Google starts rolling Android Nougat out for Nexus devices

The latest version of Google's Android operating system – Nougat – has been finalised and is now slowly rolling out to compatible Nexus smartphones as an over-the-air update. While Nougat is referred to as Android 7.0 (the current version – Marshmallow – is Android 6.0), the new operating system is relatively light on new functionality. Instead, Google have focused on under-the-hood improvements including better battery management, seamless security updates, and support for Vulkan (an API that will facilitate higher quality 3D graphics in apps that utilise them).

Nougat isn't entirely devoid of new features though; it adds in split-screen app support as a core operating system component, features a revamped task manager, and cleaner more customisable quick settings.

Later this year, Nougat will be updated with support for Daydream, Google's upcoming smartphone driven virtual reality platform.

The Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, and Pixel C will all start receiving over-the-air updates to Android Nougat from today, although some users may not see the upgrade for a couple of weeks (Google doesn't update all devices at a single time). All Nexus devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program will also be updated to the final version of Nougat.

LG's upcoming V20 will be the first smartphone to ship with Android Nougat out of the box, although it may not see an Australian release. Google is expected to unveil a new pair of Nexus-branded smartphones to showcase Nougat's new features in the coming months.