The terms refer to two distinct iterations of the Android operating system, version 6.0 and 7.0 respectively. They represent significant advancements in mobile technology. An instance of their difference can be seen in how permissions were handled, with the newer version granting users finer control over app access to device resources.
These software versions are important because they define the capabilities and user experience of millions of devices. Understanding their features is beneficial for developers targeting specific Android versions, and for consumers assessing device compatibility and features. The historical context reveals a continuous effort to improve performance, security, and user convenience within the Android ecosystem.
The subsequent discussion will delve into specific features, performance enhancements, and security updates that distinguish the older and the newer operating system, providing a detailed comparison of their respective functionalities and impact on user experience.
1. Permissions
Android 6.0, Marshmallow, introduced a new permissions model where users grant permissions to applications at runtime, rather than upon installation. This contrasts sharply with earlier versions, where all requested permissions were granted en masse during installation, leaving users with little control afterward. Consequently, Marshmallow allowed users to accept or deny permissions individually as apps needed them, increasing transparency and user agency. A practical example involves a photo editing application; the user could deny it access to their location data while still allowing access to the device’s storage for photo editing functions. This on-demand permission system gave users greater control over their personal data and the functionalities apps could access.
Android 7.0, Nougat, built upon the Marshmallow runtime permission model. It further refined the process and improved user experience. While the core runtime permission mechanism remained, Nougat introduced subtle enhancements. For example, developers could implement functionality that offered rationale to the user before requesting a sensitive permission. This allowed the application to explain why a specific permission was necessary, leading to more informed user decision-making. Also, Nougat introduced features like permission revocation through the settings menu, giving users a central location to manage permissions across all installed apps.
In conclusion, the evolution of permissions management from Marshmallow to Nougat represents a significant advancement in user privacy and control within the Android ecosystem. Marshmallow established the runtime permission model, empowering users with on-demand control. Nougat subsequently refined this model, providing developers with tools to improve user understanding and further centralizing permission management, contributing to a more secure and user-friendly mobile experience. The impact is a more informed user base, better equipped to protect their data and maintain control over the functionalities of their installed applications.
2. Notifications
The management of notifications underwent substantial changes between Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and Android 7.0 (Nougat), impacting user experience and application design. Marshmallow offered a basic notification system where alerts were displayed in a linear list within the notification shade. While functional, this system could become cluttered, especially with numerous installed applications. Consequently, users often found it difficult to prioritize or manage their incoming notifications effectively, leading to missed important alerts or a general sense of information overload. As an example, consider a scenario where multiple social media applications and email clients generate notifications concurrently; the user would need to manually sift through the list to identify relevant updates.
Nougat introduced several significant improvements to the notification system. Most notably, it implemented bundled notifications, allowing applications to group notifications from the same source into a single, expandable entry. This reduced clutter and improved organization within the notification shade. Moreover, Nougat introduced Direct Reply functionality, enabling users to respond to messages directly from the notification, without needing to open the application. This feature significantly streamlined communication and improved efficiency. The bundled notifications are particularly useful in messaging applications where multiple messages from a single contact could be collapsed into a single, manageable notification. The direct reply functionality allows a quick response in any application that implements it, without the need to open the app.
In summary, the progression of notification management from Marshmallow to Nougat represents a considerable enhancement in user experience and efficiency. While Marshmallow offered a foundational system, its linear and often cluttered presentation could be overwhelming. Nougat addressed these limitations through bundled notifications and direct reply functionality, promoting better organization and faster interaction with alerts. These advancements reflect a design philosophy focused on reducing information overload and streamlining user workflows, resulting in a more manageable and user-friendly notification experience. The impact is a cleaner, more efficient, and more responsive mobile environment for the end-user.
3. Doze Mode
Doze Mode is a battery-saving feature introduced in Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and enhanced in Android 7.0 (Nougat). Its primary function is to reduce battery consumption when the device is idle, significantly impacting the longevity of device usage between charges. The evolution of Doze Mode from Marshmallow to Nougat demonstrates a clear effort to optimize background activity and improve power efficiency.
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Marshmallow’s Initial Implementation
In Marshmallow, Doze Mode activates when the device is stationary, unplugged, and the screen is off for an extended period. During this state, the system defers background activities like network access, syncs, and scheduled jobs. These activities are permitted only during brief “maintenance windows,” allowing apps to catch up without excessively draining the battery. For instance, if a phone sits on a desk overnight, Doze Mode significantly limits background processes until the device is picked up and used. The implication is extended standby time, but potentially delayed notifications or sync operations.
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Nougat’s Enhanced Functionality
Nougat refined Doze Mode by introducing a lighter, more responsive version. This lighter version of Doze engages even when the device is unplugged and the screen is off, but not necessarily stationary. This means Doze can activate even when the device is in a user’s pocket or bag, resulting in more aggressive battery saving. Furthermore, Nougat implements a more gradual reduction in background activity restrictions compared to Marshmallow’s all-or-nothing approach. For example, simply turning off the screen while browsing the web can trigger the initial stage of Doze, reducing unnecessary background data usage. The implications include even greater battery life extension and improved efficiency across a wider range of usage scenarios.
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Whitelist Exceptions
Both Marshmallow and Nougat provide mechanisms for applications to be whitelisted from Doze Mode’s restrictions. This is crucial for applications that require real-time communication or critical background processes. The Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) service, now Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM), is often used to bypass Doze restrictions for push notifications. However, overuse of whitelisting can negate the benefits of Doze. An example includes a messaging application that relies on constant background syncing, potentially draining battery despite Doze’s efforts. The implications are a trade-off between timely updates and battery conservation, requiring careful management of whitelisting practices by both developers and users.
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Impact on Application Development
Doze Mode necessitates careful consideration during application development. Developers must optimize their apps to function efficiently within Doze’s restrictions, using techniques such as batching network requests, minimizing background activity, and leveraging FCM for essential notifications. Failing to account for Doze can result in delayed updates, missed alarms, and a degraded user experience when the device is idle. As an example, an alarm clock application that is not properly optimized may fail to trigger at the scheduled time when the device is in Doze Mode. The implications are a need for thorough testing and adherence to best practices to ensure reliable application performance while minimizing battery drain.
The advancements in Doze Mode from Marshmallow to Nougat represent a significant stride in optimizing battery performance on Android devices. The introduction of a lighter version of Doze in Nougat, along with the continued support for whitelisting and the need for developer optimization, underscore the ongoing efforts to balance battery conservation with application functionality. These improvements have a direct impact on the daily usage patterns of Android devices, extending battery life and enhancing user satisfaction.
4. Multi-window
Multi-window functionality, allowing users to operate multiple applications concurrently on a single screen, represents a significant divergence between Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and Android 7.0 (Nougat). While Marshmallow lacked native, system-level support for multi-window modes, Nougat introduced this feature as a core element of the operating system. The absence of multi-window in Marshmallow relegated such functionality to specific device manufacturers or custom ROM implementations, resulting in inconsistent availability and user experience. In contrast, Nougat’s baked-in multi-window capability standardized the feature across compatible devices, enabling users to engage in tasks such as watching a video while simultaneously browsing the web or composing an email. This addition had a direct and measurable impact on user productivity and multitasking efficiency.
Nougat’s multi-window implementation manifested in two primary forms: split-screen mode and picture-in-picture (PiP) mode. Split-screen mode divides the screen into two sections, each displaying a separate application, allowing simultaneous interaction with both. PiP mode, designed primarily for video playback, enables a video to continue playing in a small, floating window while the user navigates other applications. These functionalities drastically altered the Android user experience, transforming devices from single-tasking to multitasking environments. For example, a user could participate in a video call while simultaneously consulting a document or take notes, thereby streamlining workflows that previously required constant app switching. The introduction of multi-window also necessitated changes in application design, prompting developers to optimize their apps for adaptability to varying screen sizes and orientations. Furthermore, the impact on hardware resource management became critical, requiring devices to efficiently allocate processing power and memory to support multiple concurrently running applications.
In summary, the introduction of native multi-window support in Nougat represents a pivotal shift in Android’s design philosophy, contrasting sharply with its absence in Marshmallow. This addition significantly enhanced user productivity, transformed the way applications are used, and stimulated corresponding changes in application development and hardware resource management. The practical significance of this enhancement lies in its ability to transform mobile devices into more versatile and efficient tools, capable of supporting complex multitasking scenarios that were previously cumbersome or impossible. This development directly addresses the increasing demands of modern users for enhanced productivity and seamless workflow integration on mobile platforms.
5. Quick Settings
Quick Settings, a customizable panel providing access to frequently used system controls, saw notable enhancements between Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and Android 7.0 (Nougat). These improvements directly impacted the user experience, offering greater efficiency and personalization. The following points outline key facets of these modifications and their implications.
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Customization Options
Marshmallow allowed for a basic level of customization within Quick Settings, enabling users to rearrange the order of tiles. However, the options were limited, and the inclusion of third-party tiles was not natively supported. In contrast, Nougat significantly expanded customization, enabling users to add, remove, and rearrange tiles with greater flexibility. Furthermore, Nougat introduced the System UI Tuner, a hidden settings menu that allowed for even more granular control over Quick Settings, though its availability varied depending on device manufacturer. This expanded customizability provided users with greater control over their device experience, allowing them to prioritize and access the functions they used most often. For example, a user frequently using a VPN could add a dedicated toggle for it, streamlining the connection process.
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Tile Functionality and Direct Control
Marshmallow’s Quick Settings tiles primarily served as shortcuts, directing users to the corresponding settings menu for more detailed adjustments. Nougat, however, introduced the capability for tiles to offer direct control over certain functions without leaving the Quick Settings panel. For example, toggling Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on and off could be accomplished directly from the Quick Settings, streamlining the interaction process and reducing the number of steps required to perform common tasks. This enhancement improved the overall efficiency of the user interface, enabling faster access and control over essential device functions.
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Tile Density and Layout
Marshmallow’s Quick Settings presented a fixed number of tiles in a specific layout, often requiring users to swipe horizontally to access all available options. Nougat optimized the layout for both portrait and landscape orientations, increasing the number of visible tiles and reducing the need for excessive swiping. This optimization improved accessibility and usability, particularly on larger screens. The denser layout allowed users to quickly scan and access a wider range of settings, enhancing the overall efficiency of the Quick Settings panel. The shift from a single row in Marshmallow to a multi-row setup in Nougat meant less time spent scrolling.
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Developer Integration
While Marshmallow provided limited support for third-party developers to create custom Quick Settings tiles through workarounds, Nougat formalized this process with official APIs, allowing developers to seamlessly integrate their applications with the Quick Settings panel. This opened up new possibilities for extending the functionality of Quick Settings and integrating it more deeply into the Android ecosystem. For example, a weather application could create a Quick Settings tile that displays the current temperature, or a music application could offer playback controls directly from the panel. The introduction of official APIs fostered a more robust and integrated experience, empowering developers to create more useful and convenient utilities for users.
The modifications to Quick Settings between Marshmallow and Nougat represent a notable advancement in user interface design and functionality. The enhanced customization options, direct control capabilities, optimized layout, and improved developer integration collectively contribute to a more efficient, personalized, and user-friendly experience. These changes underscore Android’s ongoing evolution towards greater user empowerment and control over their devices, a continuous trend observable across various features of the operating system.
6. Data Saver
Data Saver is a system-level feature introduced in Android 7.0 (Nougat) designed to minimize cellular data consumption. Its absence in Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) marks a significant difference in how the two operating systems approach data management and resource allocation. The implications of this difference are notable for users concerned with data usage and for developers targeting specific Android versions.
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Functionality and Purpose
The primary purpose of Data Saver is to restrict background data usage for applications when a metered network connection is detected. This restriction prevents apps from consuming data in the background for non-essential tasks, such as pre-fetching content or downloading large updates. A practical example involves a user with a limited data plan; with Data Saver enabled, applications would only consume data when actively in use, preventing unexpected data charges from background processes. The impact is direct control over data consumption and a more predictable mobile data experience.
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User Control and Exceptions
Nougat’s Data Saver allows users to selectively grant exceptions to specific applications, enabling them to bypass data saving restrictions. This control is crucial for applications that require uninterrupted background data access, such as messaging apps or VoIP services. For example, a user might enable Data Saver globally but grant an exception to their preferred messaging application to ensure timely delivery of notifications. This selective approach balances data conservation with the need for critical application functionality. The implication is a customizable experience, allowing users to prioritize specific applications without sacrificing overall data savings.
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Developer Responsibility
The introduction of Data Saver in Nougat necessitates changes in application development practices. Developers must implement APIs to detect when Data Saver is enabled and adapt their applications accordingly. This adaptation involves reducing data usage, optimizing network requests, and deferring non-essential tasks until the device is connected to an unmetered network, such as Wi-Fi. As an example, a video streaming application should reduce the video quality when Data Saver is active to minimize data consumption. The impact is a greater emphasis on data efficiency and responsible resource management, promoting a more considerate approach to application design.
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Impact on User Experience
The presence of Data Saver directly influences the user experience on Android devices, particularly for those with limited data plans or in areas with unreliable network connectivity. By minimizing background data usage, Data Saver can extend the life of a data plan, prevent overage charges, and improve device performance by reducing network congestion. The lack of this feature in Marshmallow means that users must rely on third-party applications or manual interventions to achieve similar results. The implication is a more controlled and predictable data environment, enhancing the overall user experience and promoting greater satisfaction with the device.
The addition of Data Saver in Nougat exemplifies a commitment to data efficiency and user control, features absent in Marshmallow. By providing users with a system-level tool to manage their data consumption, Nougat addresses the increasing demand for affordable and predictable mobile connectivity. This advancement reflects a broader trend towards greater user empowerment and resource optimization within the Android ecosystem, impacting both user behavior and application development strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following addresses common inquiries regarding the differences and implications of Android Marshmallow and Android Nougat.
Question 1: What fundamental distinctions exist between Android Marshmallow and Android Nougat?
Android Nougat introduces native multi-window support, a refined notification system with bundled notifications and direct reply, and Data Saver functionality, features absent in Android Marshmallow. These enhancements fundamentally alter the user experience and application behavior.
Question 2: How does the permission model differ between the two operating systems?
While both implement runtime permissions, Android Nougat builds upon Marshmallow’s foundation. Nougat allows developers to provide rationale before requesting sensitive permissions, enhancing transparency for the user. The feature also offers centralized permission management.
Question 3: What impact does Doze Mode have on battery performance in each version?
Android Marshmallow implements Doze Mode when the device is stationary, unplugged, and the screen is off. Nougat enhances Doze by activating a lighter version even when the device is unplugged and the screen is off, but not necessarily stationary, resulting in more aggressive battery saving.
Question 4: How does the introduction of multi-window in Nougat affect application development?
Developers must optimize applications for adaptability to varying screen sizes and orientations. Efficient hardware resource management becomes crucial due to concurrently running applications. It is not available to marshmallow, thus it’s not applicable.
Question 5: What improvements were made to Quick Settings between Marshmallow and Nougat?
Nougat expands customization options, provides direct control over certain functions from within Quick Settings, optimizes the layout, and formalizes third-party developer integration. Marshmallow offers limited customisation and no direct control.
Question 6: How does the presence of Data Saver in Nougat affect data consumption?
Data Saver restricts background data usage for applications when a metered network connection is detected. This feature is absent in Marshmallow. In nougat, user can define what apps that will bypass data saver.
In summation, the transition from Android Marshmallow to Android Nougat represents a series of deliberate improvements aimed at enhancing user experience, improving battery performance, and streamlining data management. These changes underscore the ongoing evolution of the Android operating system.
The subsequent section will offer a concise comparison table highlighting the key differences between the two Android versions.
Android Marshmallow vs. Nougat
The following outlines crucial considerations for developers and users navigating the functionalities and disparities between Android Marshmallow and Android Nougat.
Tip 1: Target SDK Version: Developers should specify the target SDK version in their application manifest to ensure compatibility and proper functioning across different Android versions. Targeting Nougat allows access to new APIs, while maintaining backward compatibility requires careful handling of deprecated features.
Tip 2: Runtime Permissions Management: Applications should implement robust runtime permission handling, particularly when targeting Marshmallow and later. Provide clear explanations to users before requesting sensitive permissions to increase transparency and trust. This reduces the likelihood of users denying crucial permissions.
Tip 3: Adaptive Battery Optimization: Account for Doze Mode and App Standby when designing background tasks. Minimize unnecessary background activity and utilize Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) for critical notifications to optimize battery life. Applications that ignore Doze Mode may experience delayed updates and reduced performance.
Tip 4: Multi-Window Support: Developers should ensure applications are compatible with multi-window mode, particularly when targeting Nougat and later. Implement dynamic layouts that adapt to varying screen sizes and orientations to provide a seamless user experience in split-screen or picture-in-picture modes.
Tip 5: Quick Settings Integration: Leverage the Quick Settings API to create custom tiles that provide direct access to application functionalities. This allows users to quickly access and control key features without navigating through multiple menus, enhancing user engagement and convenience.
Tip 6: Data Saver Awareness: Implement logic to detect when Data Saver is enabled and adjust data consumption accordingly. Reduce image and video quality, defer non-essential downloads, and optimize network requests to minimize data usage and conserve bandwidth.
Tip 7: Notification Channel Management: Nougat introduced notification channels, allowing users to customize notification behavior on a per-channel basis. Developers should categorize notifications into distinct channels based on type and importance to provide granular control to the user.
By adhering to these considerations, developers can ensure their applications are well-optimized for both Android Marshmallow and Android Nougat, providing a consistent and reliable user experience. Users, in turn, can make informed decisions about app permissions and data usage, maximizing the benefits of each operating system.
The subsequent conclusion will summarize the key aspects of the discussion, providing a final perspective on the differences between Android Marshmallow and Android Nougat.
Conclusion
The comprehensive examination of the contrasts reveals substantial advancements in user experience, resource management, and security protocols. Notable divergences, including native multi-window support, enhanced notification capabilities, and refined data management tools, distinctly differentiate these iterations of the Android operating system. Marshmallow vs nougat android represents a significant transition in the evolution of mobile operating systems.
The evolution from Android Marshmallow to Android Nougat underscores a continuous commitment to innovation and user empowerment within the Android ecosystem. As mobile technology continues to advance, an understanding of these historical distinctions is paramount for both developers and end-users seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of mobile computing, enabling more efficient mobile ecosystem.
