Android N is hinted to be the operating system for the Samsung Galaxy S7. Android and Chrome OS merging will reportedly not push through in the next Google OS.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow has barely been released and now talks of the next Google software are ramping up. Google will likely name the successor to Marshmallow as Android N. Tech Times reported that Android N will make an appearance in the Samsung Galaxy S7 as hinted by Samsung's developer website.
Alleged features of the Galaxy S7 are listed in the developer website. Samsung noted that some features are to be "deprecated in N". It is assumed that the N being referred to is Android N. These features include the Edge Immersive Mode and the S Pen's AirButton, WritingBuddy, and SmartClip. It is not clear if Samsung will improve these features or completely scrap them in Android N.
Rumors suggest that Google might name Android N with a brand just like KitKat. Possible names are Android Nutella, Android Nestle, Android Nectar, Android Nougat, and even Android Naan Bread. Google may hold an online poll to let users decide on the final name for Android N.
Another rumor says that Android and Chrome OS will merge in Android N. This will bring to mobile devices an OS that looks like Android but capable of running like desktop platforms. However, Know Your Mobile said that this feature will likely not make its way to N. A Google source said that the company plans to release an early version of the Android-Chrome OS in 2017. Android N is expected to be unveiled in the 2016 Google I/O conference.
What is certain is that Android N will have split screen and multi-window features. This was confirmed by members of the Google team in an AMA Reddit session on the Pixel C. The split screen feature will be likely available to all Android smartphones and tablets.
Android Pit listed features that fans would like to see in Android N. Among these are more user interface controls, a better password manager, and a more intuitive permissions manager. Some also want Android N to have more choices of customizable themes such as Dark Mode.
Android N is expected to arrive first on next-gen Nexus phones in October. Just like Marshmallow, Android N will likely trickle down first to older Nexus models then to smartphones by other manufacturers.
