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We’re almost there, folks. Google today unleashed the very last developer preview build for Android 7.0 Nougat. Those in the beta program can grab it over the air, while those looking to sideload can find the OTA download links right here. For those wanting a fresh slate, system images are here.
So, what’s new? Not much at all. This final preview update serves to address lingering bugs, finalize most of the system and UI behavior, and publish a new API level that developers can now target. In fact, developers can start deploying API 24 apps in the Google Play Store under the beta category.
But what you see in Nougat today is mostly what you’re getting for now. We stress the “for now” part because not all of Nougat’s greatness will be available from the start. Even once it’s officially finalized, we still have to wait for Google to launch things like Daydream VR, however we suspect this won’t happen until there’s a proper device to champion it on (coughNEWNEXUScough).
Although this is the final preview, there are still some known issues Google will need to address before getting this treat out of the door:
Stability
- Users may encounter system instability (such as kernel panics and crashes).
Multi-window
- MapView may be blank when resized in multi-window mode and not focused.
Camera
- Apps may encounter Intermittent issues recording and playing back video at 240fps.
Do Not Disturb
- Do Not Disturb mode may be set at device reboot. To work around the issue, delete the existing rule for VR as follows: go to Settings > Sound > Do not disturb > Automatic Rules and tap the trash icon next to the VR rule.
Screen zoom and multiple APKs in Google Play
- On devices running Developer Preview 5, Google Play services 9.0.83 incorrectly reports the current screen density rather than the stable screen density. When screen zoom is enabled on these devices, this can cause Google Play to select a version of a multi-APK app that’s designed for smaller screens. This issue is fixed in the next version of Google Play services.
Vulkan support and multiple APKs in Google Play
- On devices running Developer Preview 5, Google Play services 9.0.83 currently reports Vulkan support but not Vulkan version. This can cause Google Play to select a version of a multi-APK app that’s designed for lower Vulkan support on devices with higher version support. Currently, the Google Play Store does not accept uploads of Apps which use Vulkan version targeting. This support will be added to the Google Play Store in the future any Android N devices using the Google Play services 9.0.83 will continue to receive versions of Apps targeting basic Vulkan support.
Android Auto
- The version of Google Maps included in Developer Preview 5 (9.30) crashes when used with Android Auto. This issue will be fixed in the next update to Google Maps (9.31), expected in the coming weeks.
And that’s it. We hope the next update post will be regarding a fully stable build of Android Nougat!
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