The iPad Pro 2 may be more powerful than you’ll ever need it to be

The iPad Pro 2 may be more powerful than you'll ever need it to be

Apple only recently launched the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, powered by the impressive A10 Fusion processor, but already Apple's next chip has seemingly been benchmarked and it's far more powerful.

According to Weibo leaker I ice universe, in a post spotted by Techtastic, the upcoming Apple A10X has a single-core Geekbench score of 4236 and a multi-core score of 6588. The A10 at the heart of the iPhone 7 by comparison manages a single-core score of 3490 and a multi-core result of 5580.

It's not just past Apple phones that this chip tops either, as in our tests the Snapdragon 820 version of the Samsung Galaxy S7 for example averaged a multi-core score of just 5398, and even the Exynos model sold outside the US squeezed in below with a multi-core score of 6542.

A10X benchmark

Soon to come

Of course the Samsung Galaxy S8 and other new flagships will arrive in early 2017, likely topping this result, but the A10X isn't even as powerful as what we'll probably see in the iPhone 8.

In all likelihood the A10X will arrive in the iPad Pro 2, while the iPhone 8 will get an even more powerful A11 chip.

So it's clear that if these results are accurate Apple is in no danger of losing its place near the top of the heap for smartphone and tablet performance.

Sony’s leaked Android Nougat update plans reveal no love for Xperia Z3

Sony's leaked Android Nougat update plans reveal no love for Xperia Z3

If you're currently sporting a flagship Sony smartphone you're probably enjoying the Android Marshmallow experience, but also wondering when you'll be updated to Google's latest software. Well, we may now know.

A leaked roadmap supposedly showing Sony's plans for its Android Nougat update has been spotted by Xperia Blog. Apparently the slide pictured below comes directly from a Sony Slovakia press conference, although it's difficult to verify that.

If correct, owners of the 4K-toting Sony Xperia X Performance and newly launched Xperia XZ flagship will be first in line to get a taste of Nougat this October.

Sony Xperia Nougat update - LEAK

Tasty treat before Christmas

November will see the Xperia X and Xperia X Compact get the Nougat treatment, while the Xperia Z5 series, Xperia Z3+ and Xperia Z4 Tablet are tipped to get the update in December.

For those with Xperia XA or XA Ultra phones, your wait will be a little longer with the leak suggesting a Nougat update in early 2017 for you.

If you want to be one of the very first to get their hands on Sony's Nougat update you'll need to pick yourself up an Xperia X Performance, register with the Android Nougat beta program and live in one of the following countries: Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Iceland, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Netherlands.

For many then, the Beta program is off limits – but at least you know there's not too long to wait until the final build is rolled out to your high-end Sony smartphone.

UPDATED: iOS 10 is now available to download on your existing iPhone and iPad

UPDATED: iOS 10 is now available to download on your existing iPhone and iPad

You can't even get your hands on the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus yet, but you can get hold of the shiny new software they'll be running as Apple's iOS 10 release date is right now – three days ahead of the new handsets hitting stores.

Apple announced at its Special Event last week that iOS 10 would roll out to all compatible devices from September 13, so it's time to pick up your iPhone, power up your iPad or dust off your iPod to see if it's ready to download and install.

Not every iDevice is eligible for the update, so you'll need to have an iPhone 5 or above, iPad 4th gen or higher or an iPod Touch 6th gen. Here's a handly little image showing which devices are good to go.

iOS 10

Patience is a virtue

iOS 10 update didn't happen immediately today. Instead, Apple timed new installs to 10am Pacific, the same time it kicked off its keynote last week. Remember, though, it can take a while for the new software to make its way to every device.

iOS 10 brings in a host of new and upgraded features including new-look notifications, an enhanced iMessage app, more 3D touch options and smarter text predictions.

Apple releases iOS 10 final candidate update to beta users

Apple releases iOS 10 final candidate update to beta users

The iOS 10 release date has been confirmed as September 13, but those who signed up to the Apple Beta Software Program can get their hands on the final build of the software today.

Apple has released its final launch candidate for its latest mobile software, writing in an email to beta users "We are pleased to give you access to the iOS 10 and macOS Sierra final release candidates.

"We will be shipping the final versions to customers worldwide in the coming weeks and appreciate you trying out the releases and providing feedback."

If you can't wait to try out the latest version, then check out our guide on how to download iOS 10 right now.

iOS 10 update

Final, almost

While it's highly likely the software you download today is the same as the iOS 10 build that rolls out to everyone else on September 13, there could still be tweaks if any major flaws are found between now and Tuesday.

The update comes in at 1.68GB on an iPad Air, so if you're in possession of a 16GB device you'll need to make sure there's enough free space before trying to download and install.

To get the iOS 10 update you'll need to have an iPhone 5, iPad 3, iPod touch 6th gen or higher - with older devices than those not getting the latest software.

Revealed: Android Nougat is the new name for Android N

Revealed: Android Nougat is the new name for Android N

Hungry for more Android? Well later this year you'll be able to tuck into Android Nougat – the new name for Android N.

Google took to its Twitter (and Snapchat) accounts to announce the name, putting the end to the rumors of Nutella, Nerds and Naan.

For those eager to check out Android Nougat early, the software is currently available in Beta for select handsets giving you a taste of some of the new features which include split screen, a slender quick settings bars, fast app switching and Doze 2.0.

Has Google chosen wisely? Let us know in our poll before - and if you had a better idea stick it in the comments - maybe we can start a petition to get it changed?

577542fb33e3688a29e13bb7

Versus: iOS 10 vs iOS 9: the big changes

Versus: iOS 10 vs iOS 9: the big changes

Apple claims iOS 10 is its biggest iOS release ever, and there's certainly plenty to get into your teeth into – but how does it differ from the software currently running on your iPhone or iPad?

We've pitted the two iOS revisions head to head to show just what you can expect from the new iOS 10 update.

iOS 9 vs iOS 10: Siri

One of the biggest updates on iOS 10 is Siri, which has been made even smarter and it's now open to developers. That means you'll start seeing the personal assistant pop up in third party apps too.

On iOS 9, Apple introduced Siri Suggestions which displayed contacts and apps it predicted would be most useful to you at a particular time and location. It also offered up smarter answers to requests – but not on the same scale as the iOS 10 update.

Because Siri is now open to third party apps, you'll be able to say things like "Send a WeChat to Nancy saying I'll be 5 minutes late", and it'll do just that. Siri is also now smart enough to understand that command in a variety of ways, which means you don't have to say phrases in a set order for it to work.

That's what Apple claims anyway – we'll remain on the fence until we actually get a hold of it.

iOS 9 vs iOS 10: Maps

With iOS 9 very little changed with Apple Maps, which in itself is an offering which has played second fiddle to the impressive Google Maps. That changes with iOS 10.

The new Maps app not only sports a new design, but Apple's also made it proactive. That means depending where you are, and what time it is, it can suggest routes, restaurants and places of interests it thinks you'll want to know about.

Navigation has also been improved with live traffic, a zoomed-in view when you approach junctions and easier to follow directions. It plays even better with Apple CarPlay too, and can display directions in the instrument cluster if your vehicle has that support.

iOS 10

The big thing with iOS 10 is Apple opening up its core apps to third party developers, something which is still very much closed off in iOS 9.

That means in the new Maps you'll be able to book a table at a restaurant and order, track and pay for your Uber without having to leave the app.

iOS 9 vs iOS 10: Phone and Messages

Apple continues its all-apps-are-open matra with the Phone app, allowing developers access to the core calling API which means whatever call you receive, from any application, it'll display and act like a standard telephone call.

On iOS 9 calls from third party apps appear as rather basic notifications, giving a disjointed user experience. With iOS 10, everything is far more fluid.

Another smart feature in iOS 10 is Voicemail transcription – giving you a text overview of the message someone has left, allowing you to ignore spam without wasting time listening to it. The same goes for Apple's new spam detection service, which can flag potentially troublesome calls before you answer them.

Messages has been given a major overhaul with bigger emoji, smarter emoji prediction, an easier to access camera without moving away from the stream, handwriting and a range of digital touches and effects.

All in all, it gives users far more options over the rather bland bubble chat we currently have on iOS 9, but many of the features look suspiciously similar to Google's Allo app which it announced at IO 2016 last month.

iOS 9 vs iOS 10: News, Music and Photos

Apples' News, Music and Photos apps have all been given a clean lick of paint over their iOS 9 variants.

The iOS 10 apps have a fresher, cleaner, brighter look which Apple claims make them easier to navigate, while surfacing the best content for you at any given time.

Apple Music

News now also includes subscriptions, giving the Cupertino firm another revenue stream, but other than that it's just the looks which have changed – and the same goes for Music.

Apple's spent more time improving Photos, from the still relatively tame picture viewer on iOS 9, to a far more feature filled offering on iOS 10.

A lot of comparisons can be drawn between it and Google Photos, with artificial intelligence able to identify different people, scenes, objects and animals in images and then group them together under various categories.

It's also added a Memories tab, where it automatically pulls together photos and videos into sections it thinks will be most relevant to you. In a play which is almost identical to HTC's Zoe, the iOS 10 Photos app can also put these memories into a nice little video, with text and music for adding viewing pleasure. How lovely.

iOS 9 vs iOS 10: compatibility

The iOS 9 update came to all iPhones from the iPhone 4S and up, iPads from the iPad 2 and above, all the iPad Minis and the 5th generation iPod Touch. In short, its support is impressive.

It was also the operating system which launched with the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. Why is that important? Because iOS 10 is more than likely going to arrive with the iPhone 7 (and 7 Plus) later this year.

With iOS 10, there's bad news for iPhone 4S, iPad 2, iPad 3 and iPod 5th gen users – as none of those devices are supported. Those rocking the iPhone 5 and above, iPad 4 and up and the iPod 6th gen though are all in luck. Huzzah!

You can see the full list of supported iOS 10 devices below.

iOS 10

iOS 9 vs iOS 10: release date

Pretty much everyone has iOS 9 on their iPhones and iPads already, if they're supported that is – but if you're missing it head over to the Software Updates section in your settings menu and get downloading!

If you're looking forward to iOS 10, you'll have to wait until the Fall for the update to hit your device. While that's still a few months away, the good news is the update will be free, and unlike Android it'll hit all your devices on the same day – no waiting around for months.

For those of you who simply cannot wait until then, Apple will launch an iOS 10 Public Beta in July, allowing you to get a taste on what's on offer - but there's also likely to be a fair few bugs too. Developers can get involved right now, with a developer preview already live for those who have access.

Apple’s pesky first-party apps could soon (sorta) disappear

Apple's pesky first-party apps could soon (sorta) disappear

In the realm of silly first-world tech problems, the outcry over the inability to remove first-party apps from an iPhone 6S or iPad Pro 9.7 is among the silliest of struggles. Thankfully, it looks like Apple has finally heard your cries. Well, sort of.

A new bit of code inserted into the metadata across Apple's entire app-osphere hints that you may be able to hide unwanted first-party apps in the near future – but not remove them.

AppAddicts have discovered recently added boolean (true/false) parameters "isFirstParty: and "isFirstpartyHideableApp," which appear to determine whether first-party apps, like Compass, News, Notes and Stocks can be hidden.

As this has been an issue for years, you might have already devised a clever solution to put them out of sight, like into a folder titled "GTFO" on an unused page. Personally, it's enough to get the annoying app tiles out of the way.

Unfortunately, it's not the same for everyone and even Apple's new solution may not be enough. I imagine that you're asking "why exactly can't these apps be removed?"

As we reported back in September, iOS is constructed in such a way that, like a PC, certain core apps and files are necessary to keep things running smoothly and thus, cannot be removed.

Tim Cook has gone on the record, saying that "We'll figure out a way [for you to remove them]" but until iOS loosens its dependance on first-party apps, hiding them might be as close to removing them as we're going to get. Fingers crossed that the feature arrives before or with iOS 10.

Via AppAddict










iPhone SE and iPad Pro pre-orders open, but good deals are hard to come by

iPhone SE and iPad Pro pre-orders open, but good deals are hard to come by

The iPhone SE (and 9.7-inch iPad Pro) pre-orders are now up and running around the world, with Apple's new 4-inch iPhone joining its bigger brothers the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus.

We already knew the SIM-free price with the 16GB model costing $399 (£359, AU$679), while the 64GB variant will set you back $499 (£439, AU$829).

However, as tariffs come online for the iPhone SE, it looks like you'll be paying a sizable amount each month if you want a half-decent data allowance.

For all the details on tariffs and deals see our in-depth 'where can I get it' articles.

Go pro

If you're in the market for a new tablet, the iPad Pro can also be pre-ordered today. Prices start at $599 (£499, AU$899) for the 32GB, Wi-Fi only model and go all the way up to US$1,029 (£839, AU$1,599) for the 256GB, Wi-Fi and LTE variant.

For those of you who do take the plunge, you can expect your shiny new iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro to arrive on March 31, meaning you'll have less than a week to wait.










5 secret things you probably missed at Apple’s launch event

5 secret things you probably missed at Apple's launch event

Ready from the launch

Apple events. It seems like that the brand is having one every five minutes, with more iPhones and iPads to show off, but no new iPod Classic to be seen around.

But when you've attended enough of these to get a feeling about what's really being said, and what's being hinted at through omission - there's always a hidden story to these Apple launches.

Liam could kill us all

LIam

Let's gloss over the fact that Apple's invented a robot - and even further, let's just skip over that it's called Liam with no reason for that moniker given.

It sounds like a system that's too good to be true, a machine that will suck up your old iPhone and pull it apart for its useful bits, making sure that your unwanted old handset isn't just clogging up space in a drawer but is actually working to help the environment.

The video showed a very efficient little robo-arm that could pull out the SIM tray, yoink off the display and pull out the battery with ease, saving the best parts and discarding the old.

But wait... What if Liam suddenly decides it's bored of iPhones? What if it looks to its human overlords and decides we're not using our organs well enough and begins harvesting the livers of those it doesn't think deserve them?

Could WE be recycled?*

*Probably not. We'd have to turn ourselves in at an Apple Store, for a start.

The new iPhone isn't THAT good

iPhone SE

The new iPhone SE is much what we expected: the shape of an iPhone 5S, the price of an iPhone 5C and the brains of the iPhone 6S.

In a world that's been crying out for a smaller, more palm-friendly phone this could be the winner in an unloved space, the 'super-mid' tier that Sony's been going after for a while.

But there's one thing that's not been upgraded: the screen. It's got an 800:1 contrast ratio and 326ppi, which is identical to the phone which launched two and half years ago. Lest we forget - one of the lures of buying an iPhone is that it looks new, so the iPhone SE could struggle as a result, so sticking it in the same shell isn't much fun (unless two and half years old counts as retro now?)

Given we spend most of our day staring at that screen, it's a shame it's not sharper or higher on the contrast ratio scale to give more dazzling whites and rich blacks.

The iPad Pro 9.7 is a much better tablet

iPad Pro

The new iPad Pro 9.7 is almost certainly the death knell of the iPad Air. It might limp along to the iPad Air 3, but the super thin slate wasn't selling well enough, and Apple needed to give it new features to jumpstart sales again.

A 9.7-inch screen is a good size for a more portable tablet, but the new version of the 'professional' iPad is actually better than the Pro that launched in 2015.

It's got a less reflective screen, a better camera, and the display can adapt to the lighting conditions to represent the color temperature of the world around you.

It's a shame the battery life isn't longer, but given there's a smaller power pack in there it kind of makes sense - but we all want longer time between charges.

The Apple Watch 2 is almost certainly on its way

Apple watch

If there's one thing that's certain, a price drop means one of three things: a product has failed and the company wants rid of it. There's a new version on the way and the company wants to clear space for the new model. The original product wasn't selling well enough, so the company has tried to make it more palatable to shift more units.

Apple has historically only ever dropped the price of anything when it's been replaced, or on rare occasions when it's got something new in the pipeline. If the Watch was a failure, there's no way Apple would even still be talking about it, let along publicizing a discount. It would have ushered it into a corner, put the loss in a column on a spreadsheet somewhere and been done with it.

And there's no way Apple would have mis-priced the Watch. For all the failings of the smartwatch world, people seem reasonably happy with the price Apple's shoved out its wrist-dweller at.

So the logical explanation is the Apple Watch 2 is nearly here - and we're expecting it in September, so a six month push to get more units off the shelves (and suitably far from Christmas so anyone that spent a huge wedge of cash buying one for their other half won't be frustrated) should see some uplift in sales before the new model appears.

CareKit was the most important announcement from Apple

Carekit

Let's be honest here - you've spent your time reading about the latest incremental updates to the latest, expensive hardware from one of the world's richest companies. In the grand scheme of things, it's not life-changing.

However, the technology that's being offered has the capability to be, and the launch of CareKit could be the start of something big. Let's take Apple out of the equation here, as I'm talking about all brands starting something similar.

The apps that launch with CareKit - such as those that allow Parkinson's sufferers to test their motor skills before and after medication or exercise - aren't particularly ground-breaking, as they're something that could have been made by any developer.

But the framework provides a link between patient and physician, taking away a considerable barrier at a time when people are at their most vulnerable, and that's a fantastic thing.

Apple has the infrastructure to offer this the easiest simply because of the limited number of devices it offers and the ease of coding that brings, but there's no reason why other brands couldn't do the same thing and Android devices can join the connected caregiving revolution too.










Everything you need to know from Apple’s iPhone SE launch

Everything you need to know from Apple's iPhone SE launch

Your one stop guide to the Apple iPhone SE launch

Apple

There wasn't a One More Thing this time. Not even something like the iPod Hi-Fi.

You didn't watch the Apple event. You had stuff to do and anyway, who wants to hear Tim Cook say "amazing" and "magical" for two hours?

But there's a problem: people will be talking about it tomorrow, so you need the facts. We've got 'em. Here's everything you need to know about the iPhone SE event, from the hardware Apple unveiled to the bits that sent us to sleep.

Missing it was a smart move

Carekit

Caring about privacy, the environment and health and stuff is all very important and very laudable, but while it's great that Apple is making a stand against the FBI, moving to all-paper packaging, powering its Singapore operation with solar arrays on top of 800 buildings and making real progress with its medical research platform HealthKit, that information is not what you want to linger on when all you want to know is what the iPhone SE costs.

Fifteen minutes into the keynote and the only iPhone we'd seen was one that was being taken apart to become a drill bit.

There are some new Apple Watch bands. Woo!

Watch

"Now we're going to talk about products," Tim Cook said, 25 minutes in. And then he unveiled… NYLON APPLE WATCH STRAPS AND SOME NEW COLOURS! The crowd jumped to its feet and danced with joy, ecstatic at the innovation they were seeing on screen. Yes, we're being sarcastic. More usefully, there was a price cut too: the Apple Watch is down to $299, a reduction of $50, but there wasn't any mention of any next generation Watch. To be fair we didn't expect to see the second generation Apple Watch tonight, so we weren't disappointed. Bored, yes. But not disappointed.

The iPhone SE is small and (sort of) cheap

iPhone SE

Apple shifts lots of four-inch iPhones even though they're getting on a bit, so it's made the iPhone SE to target those customers: people who don't want ginormous screens with price tags to match, and the Chinese market where the four-incher is king.

It comes in white, black, gold and rose gold, looks very like the iPhone 5S, and it's essentially an iPhone 6S in a smaller case.

It has the 12MP iSight camera, Live Photos, 4K video and faster 4G and Wi-Fi than the iPhone 5S, but it doesn't have the 3D Touch pressure sensing of its bigger sibling, the basic storage is still just 16GB and the fact battery life wasn't mentioned means it'll be crap.

Prices start at $399/£359, which is cheap by iPhone standards.

There's a new version of iOS too

iOS

iOS 9.3's headline new feature is called Night Shift, and it automatically changes the colour balance to make your screen more yellowish at night.

The theory behind it is that the bluer light of normal phone screens plays merry hell with your sleep, so moving to a warmer colour balance at night should make it easier to fall asleep.

Or you could just watch a recording of tonight's keynote. iOS also gets password protected Notes, app suggestions inside the Health app, some tweaks to Apple News and some improvements for education and CarPlay. It's out now.

The new iPad is called the New iPad Pro

iPad

The latest iPad is the same size as an iPad Air, but it's an iPad Pro like Apple's giant tablet.

It has clearly been designed with business users in mind - carrying the big iPad Pro is like carrying a desk around - and Windows PC switchers: Apple calls it "the ultimate PC replacement". It has a Smart Keyboard like its bigger sibling that turns it into a laptop, and it supports the Apple Pencil too.

That's good news for artists, designers, architects and anybody who fancies a bit of digital doodling. It also gets the same camera specs as the iPhone SE, which is terrible news for anybody stuck behind iPad Pro owners at gigs. Prices are $599 for 32GB, rising to $899 for 256GB. It's powerful, but pricey.

There's a genuinely innovative new feature in the new iPad Pro. Apple calls it a True Tone display, and it uses twin sensors to detect the colour temperature of the lighting - so direct sunlight has a different tone to LED lighting, or the lighting in your home.

The iPad Pro detects this and adjusts the screen colours accordingly, making the screen behave more like a piece of paper. A $599 piece of paper, yes, but the creative types are going to go mad for it.

There wasn't a One More Thing

iPhone

Apple fans' favourite bit of Apple events is the end, because that's when Steve Jobs used to do his famous "There's one more thing" big reveal.

That was when the real star of the show would be revealed - and at this event the One More Thing was, er, nothing. No speed-bumped MacBook Pros or MacBooks with a couple of spare expansion ports. No iPad socks.

The event petered out after a bit about Apple's new office building, which was as fascinating as a bit about anybody's new office building can be.

We didn't even get Jonathan Ive broadcasting from the white room Apple keeps him locked inside. Predictions of Apple's doom after the passing of Steve Jobs may have been hilariously wrong, but boy do we miss his showmanship.

It wasn't the worst keynote ever

Event

We tend to associate Apple keynotes with big product reveals - the iPod! The iPhone! The iPad! - but many past Apple events were even duller than this one, which at least did have some high-end products to talk about.

If you were following Apple back in 2006, its spring event unveiled slightly tweaked Mac Minis, the ill-fated iPod Hi-Fi and some iPod cases. And that was it. Never mind "boom!" That wasn't even "part!"

This time we got a new iPhone and new iPad in the middle of the cycle for both of those devices - we know that September is going to yield a new iPhone 7, and probably a refresh to the Apple Watch (cunningly named the Apple Watch 2) and probably a new version of the iPad Pro.

So given that will be the 'big' event, seeing this much hardware in March is something we wouldn't normally expect.










Updated: Surprise! Android N developer preview is available now

Updated: Surprise! Android N developer preview is available now

There's no need to wait until Google IO 2016 to hear about Android N, let alone try it out for yourself. The first Android N developer preview is available to download right now.

Of course, the operating system update requires a Pixel C or a newer Nexus device: the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus Player or Nexus 9. Looks like it's time to retire that trusty Nexus 5.

This follow-up to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, while still untitled at the moment, has arrived much earlier than expected, with the aim being to make N the best iteration of Android yet (with your help, of course.)

Eager early adopters can dig into Android N right away, and that's good for them, but what's better is that we now know about some new, crowd-pleasing additions that are headed to the popular mobile OS.

Tell me about the new features

First off, multi-window view is coming to N. Similar to multi-tasking in iOS 9 and Windows 10, users can put two apps into view and be more productive with Android than ever. The feature also allows for developers to code for native picture-in-picture support for videos.

Another cool addition that will speed up communication is the ability to directly reply via notifications. Android Wear served as the inspiration for migrating this fast and easy way to reply to messages over to the phone and tablet front. Additionally, the notifications in Android N look to be more detail-rich and interactive.

Since battery life is a constant concern, Google's refinement of the Doze feature, implemented in Marshmallow, is much welcomed. Android N's Doze aims to save even more battery when the screen is powered off. The developer blog post makes the point that, working in conjunction with Doze, the company is also working to reduce the memory required to run Android N. If this ends well, we could see the latest version of Android on a ton of devices.

Android N

Anything else should I know about?

Android N seems to be all about the small details that can amount to big improvements in the experience. A feature that seems to perfectly embody that is Data Saver, which does exactly as it says. If you're running out of data on your monthly or pre-paid plan, switching on Data Saver blocks background usage and alerts each of your apps to fetch data less often.

Google stated that it aims to have the final version of N in the hands of manufacturers this summer, which should hopefully funnel over the air onto your device this coming autumn.

We'll be at Google IO 2016, where even more details about Android N are likely to be unveiled. If we're lucky, maybe Google will spill the beans on what the "N" stands for. As for now, Google says "we're nut tellin' you yet."

Was that not the biggest hint ever? Nutella, perhaps? We had a few guesses on what we think it will be called. Care to tell us what you think?

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Samsung’s planning an always-on smartphone screen, but not for the Galaxy S7

Samsung's planning an always-on smartphone screen, but not for the Galaxy S7

Samsung just applied to trademark the phrase 'Always on Display' in South Korea, sparking talk of a new feature in its upcoming smartphones.

Don't get too excited just yet though, as submitting a trademark application 19 days ahead of the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S7 means it's highly unlikely to feature in the handset we're expecting to see at MWC 2016 on February 21.

It is linked to mobile devices however, with the application stating the feature relates to "computer application software for smartphones, mobile phones, and tablet computers, namely, software for personal information management, and for monitoring, synchronizing and viewing updated information regarding time, date, weather, news, messages, schedules, health, and fitness program."

Side screen action?

The information to be displayed on the always-on display listed in the filing certainly makes sense. It's data we've already seen appear on lock screens, and more recently along the edge screen of the Galaxy Note Edge, Galaxy S6 Edge and S6 Edge+.

This could be our first sign of a more integrated edge screen for future curved Samsung phones and tablets (Samsung Galaxy S8 Edge, anyone?), where the slender strip of screen never turns off completely, keeping you constantly updated with notifications.

Alternatively, Samsung may be working on a full screen standby mode which sees information displayed as part of a low power theme - or perhaps we'll even see a second screen like the Yotaphone 2's additional E-Ink display.

We hope this means Samsung has also found a way to decrease the power consumption by the display, otherwise this feature could well be very short-lived. Either way, we're excited to see this feature come to fruition, if it ever does.










Android 7: what we want to see

Android 7: what we want to see

Android 7: what we want to see

Every year we see a new version of Android, and 2016 should be no exception. Google is sure to announce Android N at some point in the next year and it'll likely land on a variety of phones and tablets before the year is out (but probably not on as many as we'd like).

Even Google spokespeople have talked about the next version of the Android software, so it's certain to be coming soon.

What isn't clear about Android 7.0 is what it's actually going to do for the world's most used mobile operating system. It might not even be version 7.0 of the software - let's not forget Google's dabble with the number four with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, 4.1/2/3 Jelly Bean and 4.4 KitKat.

It has reverted back to type with 5.0 Lollipop and 6.0 Marshmallow, but Google always has the option to chuck in a curve ball once in a while.

So far we don't really know all that much about Android 7.0 with rumors currently thin on the ground, but we've got some ideas of our own which we'd love Google to pick up and add in to the next version of Android.

Let us know what you'd like to see in the Android N update in the comments section below.

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? The next version of Google's mobile OS, Android 7.
  • When is it out? Likely reveal in May, but won't launch until October*
  • What will it cost? Free

*when - and if - you get it depends on what phone/tablet you own though

Android 7 release date

There's no official word on when Android N will be launching, so all we have is Google's previous software activities.

Google officially announced Android Marshmallow at Google IO 2015 at the end of May last year – and going by the search giant's track record the sensible money is on Android 7.0 showing up at Google IO 2016.

Thing is, there tends to be several months inbetween the announcement and the new version of Android actually rolling out. That means it's unlikely to arrive on devices before October - and even then it'll probably only be the Nexus branded phones and tablets which get it.

For most, you'll have to wait until your manufacturer and/or carrier sorts out their own version of the update and pushes it out - and that can take months.

What phones will get Android 7?

Best Android

If you've got a recent flagship phone, you should be in luck. Most manufacturers try and push the software to phones and tablets that are less than two years old, but it may be quite a wait.

Each manufacturer can take time to tweak the updates. Take Android Marshmallow for example, some phones still don't have the update even though it's been out for nearly three whole months now.

If you want the latest software, it's best to get a Nexus device as the newest version of Android will always be pushed to that first.

Android 7 news and rumors

Little is known about the Android N update so far. The only feature we know to be confirmed is split-screen multitasking support for tablets.

During a Reddit AMA on the Pixel C, Glen Murphy, director of Android and Chrome UX, confirmed that split-screen multitasking support is incoming. "We're working hard on a range of enhancements for Android in this form factor," he said.

Consumer hardware director at Google, Andrew Bowers, added: "We're working on lots of things right now for N that, of course, we wish we had, you know, yesterday. But we'd spoil the surprise of N if we shared all of them. Split screen is in the works!"

Apart from that, little is known about the Android 7 update – but we're deep trying to find out new details and we'll share here when we know something new.

Android 7: what we want to see

As we're feeling generous, here at techradar we got together to think of what we'd like to see the new software do. Here's everything we would like to see come to Google's OS in Android 7.

1. No more bloatware

Android

Google has recently announced a change within the Android rule book. It means phone makers don't have to include all the G branded apps as standard. Google Play Games, Google Play Books, Google+ and Google Newsstand now don't need to be included on every phone you use.

Android N would be the perfect time to drop a few of the other less useful apps that Google doesn't need to force on its owners. Do we all need Google Play Music waiting for us?

2. Faster updates

This is a hard one for Google, but when you look at how Android 6.0 Marshmallow has struggled to get onto phones it would be a worthwhile step. Google needs to streamline the process of getting the latest software onto Android devices.

How it does that, we're not all that clear – but there must be a way it can make the process slightly simpler for OEM's to take the latest software and squeeze it onto devices.

3. Real multi-tasking

Google Pixel C

This is one we've heard word of from Google already – but there's no guarantee from the company that it'll be launching on the next version of the software.

We'd like to see it come through as soon as possible though as putting this onto the Google Pixel C and upcoming tablets will make productivity tasks a lot easier.

4. Battery improvements

Android 6.0 Marshmallow had a big focus on improving the battery life of your phone with Doze, but the work isn't done yet. We'd like to see that continue onto the next version of the software.

Google should be working on battery life until it gets to a standard where we can use our phones without having to worry about them dying after a day. Improvements to how the software runs should help the battery life and we'd love to see that come again in Android N.

5. Android Pay improvements

Android Pay

Android Pay is here now, but it's not the best it can be yet. It's not all over the world and we'd like to see Android N push the software to new markets. If you could use your phone to pay anywhere around the world, that'd be great.

Plus throwing in all your loyalty cards in a similar way to Apple's Wallet would be a great step so we can really leave everything else at home.

6. Battery percentage

Surprisingly, you still can't show off your battery percentage in the notification bar when using stock Android. If you're able to do so on your phone, it's just because the manufacturer has seen fit to add it in.

Pretty much all of them have now as well, so we'd like to see Android actually take on the feature itself. And this would be simple for Google to do.

7. A solid name

Android

We want the sweet stuff - Android N needs a good name to make us excited every time it pops up in the over-the-air update box. Seeing something like Android Nutella pop up instead of the boring Android 7 title is always a good giggle.










Updated: Android Nougat release date: when you’ll get it and everything you need to know

Updated: Android Nougat release date: when you'll get it and everything you need to know

Android Nougat: release date, news and rumors

Update: The Android Nougat release date is here, at least for some phones and tablets. Find out which Google-powered devices are getting the Android 7.0 update besides Nexus phones, including news from Motorola.

Android Nougat is Google's latest update of its phone and tablet operating system – an OS that's been so thoroughly refined that the company is now more than halfway through the alphabet with names, at letter 14 of 26.

The real shocker is that Google didn't wait to announce Android Nougat at Google IO 2016. The reason behind this was to give developers several months to tinker with the update, according to the company. Hopefully that means phone makers and app developers are prepared for Android 7.

Cut to the chase

  • What is it? The next version of Google's mobile OS
  • When is it out? Right now, but you'll need to wait for some devices
  • When will I get it? It's rolling out slowly, dependent on your phone and tablet maker
  • What will it cost? Free

Check out our video walkthrough of the Android Nougat Beta

YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMdrJBnv3zQ

Android Nougat release date

Android Nougat is out right now, but when you'll get the upgrade is going to depend on a few criteria. If you have a Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Google Pixel C, Nexus Player or an Android One device you'll soon get the upgrade. If you have a Nexus 5 you're sadly going to miss out on Android Nougat.

Android N

It's rolling out now and you'll get the new software in the "coming weeks", according to Google. If you have a phone or tablet from another manufacturer the wait is likely to take some time.

Manufacturers and carriers have to rework their own version of the software and push it out to users - and that can take months.

What phones will get Android N?

Best phone

We can hear you out there screaming, "when is Android Nougat update coming to my phone?!" If you've got a recent flagship phone, you should be in luck. Most phone and tablet makers try and push the software to devices that are less than two years old, but it may be quite a wait.

Each manufacturer can take time to tweak the updates. Take Android Marshmallow for example, some phones still don't have the update. If you want the latest software, it's best to get a Nexus device, as the newest version of Android will always be pushed to that first.

Google and Sony surprised us when it announced that the Sony Xperia Z3 would received the developer edition of the Nougat software, but oddly, the phone won't be getting the full Nougat upgrade. However, many of its other Sony phones will, including the Xperia Z3+, Xperia Z4 Tablet, Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, Xperia Z5 Premium, Xperia X, Xperia XA, Xperia XA Ultra and Xperia X Performance. Phew. No specific time frame has been announced, but stay tuned.

Android Nougat

LG has boldly claimed that it'll have the first new Android Nougat phone to launch on Tuesday, September 6. That's when the LG V20 is set to launch with dual camera goodness. We don't know about the LG G5, LG V10 or LG G4 update prospects just yet, but the company may announce more details at its press conference, so stay tuned, Life's Gooders.

HTC has confirmed it will be bringing Android Nougat to the HTC 10, One A9 and One M9 by the end of the 2016, while the HTC has also told TechRadar the One M8 will not get the upgrade.

Motorola has now confirmed which phones it will upgrade to Android 7. Those are the Moto G4, Moto G4 Play, Moto X Pure Edition, Moto X Style, Moto X Play, Moto X Force, Droid Turbo 2, Droid Maxx 2, Moto Z, Moto Z Droid, Moto Z Force Droid, Moto Z Play, Moto Z Play Droid and Nexus 6.

Motorola has also confirmed the Moto G4 Plus will get Android 7 software in the future. The strange thing is, Motorola also confirmed the phone will be updated to Android O when it comes around as well. That's software Google hasn't even announced yet and there's no guarantee Android 8 will be named after the letter O.

Meanwhile Samsung will work hard to get Nougat on the Galaxy Note 7 within the next two to three months - so we have our fingers crossed the update will come to the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge soon as well.

Even the little known Nextbit Robin is confirmed to be getting the Android Nougat update. Stay tuned, as we're going to continue prodding each manufacturer for information until they fess up to their complete Android N plans.

Android Nougat VR

We've tested out a bunch of existing Android Nougat features below, but there's one exciting new tool that isn't part of the update: Google Daydream.

Android Nougat

A buried menu for VR helper services in the Android N Developer Preview 4, and an equally buried release note for "Android VR" in Unreal Engine 4.12 beta hints at a big push for a Google Cardboard successor - and Google confirmed its VR intentions during IO.

The Play Store, StreetView, Photos, YouTube and Play Movies will all support VR, allowing you to jump into games, locations and videos - all via Google's Daydream VR platform. Daydream is due to be released in the fall and isn't in the Android N update yet.

Expect Google Daydream to be part of a future maintenance update for Android Nougat, though you can get phones like ZTE Axon 7 (the first Google Daydream phone) right now.

Multi-window support

True multitasking support has finally arrived as expected, and Split Screen is deservedly the highlight of Android Nougat on phones and tablets. You're going to be able to open up two apps at once on your Nexus phone or tablet.

Android Nougat

It's a popular feature Samsung and LG phones have incorporated into their Android skins years ago, so it's nice (and about time) Google is including the same functionality in its own software. It's easy to launch too - just long press on the recent (multi-tasking) button in the nav bar.

Multi-window support could increase enterprise interest in Android tablets and the Pixel C. It's a bet that Apple recently made when it launched a similar split-screen and picture-in-picture feature for iOS 9.

Meanwhile Android TV gets picture-in-picture mode, allowing you to continue watching your show in a smaller screen while performing another task.

There's also a Clear All button at the top of the multi-tasking menu on your phone to make it simple to close all your apps. Then there's a new feature called Quick Switch, which lets you jump back to the previous application with a double tap of the recent (multi-tasking) button in the navigation bar.

Direct Reply Notifications

You won't have to navigate away from your current window (or, now, windows) just to answer an incoming message. You can just reply within the notification that appears at the top of the screen.

Android N

It worked well enough for the iPhone and iPad when the same idea made its debut with iOS 8 under the name Quick Reply. But Apple's approach to messages worked strictly with its iMessage app.

Google is opening up Direct Reply Notifications beyond Hangouts, and that could mean popular apps like WhatsApp could take advantage of this convenient inline messaging feature.

New quick settings menu

Google is adding a new quick settings menu to the notifications shade you pull down from the top. It's a lot like the one Samsung, LG and every other Android manufacturer seems to use.

Android N

Sure, Google stock Android software has had switches for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane mode and so forth, but it required pulling the notifications bar down a second time to reveal the quick settings menu.

Now the quick settings toggles are here as soon as you gesture downward once to see notifications. The best news is that all of the buttons small and unobstructive. It leaves room for notifications to flourish.

Android N

Longtime Nexus users will also be happy to hear that the quick settings switches can be sorted to your liking, much like they can on other Android phones. You won't need the System UI Tuner to meddle.

For example, I often use MiFi more than Airplane Mode, so Mobile Hotspot icon get promoted to be one of the five icons along the top of the initial quick settings on my Nexus 6P.

That little airplane icon is still there for my takeoff and landings needs, but it got the bump to the second swipe menu. Sorting is finally up to you, which is really what Android is all about.

Bundled notifications

Google's not done with the way Android N changes notifications. It also announced that notification cards will be grouped together if they're from the same app.

Android N

All messages from a specific messaging app, for example, are bundled together in the notification shade. These grouped alerts can then be expanded into individual notifications using a two-finger gesture or tapping the all-new expansion button.

This is basically the opposite of what Apple did in the jump from iOS 8 to iOS 9, switching from grouping them by app to lining them up chronologically. We'll see which method works best this autumn.

There's more control over your notifications in Android Nougat too, as now you can long press on a notification to either silence future notifications, or turn them off completely.

Doze Mode 2.0

One of the (literal) sleeper hits of Android Marshmallow has been Doze Mode, Google's crafty way of saving battery life whenever your device is stationary. It's amounts to a deep standby mode.

Android N

Android Nougat is going to step up the company's energy-saving software techniques by expanding Doze Mode so that it thoroughly limits background tasks whenever the screen is turned off.

That's ideal for throwing a phone in your pocket or your tablet in a backpack, and then retrieving it the next day or next week without having to recharge it right away. Your "I can't even" face when you pick up your dead Nexus phone the next morning will be a thing of the past.

Android Nougat performance

Google says Android Nougat will provide its biggest leap forward in graphics with the introduction of Vulkan, giving game developers much-needed control of the GPU.

That in turn will result in even better graphics and smoother, faster performance.

If you've downloaded apps from other sources that aren't the Google Play Store, you'll now be able to identify where the app came from by going into your Settings, App Info and then Package Installer.

There's also been a number of Android runtime improvements, including optimizations to the JIT compiler which has seen task speeds increase between 30%-600% compared to the previous version.

Updates are also more seamless, with security updates automatically downloaded and a simple fresh boot up of your device will see you run the latest offering. It's also got rid of that annoying "Android is updating" pop up when you restart after an update.

Other features

Google has confirmed the new "Launcher Shortcuts" feature that debuted in the second beta for Android Nougat is ready for pressure-sensitive display technology.

It will make it easier for Android manufacturers to bring 3D Touch-like technology to Android handsets, as it's baked directly into the operating system.

Android N

Then there's extra security additions such as file-based encryption and Direct boot to help your device start up faster while running your apps securely.

Last, and by no means least, Android Nougat bring support for Unicode 9, which among other things, will see the introduction of 72 new emoji.

  • Android Nougat challenger? How about Apple's iOS 10 update on iPhone 7

Gallery: Android 7: what will Google name its Android N OS?

Gallery: Android 7: what will Google name its Android N OS?

Introduction

Android 7

Update: Google I/O 2016 did see an announcement for the name of Android N - but not how we expected it. Instead of naming it in-house, Google has opened up the floor to mean you can suggest names. It has now closed though so Google is sifting through the submissions to see what it wants to call Android N.

Android 6 Marshmallow isn't even on five percent of our devices yet, but we're already thinking about the next lot of software from Google. Android 7 is expected before the end of the year and Google has confirmed it will release news of the name soon.

As you probably know, Google has named its Android iterations after sweet treats. So far we've seen Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop and Marshmallow. That got us here at TechRadar thinking - what will Android 7 be called?

It's time for Android N so it's going to have to be a treat beginning with that letter, obviously. But what if Google decided to take a different tact and drop the sweet idea?

Maybe something savoury, or even a drink this time around? So we talked amongst ourselves to see if we could help Google decide and let it get on with naming the other companies in the alphabet.

Android Nutella

Android 7

James Peckham, Phones and Tablets Writer

Google managed to snag the KitKat name from Nestle for Android 4.4, so there's no reason it won't be able to get permission to use the Italian chocolate spread's name this time.

Some may see Nutella as a little 'out there' compared to all the traditional sweet stuffs we've seen Android go for so far - but let's hope Google go for something different. And after Lollipop and Marshmallow it's time to see another official brand name for Android 7.

Android Nougat

Android 7

Desire Athow, techradar Pro Editor

Nougat is not a brand name and is as malleable as you want it to be, which is perfect for Google. It sounds posh as well, which is always a good thing when you face the poshest of smartphone brands around, Apple.

Android Nandos

Android 7

Patrick Goss, Global Editor-in-Chief

A cheeky change of direction? I reckon Google's definitely considered this but it'll probably chicken out - despite it being such a saucy idea. Plus, when it steps into the savoury world it makes the whole Android O problem much easier to solve.

Android Nesquik

Android 7

Gareth Beavis, Phones and Tablets Editor

OK, this is more of a milkshake than anything else, but it's such a brilliant drink that I'd probably buy the new Nexus just so I could relive my childhood whenever I check the software version. Which we all do, on a daily basis, right? RIGHT?

Android Noisette

Android 7

Salwa Azar, Social Engagement Editor

A bit classy, this is nutty without being a brand name and follows a rather sweet-toothed trend. This make sense if it contains some bonkers features.

Android Nacho

Android 7

Marc Chacksfield, Content Team Lead

This needs to happen, just so that everytime I turn on my Android phone I get to sing 'Nacho, nacho man, I want to be a nacho man' while doing my best impression of Homer Simpson.

Android Nugget

Android 7

John McCann, Phones and Tablets Deputy Editor

A deep fried helping of grease covered Android? Yes please, I'll take a 20 box. The lubrication from the deep fryer oils will surely make this the slickest Android upgrade to date, and it's bound to be full of tasty new surprises. We might even get an exotic selection of dipping sources.

It'll clog up the lower powered, less athletic phones on the market - but for those who are fighting fit at the top of their game, Nugget promises to be a delicious treat.

Android Now & Later

Android 7

Cameron Faulkner, Assistant Editor

Let's face it, Google's going to go with Nutella. It's chocolate spread, for crying out loud. But since it's unoriginal to nominate the same dessert twice, I'm going with literally the only other sweet that I can think of that starts with "N".

Now & Later isn't too different in texture from something like Laffy Taffy or Salt Water Taffy, but is lip-puckingly sweet. In the context of how the candy could be evocative of new Android N features, Google Now is obviously at top-of-mind. The "Later" bit of the dessert's name could riff off of possible improvements to the Doze feature introduced in Marshmallow, and how your Android phone will last much longer.

Android Nerds

Android 7

Kevin Lee, Associate Editor, Laptops

Google has already bought into one brand name of candy with KitKat and it could do the same with Android N. Nerds isn't just a joke on hardcore Android users, it's also a classic Willy Wonka candy company classic.

It also helps that Nerds usually come in a pack with two flavors, reflecting the search company's recent mission to build up Android N as a new better tablet OS in addition to the next software platform for smartphones. And since these rocky little candies already take on the anthropomorphic shape of little creatures, Google could easily replace these armless, big nose critters with its classic Android mascot.

Android Nature Valley

Android 7

Hugh Langley, Associate Editor

No wonder there's a diabetes epidemic when even our smartphones are a constant reminder of all the delicious treats out there. Now we're halfway through the alphabet, it's time for Google to go on a health kick with some lovely, lovely granola thanks to the good people of Nature Valley.

Apple Crisp, Peanut, Fruit and Nut Trail Mix - who said granola had to be boring? I'm going to stop now because I'm basically writing free advert for Nature Valley.

Android Nespresso

Android 7

Kane Fulton, Computing Editor

Google's collaboration with Nestlé on Android 4.4 KitKat showed that the search giant isn't afraid of collaborating with global nutrition companies, so it's likely that Android Nespresso is on the cards.

Rumour has it that the forthcoming version of Android ships with George Clooney's smug face set as an immovable wallpaper, while the sole ringtone hears him bellow "What else? Idiot" until you're so enraged that you smash your smartphone into the nearest wall.

Android 'Nana

Banana

Matt Hanson, How To Editor

Google only started naming releases of Android after sweet treats with its third major release - Android 1.5 Cupcake.

That means they missed a chance to name a release after everyone's favourite long, curved and yellow fruit: the humble banana. Now is the perfect time to rectify that and sate banana enthusiasts everywhere with Android N. OK, maybe not - this whole thing could have been influenced by the fact that I'm eating a banana while I wrote it.