Google has launched its Android N Developer Preview 2, offering an updated version of the software.

The second developer preview of Android N is out now and available online and as over-the-air (OTA) update for Android Beta Program participants. Those who have installed the first version will see that changes and update as well.

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Google VP of Engineering Dave Burke outlines the changes. One noticeable change is the additional of emoji from the Unicode 9. It has bacon, face palm, and selfie emoji that have an ability to adjust skin tones. The company is introducing a new emoji design for people emoji that moves away from our generic look in favor of a more human-looking design. The new design offers nice details, giving users some better options to express themselves.

Next update is the Launcher Shortcut. This app allows the users to create shortcut in Android's launcher that lead to specific actions inside that app. These created shortcuts contain Intent into specific points within the app.

Google has added a new 3D rendering API called Vulkan. Vulkan offers a significant performance boost for applications that require more power. Its reduction of CPU overhead allows some synthetic benchmarks to see as much as 10 times the draw-call throughput on a single core as compared to OpenGL ES.

The update also fixed the bugs such as not being able to connect to hidden WiFi networks, Multiwindow pauses, and Direct Reply closing an open activity, among others. There is also a ‘Clear All’ button in multitasking, where users have to swipe all the way to the top of the card stack in order to see it.
In addition, there is a separate ‘Emergency Info’ app now. It received a bolder revamp with its bright red header that prominently displays name, age, and phone number. Additionally, the preset emergency contacts are more easily accessible in their own separate tab.

TagsGoogle, Android N, Android Developer Preview 2, Google OS