Latest Android N Preview Brings Vulkan Support And New Emojis

Google has revealed the latest preview build of its upcoming Android N mobile software to developers as the release comes ever closer.

The second developer preview of Android N fixes a variety of bugs seen in the initial release, and also brings a number of new features as Google looks to fine-tune the operating system before a public launch later this year.

Coming soon

Top of the new features is support for the new Vulkan 3D rendering API, which brings major power and performance improvements for CPU-heavy apps.

There are also alterations to the API controlling multi-window support, allowing for more than one app on screen at any time, and tweaks to notification display and speed improvements for the Android launcher

Lastly, also included are more ‘unique’ emojis that add a number of people-focused designs as Google looks for “a more human-looking design” that includes a variety of skin tones.

The preview is available to download now for users that have a Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, and Pixel C device.

The first preview of Android N was surprisingly released last month, giving users a sneak peek at Google’s forthcoming work, which is normally revealed at the company’s I/O event in April.

Among the improvements from Android 6.0 Marshmallow are ‘multi-window’ multitasking, support for Java 8 languages, and improvements to the Doze power-saving mode, which will now additionally save battery whenever the screen turns off.

There is also improved notification tools that let users reply to messages without having to leave the notification shade, and a new bundled notifications feature to allow users to group notifications from the same app together – for example individual messages from a messaging app.

What do you remember about the smartphones of 2015? Try our quiz!