Google recently revealed the name for its Android N operating system via Twitter and in keeping with previous dessert-themed names such as Ice Cream Sandwich and KitKat, it settled on Nougat.
Google took much of the tech world by surprise when it announced the OS in March – two months before its I/O developer conference – and even more so by making the Developer Preview available to test immediately.
Since initially launching the preview programme, Google has been working with manufacturers such as Sony to make it available for a wider range of devices, including the Xperia Z3.
HTC is the latest handset manufacturer to announce it will be adding Android Nougat to its HTC 10, HTC One A9 and the HTC One M9. However, it didn't elaborate on when the update will begin rolling out.
HTC launched its One M9 running Android 5.1 Lollipop and later updated it to Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Both the HTC One A9 and HTC 10 launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
HTC is one of the first manufacturers to confirm it is adding Android Nougat to its range. In addition to Sony, Google's own handsets are also getting the update including Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and the Nexus Player.
Among 'Nougat's' headline features, which in many cases bring support for options that operator-tweaked launchers currently provide, are default support for split-screen apps, a more minimal design for notifications and a dark 'Night Mode' for late-night browsing sessions or chats. The latter taking inspiration from Apple's iOS.
Perhaps one of the most useful updates is the ability to quickly double-tap the 'Recent' button to jump straight back to the last app you were using.
The update will also bring new accessibility features too, like DPI scaling, which allows you to make all the elements of the interface larger, rather than just increasing the text size.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
