Google has now dropped the latest version of their proprietary mobile operating system called Google Android O. Over 90 percent of the smartphones around the world run Android, which is why any update to the popular operating system will be a big deal for tech enthusiast and handset manufacturers.

Android 7.0 Nougat was actually released just half a year ago, which is why the sudden release of the developer version of Android O is quite surprising. The new operating system version brings with it a myriad of new improvements and features, with some being enhancements of what was already available in Android 7.0 Nougat.

The new software that was released by Google is, of course, meant for developers only and Google stresses that it is in no way meant to be used for regular consumers. The unfinished version, however, does give users a glimpse of what is to come when the final version is made public.

Google is continuing its work to make the mobile operating system as power-efficient as possible by introducing a new tweak that will further conserve a smartphone's battery life. According to CNET, the new operating system actually now automatically regulates and limits the access of apps running in the background. This regulation will depend on a number of factors, but the limitations should eliminate problems caused by apps constantly refreshing and updating their content, despite not being actively used.

Another big improvement is the ability to customize what push notifications will be going through. New notification control options have been added to the settings menu, which will let users group together different notifications. Additionally, Android O also brings with it a number of new security fixes and improvements, including tweaks to Android's WebView API.

As per a report from Droid Report, Android O also now comes with a new Picture-in-picture mode, which essentially lets user watch videos while accessing other apps within Android. The feature will be quite handy as users will now be able to read their messages or email while still having a video play in a small window within their screen.

Related