or adjust text size as needed by the user.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow – Features and Specifications
Android Marshmallow came with features like Battery saving, Doze mode and Google Now on Tap that made the life of the user even easier. Let’s take a closer look at the options the Android Marshmallow has to offer.
USB Type C
Android Marshmallow is able to support USB Type C. The USB Type C port is able to support fast connection speeds. It will become one of the most widely used connections in time to come. It is able to provide fast charging as well.
Now on Tap
Android Marshmallow came with a feature called Google Now that is now a part of the operating system; this feature can take advantage of many parts of the device and applications. This will make your smartphone even smarter. The digital assistant that accompanies the Now on Tap will be more accurate at providing results.
Adopted Storage
Usually, smartphones treat SD cards as a separate entity. This memory card cannot be used as a permanent storage option. Adopted storage does not treat the external storage as separate but as a part of the phone’s storage thanks to the Marshmallow operation system’s new feature. This will enable the user to use the space of the memory card without any fuss whatsoever.
Android Pay
As with apple pay, Android pay lets you store credit and debit card information on your smartphone. This feature will help you to make payments wirelessly for services and goods in a secure manner. Android pay will create a virtual account when making payments and keep a detailed history of all your purchases.
If you phone gets lost or stolen by any chance Android Device Manager is capable of wiping out and locking this feature remotely.
User Interface tuner
The System UI tuner enables the user to add options to be displayed on the system tray like the battery percentage information. The user can add options according to his preference.
Improvements in Copy and Paste
In previous versions of Android, cutting and pasting text was frustrating. Marshmallow as with iOS let you hover over the text to be copied rather than going on top of the screen to cut, copy, and paste.
Google Tabs
Google Chrome is supported by the Android Marshmallow operating system. This will help the user not to switch between applications when browsing. The browser will also save all your login and password information which is convenient.
Permissions
The Android Marshmallow will ask for permissions when the need arises. When the phones camera needs to be used by an application, the OS will ask for permission at that time, increasing privacy.
Lock screen message
The Android Marshmallow OS comes with a text box just under the lock screen that can be personalized. This space can be used for reminders, quotes and name tags as preferred by the user.
Storage
Marshmallow allows the user to manage storage in an effective manner. A streamlined interface will show how the storage space has been utilized and makes it easy to know what should be deleted.
Doze
Doze, with the help of motion sensors, will put the phone into deep sleep mode when it detects no movement. This will shut down unwanted apps and enable the battery to last longer. Doze will have full control of all applications unless stated otherwise.
Fingerprint scanner
The Android Marshmallow is compatibles with a wide range of application. It can be used to log into applications like Evernote, and the user can also authenticate purchases when buying things.
App drawer
The Android Marshmallow comes with a new app drawer that makes finding apps simple and quick. Users will need to scroll vertically in order to view available applications.
What is the difference between Android 6.0 Marshmallow and Android 7.0 Nougat?
Release
Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Android 6.0 Marshmallow was released in October 2015.
Android 7.0 Nougat: Android 7.0 Nougat was released on August 22nd, 2016.
Split screen multi-tasking
Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Android 6.0 Marshmallow does not support Split screen multitasking feature
Android 7.0 Nougat: Android 7.0 Nougat supports split-screen multitasking feature.
The split screen multitasking feature works with almost all apps.
Android Instant apps
Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Android 6.0 Marshmallow does not support the instant app feature.
Android 7.0 Nougat: Android 7.0 Nougat will install a small bit of an app when needed. This will be one-time usage and after use, the app will be discarded.
Doze
Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Android 6.0 Marshmallow comes with the standard Doze mode.
Android 7.0 Nougat: Android 7.0 Nougat comes with more efficient Doze mode to save battery life. Doze is aggressive and refined. It will even work in your purse or pocket.
Seamless updates
Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Android 6.0 Marshmallow will update in the standard method.
Android 7.0 Nougat: Android 7.0 Nougat update will happen behind the screen.
Notification
Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Android 6.0 Marshmallow comes with standard notification features.
Android 7.0 Nougat: Android 7.0 Nougat comes with a more smart, detailed, and efficient notification feature. Direct reply from notifications is also available. Notification can also be bunched up for easy access and viewing.
Call features
Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Android 6.0 Marshmallow comes with standard call features.
Android 7.0 Nougat: Android 7.0 Nougat comes with improved quick settings, call blocking, call screening, and comes with customization.
Data saver
Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Android 6.0 Marshmallow saves data in the standard manner.
Android 7.0 Nougat: Android 7.0 Nougat limits background usage of data.
Android TV recording
Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Android 6.0 Marshmallow does not support this feature.
Android 7.0 Nougat: Android 7.0 Nougat supports picture in picture mode and recording content from Android TV.
Freeform open window mode
Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Android 6.0 Marshmallow does not support this feature.
Android 7.0 Nougat: Android 7.0 Nougat supports freeform where the window can be resized as with the PCs
Emergency Info
Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Android 6.0 Marshmallow does not come with Emergency Info.
Android 7.0 Nougat: Android 7.0 Nougat comes with emergency info that is able to provide medical information and save a life.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow vs. Android 7.0 Nougat Summary
The Android 7.0 Nougat can be defined as a refinement of the Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Many of the best features that exist on the Android Marshmallow operation system have been enhanced further to improve the performance and efficiency of the smartphones that we use.
Image Courtesy:
“Android M : Marshmallow” by Takahiro Yamagiwa (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
“Google Android Nougat” via(CC BY 2.0) blogtrepreneur.com/android