Months prior to its release date, Google Inc. surprised users in March with an early preview release of Android N. While the final version of the operating system, will not be available until the summer, you can sign up for the Android N beta program and start testing out all the new features.

What sweet treat the ‘N’ in Android N will stand for is yet to be decided, but if you have your own idea, you can submit your suggestions to Google.

Users can expect a host of new features from Android N, including the ability to add emergency contact details to your Lock screen, the ability to automatically override Do not disturb mode, faster app installs, a new Night Mode and more.

Here’s a look at some of the other features that users can expect from Android N when it officially launches in the summer.

Reply to messages directly from the notification

Android N will include the ability for you to reply to messages directly from the notification. When you receive a new message in Android N, an alert will pop up at the top of your device’s screen with a new Reply button. You can reply right there without the need to open up the specific app.

Notifications from the same app will be bundled

With Android N, developers will be able to bundle their app’s notifications. In the new OS you will see a bundle of notifications from a specific app, tap on it and you will see an expanded list of each individual notification.

Advanced Doze mode

For Android Marshmallow, the company released Doze mode. Using the device’s motion sensor, Android intelligently shuts down unnecessary background processes when its senses the device has been stationary for a long period with the screen off.

This feature will be enhanced for Android N in that Doze mode will be activated when your device is in motion, but the screen is off, like when your are carrying it in your pocket or your handbag.

View two apps simultaneously with split-screen

Apple introduced multitasking features, including Split View, with the release of iOS 9 in September. Now Android N users will also be able to enjoy the feature with the ability to see two apps at one time, either stacked above each other or side-by-side. This feature has been available on Samsung and LG phones for some time, but if you don’t own one of these devices now you will also be able to enjoy split-screen.

For apps that play video, Google are also adding a picture-in-picture mode, which Apple also introduced with iOS 9. The feature will allow you to watch a YouTube video while at the same time checking your email.

Google’s new AI-based chatbot

Announced at Google I/O last week was Google Assistant, a virtual assistant that will work in Google Home and apps, like Allo. Google Assistant is a massively upgraded version of the current Google Now and will allow you to have a natural back-and-forth dialogue and complete tasks like finding a specific restaurant, booking a table, and much more.

Android Instant Apps

The new Instant Apps, also announced at Google I/O, will allow Android users to run Android apps instantly without requiring installation. While the release of Instant apps will coincide with Android N in the summer, users running OS versions as old as Android Jelly Bean will also get to enjoy the new service.

Daydream VR

Daydream, a platform for mobile VR was also announced at I/O, which will allow developers to create apps that take advantage of VR or change existing apps to allow for VR support.

Improved security features

At Google I/O the company also announced some security changes that will be included with Android N.

Automatic software updates

Like Chrome OS, Android N will apply software updates automatically and seamlessly without you even being aware that they are happening.

Direct boot

When your phone reboots after an update, it currently requires you to enter a PIN code and possibly miss any alarms, calls, or messages. Direct boot in Android N will allow certain apps, like SMS messages, phone calls, alarms, etc. to run in the background without your PIN code.  

Overhauling underlying media framework

Google N will also have its underlying media framework overhauled, which is the same underlying code that became known as the Stagefright vulnerability. The vulnerability would allow a hacker to take over your phone with an infected MP3 or MP4 file. While no attack has happened since the vulnerability was discovered, the update will still be beneficial for Android users.

Image credit: iphonedigital; Flickr | Google