Google is expected to release Android N at the Google I/O Conference scheduled on May. Android N could feature split screen and a new messaging app with RCS support.
The next big update after Marshmallow has a tentative release date scheduled on May. According to Neurogadget, Google could launch Android N at this year's Google I/O conference on May 18 to 20 in Mountain View's Shoreline Amphitheatre.
At this time, Google might roll out a developer preview for the Android N. This version may be installed on Nexus devices as part of Google's research and testing phase before the final build.
Android N is expected to contain a slew of new features absent in the current Marshmallow platform. Lawyer Herald previously reported that Android N will have multi-window and split screen capabilities. Google's Andrew Bowers confirmed so himself in a Reddit AMA, saying that "split screen is in the works". These features will specifically be available to Google's tablets for increased functionality and productivity.
The report added that ClearForce Touch technology could be present in Android N. If this rumor is true, Android devices can finally match up to Apple iPhones with 3D Touch.
Google could also throw in a new dark theme that can save battery life in Android N. It was reported that there could also be a pre-installed YouTube Music app and ad blockers present in the upcoming software.
International Business Times reported that Google might be replacing Hangouts with a new messaging app that supports Rich Communications Services (RCS). In a blog post, Google wrote the following: "Deploying RCS to create an even better messaging experience on Android will take time and collaboration throughout the wireless industry, but we're excited to get started." It means that Google could be adding RCS support to Android N, considering that it recently bought Jibe Mobile which deals with RCS implementation.
Unlike normal SMS/MMS messaging functionalities, RCS is a platform that allows heavy file sharing, live video, and instant chat or messaging. However, a downside is that it only works with certain carriers supporting RCS.
Android fans and the tech community have been coming up with guesses to the meaning of N in Android N. Some say it could be Nacho, Nougat, Nugget, Nectar, Neopolitan, or Nuts. Others say it would be Android Nerds or Android Nutella.
