It’s that time of year again, where a new version of Android has been announced and the developer previews are finally getting stable enough for everyday use. I’m pretty much giddy at this point. There’s something about the Android N Beta that I can’t quite put my finger on but, that something makes me really want to use Android more than before.

I’ve been wanting to use Android N, so much so that I’ve gone back to the Nexus 6P. I haven’t shared this opinion before, but I don’t really like bigger phones. I think the sweet spot is about 5”-5.3”, so it’s out of my comfort zone when holding the phone with one hand. I have smaller hands and I prefer smaller phones. It’s very simple, really. Luckily, the 6P is somewhat of a taller phone, so it isn’t as hard to hold as it’s predecessor, the Nexus 6.

I’m currently trying to stay away from my HTC 10 for a week or so. By doing this, I can fully understand Android N and see how it’s going to work for me in everyday use. I love the HTC 10, and if it was able to run the Android N Beta, I’d be all over that! Sadly, it does not. I hope it comes to it quickly when the time comes for its release. I have to use Verizon, and they aren’t exactly the fastest at putting out updates; I’ll probably be waiting a bit longer than T-Mobile and Sprint customers.

The features in Android N Beta are truly an improvement over Marshmallow. Even the simplest things, like being able to see some setting information before you open the actual menu, is a great addition. Sometimes, the simplest things are the best. Here is a list of some of my favorite features in the Android N Beta:

  • Settings menu quick info preview
  • Re-arranging of quick toggles in notification shade
  • Smaller quick toggles in notification shade on first pull down
  • Interactive notifications with quick reply feature (my personal favorite)
  • Ability to add shortcuts to actions on home screen
  • Split-screen mode
  • Revamped app switcher
  • Previous app switch by double-pressing recent apps button

Here are images of some of those features:

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Those are just a few, but you get the idea. I love pretty much everything they’ve done with it. It’s really what Marshmallow should’ve been. A lot of talented minds have to go into thinking up all of this stuff to add. I’m not sure how they will keep going and adding features all the way to a ‘Z’ named version. I’m glad I’m not in charge of that part of Google’s Android team!
Leave us a comment below and let us know if you’re using the Android N Beta on a Nexus device; and if so, what are your favorite features?

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