Just about every new version of Android has reportedly improved battery life for end users... with a range of successes and failures over the years. In the upcoming Android O, Google is banking on a new feature called background limits to extend battery longevity. The basic idea is that the system will automatically limit the active capabilities of background apps, in a way that won't be detrimental to users while reducing overall resource use.
Read MoreAndroid O Feature Spotlight: Adaptive icons give devs and OEMs easy shape masks, extra effects
Each version of Android improves the tools that developers have at their disposal, and that certainly includes visual tools. Starting with version N and the Pixel Launcher, Google seems to be increasingly pushing circular icons. One of the new features in Android O, available in its first Developer Preview today, is the ability to automatically change the shape of any given icon with the new adaptive icon toolset.
Read MoreAndroid O Developer Preview Supports Nexus 5X and 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel and Pixel XL, and Pixel C
As the world turns, so too does the cycle of Android updates. The first part of 2017's version bump, known only as Android O for the time being, was just announced. And just like the last two years, developer preview versions will be available for some of the latest officially supported Google hardware. This year that list includes the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel, and Pixel XL phones, the Pixel C tablet, and the Nexus Player Android TV set-top box. You can download the new images here.
Read MoreAndroid 7.1 Developer Preview 1 (NPF10C) is now available for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel C
Google promised a developer preview of Android 7.1 before the end of the month, and here it is sooner than you might have expected. Android 7.1 ships on the Pixel, but now you can try it on the Nexus 5X, 6P, and Pixel C. If you want in, head to the Android beta program page.
Read MoreLatest Deals
-
1
Grab a pair of Jabra Elite 85h noise-cancelling headphones for $250 ($50 off)
-
4
Galaxy Buds on sale for $80 ($50 off) after rebate at Verizon
-
9
You can snag a Not Pink Pixel 3 for just $500 ($300 off) at B&H
-
2
Canary's all-in-one indoor security camera is down to $50 ($120 off)
-
10
Samsung Chromebook Plus V2 is $399 ($50 off) at Best Buy
-
1
Latest Poll
Loading ...Recent Reviews
-
26
The GE C-Life Multicolor smart bulb is perfect for your Google Home, no Wi-Fi necessary
-
21
Autosync for Google Drive can replace the outgoing Photos sync functionality
-
43
Huawei makes the best $99 wireless earbuds you can’t buy in the US
-
8
Moshi’s Symbus Q is a USB-C dock and wireless charger combo that’s too simple for its own good
-
16
The Arlo Ultra is a good security camera with a bad price
-
26
Latest Roundups
-
4
21 best new Android games released this week including Grimvalor, Nonstop Knight 2, and Spirit Roots
-
5
All the Android games announced at E3 2019
-
2
20 best new Android games released this week including Angry Birds Explore, Dawn of Isles, and Auto Chess
-
23
20 of the best Android TV games available on the Play Store in 2019
-
2
13 new and notable Android apps and live wallpapers from the last two weeks including Audm, Anyride, and Portal from Facebook (5/25/19 - 6/8/19)
-
4
Recent Apps and Games
-
9
MX Player adds Picture-in-Picture mode with latest update [APK Download]
-
19
Google allegedly used stolen Genius lyrics, caught through Morse code trick
-
4
21 best new Android games released this week including Grimvalor, Nonstop Knight 2, and Spirit Roots
-
6
Google app starting to show 'in this video' bookmarks for YouTube search results
-
31
Chrome Beta 76 adds lazy loading for images, supports site dark themes, and even sneaks in a Tron reference
-
9
Blast from the Past
-
1
1 Year Ago Today
8 of our favorite tech sales, discounts, and deals this week: Galaxy S9, Arlo Pro 2 set, Roku Ultra, and more
-
48
2 Years Ago Today
[Deal Alert] Galaxy S8 for $525 or S8+ for $625 when you trade in your old phone
-
182
3 Years Ago Today
Google changes the Allo and Duo icons in the Play Store
-
139
4 Years Ago Today
[OTA Download] New Cyanogen OS 12 Build For The OnePlus One Fixes Touchscreen And Bluetooth Issues
-
11
5 Years Ago Today
Google Preparing Expansion Of App Discoverability With Listings On Official Chromecast Site [Update]
-
15
6 Years Ago Today
MyFitnessPal Gets Updated To v2.7 – From Horrendously Ugly To Holo In One Easy Step
-
97
7 Years Ago Today
[Weekend Poll] Do You Regularly Purchase Tracks/Albums Using Google Play Music?
-
23
8 Years Ago Today
Crackle Drops Subscription Fees, Launches Brand New Free TV/Movie-Streaming Android App
-
5
9 Years Ago Today
Gang Up On Apple And Win One Of 5 Free Android Phones, Including The EVO 4G [Contest]
-
1
