Android N [Preview] available for download!

[spinedoc77]

Again, I love how Google updates some of their key and core apps throughout the year with major things.

The gesture control on the spacebar for cursor movement is their reaction to the 3D Touch feature on iOS. Sounds promising. Plus many more additional features I wish the iOS keyboard had.

Google Keyboard Gets A Huge Update To v5.0 With One-Handed Mode, Optional Key Borders, New Gestures, And More [APK Download]

http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/05/02/google-keyboard-gets-a-huge-update-to-v5-0-with-one-handed-mode-optional-key-borders-new-gestures-and-more-apk-download/

• Option to show key border, no more holo themes
• One-handed mode
• Long-press for hinted symbols can be toggled
• Adjustable keyboard height in settings
• New first-run experience
• Opt-in and a setting for sharing snippets with Google to improve the keyboard for everyone
• Long-press and drag to remove suggestions from suggestion bar
• Gesture Typing:
  • Dynamic floating preview removed (preview in suggestion bar now)
  • Delete whole words by sliding left from delete key
  • Gesture cursor control by sliding left/right on space bar
• Faster access to numpad and emoji

APK LINK: http://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/google-keyboard/google-keyboard-5-0-18-121010836-release/

Nice! I wish they would put a dedicated numbers row like Samsung has though, or at least allow a swipe up like Microsoft does. It's a bit buggy, sliding on the spacebar pops up the system keyboard selector. It's nice though, and integrates with Google Handwriting. Google Handwriting brings me one step closer to being able to ditch the Stylus on my Note.
[doublepost=1462288729][/doublepost]

Just... that goddamn "English" on the spacebar. Why, Google? Why?

Odd, I'm not getting that at all, my spacebar is blank. The swipe cursor for the space bar isn't working though so maybe I'm glitched.

 

[epicrayban]

Yet, and as I mentioned, no indicator showing how to access keyboard settings or one-handed mode.

Obviously not a deal breaker but mildly annoying.

Long pressing the comma key was always the way to get into settings with the stock keyboard. And yea, the one handed mode icon isn't obvious until you try it.

Google did release a video of the new features, and they demonstrate both those things in the video. Learning process, I guess. Simple enough.
[doublepost=1462288888][/doublepost]

Nice! I wish they would put a dedicated numbers row like Samsung has though, or at least allow a swipe up like Microsoft does. It's a bit buggy, sliding on the spacebar pops up the system keyboard selector. It's nice though, and integrates with Google Handwriting. Google Handwriting brings me one step closer to being able to ditch the Stylus on my Note.
[doublepost=1462288729][/doublepost]

Odd, I'm not getting that at all, my spacebar is blank. The swipe cursor for the space bar isn't working though so maybe I'm glitched.

Do you have it enabled under Gesture Typing?

Strange... I'd love to get rid of the "English".... if you figure out how, let us know!

 

[spinedoc77]

Long pressing the comma key was always the way to get into settings with the stock keyboard. And yea, the one handed mode icon isn't obvious until you try it.

Google did release a video of the new features, and they demonstrate both those things in the video. Learning process, I guess. Simple enough.
[doublepost=1462288888][/doublepost]

Do you have it enabled under Gesture Typing?

Strange... I'd love to get rid of the "English".... if you figure out how, let us know!

Hmm, no option to enable that under Gesture Typing. I just realized most of you guys probably have this on N. I'm trying it on my Note 5, but I'll try it on my 6p which has N, when I get home tonight and see if I get the "English" on that.
[doublepost=1462289461][/doublepost]What are you guys noticing that is indispensable on N so far? So far the only thing I really dig is the multi windows, otherwise I'm not seeing anything dramatically changed from MM.

 

[epicrayban]

Hmm, no option to enable that under Gesture Typing. I just realized most of you guys probably have this on N. I'm trying it on my Note 5, but I'll try it on my 6p which has N, when I get home tonight and see if I get the "English" on that.
[doublepost=1462289461][/doublepost]What are you guys noticing that is indispensable on N so far? So far the only thing I really dig is the multi windows, otherwise I'm not seeing anything dramatically changed from MM.

I'm not on N. I'm running the latest stock keyboard on MM on my S7E.

Are you sure you installed the latest keyboard? It was an APK. I don't think it's fully rolled out yet. I could be mistaken. Gesture cursor control should be in your settings:

 

[Fanaticalism]

Nice! I wish they would put a dedicated numbers row like Samsung has though, or at least allow a swipe up like Microsoft does. It's a bit buggy, sliding on the spacebar pops up the system keyboard selector. It's nice though, and integrates with Google Handwriting. Google Handwriting brings me one step closer to being able to ditch the Stylus on my Note.

Number row has been available for almost two years now.

http://www.greenbot.com/article/2904413/how-to-add-a-number-row-to-the-google-keyboard.html

 

[spinedoc77]

I'm not on N. I'm running the latest stock keyboard on MM on my S7E.

Are you sure you installed the latest keyboard? It was an APK. I don't think it's fully rolled out yet. I could be mistaken. Gesture cursor control should be in your settings:

Ahh I didn't realize it was a sideload, no I got the one from the Play store. I'll check out the APK.
edit: Yeah I was on 4.2, downloading 5.0 now. What's funny is on 4.2 after enabling the PC layout which has the numbers row, now I get the "English" on the space bar both on the US PC layout and the regular US layout.
[doublepost=1462295305][/doublepost]

Number row has been available for almost two years now.

http://www.greenbot.com/article/2904413/how-to-add-a-number-row-to-the-google-keyboard.html

Thanks, that's awesome. Unfortunately it scrunches the letters into much smaller keys, like Samsung does. My fat fingers always have issues with smaller keys like that.

 

[tbayrgs]

Hmm, no option to enable that under Gesture Typing. I just realized most of you guys probably have this on N. I'm trying it on my Note 5, but I'll try it on my 6p which has N, when I get home tonight and see if I get the "English" on that.
[doublepost=1462289461][/doublepost]What are you guys noticing that is indispensable on N so far? So far the only thing I really dig is the multi windows, otherwise I'm not seeing anything dramatically changed from MM.

From what I've read, it's not available on N yet. I was going to give N a go on my 6P but actually like this keyboard so much I'm going to hold off a bit.

 

[epicrayban]

From what I've read, it's not available on N yet. I was going to give N a go on my 6P but actually like this keyboard so much I'm going to hold off a bit.

You picked up a Nexus 6P?

 

[Fanaticalism]

Ahh I didn't realize it was a sideload, no I got the one from the Play store. I'll check out the APK.
edit: Yeah I was on 4.2, downloading 5.0 now. What's funny is on 4.2 after enabling the PC layout which has the numbers row, now I get the "English" on the space bar both on the US PC layout and the regular US layout.
[doublepost=1462295305][/doublepost]

Thanks, that's awesome. Unfortunately it scrunches the letters into much smaller keys, like Samsung does. My fat fingers always have issues with smaller keys like that.

Yeah, only alternative is to increase the height of the keyboard which eats into the screen real estate which I am not fond of.

 

[epicrayban]

http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/0...-night-mode-android-n-style-folders-and-more/

Nova Launcher v4.3 Is Out Of Beta With Night Mode, Android N-Style Folders, And More



I wish Google would update the Google Now Launcher with the Android N style folders. I love 'em.

 

[nj-morris]

http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/0...-night-mode-android-n-style-folders-and-more/

Nova Launcher v4.3 Is Out Of Beta With Night Mode, Android N-Style Folders, And More



I wish Google would update the Google Now Launcher with the Android N style folders. I love 'em.

Downloading it now. Looks great.

 

[Fanaticalism]

Hmm, no option to enable that under Gesture Typing. I just realized most of you guys probably have this on N. I'm trying it on my Note 5, but I'll try it on my 6p which has N, when I get home tonight and see if I get the "English" on that.
[doublepost=1462289461][/doublepost]What are you guys noticing that is indispensable on N so far? So far the only thing I really dig is the multi windows, otherwise I'm not seeing anything dramatically changed from MM.

• Multitasking
• Quick Reply
• Doze on the Go

Those have been the three things that have stood out to me. My understanding is that N will be packed with features and that we've only scratched the surface. There are also under the hood improvements.

http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/0...-night-mode-android-n-style-folders-and-more/

Nova Launcher v4.3 Is Out Of Beta With Night Mode, Android N-Style Folders, And More



I wish Google would update the Google Now Launcher with the Android N style folders. I love 'em.

My only gripe with the folders is that the animation doesn't make sense now.[/QUOTE]

 

[tbayrgs]

You picked up a Nexus 6P?

I did. Got a pretty good deal on a 64GB Frost model over at Swappa.

Haven't moved my sim over to it yet as I really wanted to spend some time getting reacquainted with Android (have only used sporadically on our old Nexus 7 and LG G Pad GPE tablets) and disconnecting from iMessage can admittedly be a pain in the ass (had lots of family visiting and crazy busy weekend where having messaging problems would've been less than ideal ). I've also come to really rely on and enjoy my Apple Watch, so a bit hesitant to leave it behind for the time being.

I've been keeping notes on all the little things I noticed so far, might be a few too many compromises to live with for my particular use case, not sure yet. May move to it full time for a while soon...we'll see.

UPDATE: Any now thanks to the discovery that both Amazon and Best Buy are present having a sale on the Huawei watch ($100 off) and I have $130 in Amazon rewards to spend, tomorrow I'll be the owner of a stainless steel version with the stainless steel mesh band (Milanese in Apple Watch speak ). That removes one of the compromises of switching.

 

[epicrayban]

• Multitasking
• Quick Reply
• Doze on the Go

Those have been the three things that have stood out to me. My understanding is that N will be packed with features and that we've only scratched the surface. There are also under the hood improvements.


My only gripe with the folders is that the animation doesn't make sense now.

Oh, what's the animation like??

Regarding your list: don't forget, customizable quick toggles directly from the pull down notification shade!

That's a huge one, in my opinion, and part of the reason why I prefer TouchWiz over stock Android. Those are toggles I use on the fly often throughout my day. Much easier to pull down once and get to them right away versus twice with stock (or once with two fingers). Also, the fact that they'll be customizable will be nice, too (coughAppleControlCenter). Finally, this is making its way to stock Android.

 

[spinedoc77]

Oh, what's the animation like??

Regarding your list: don't forget, customizable quick toggles directly from the pull down notification shade!

That's a huge one, in my opinion, and part of the reason why I prefer TouchWiz over stock Android. Those are toggles I use on the fly often throughout my day. Much easier to pull down once and get to them right away versus twice with stock (or once with two fingers). Also, the fact that they'll be customizable will be nice, too (coughAppleControlCenter). Finally, this is making its way to stock Android.

Yes that's interesting about touchwiz. I suppose to some extent that's why I'm not quite as impressed with N as everyone else. I already have multi windows/tasking, although the iteration in N is better. I already have customizable toggles. Doze isn't a big deal as I need battery saving while I'm using my phone, not when it's off, but still it's nice to have. Touchwiz has a LOT of nice touches, interacting with a phone call, etc.

There are certain things missing which make me scratch my head, but of course it's an early release. For one the lack of themes is kind of odd. They do have a dark theme for the settings only but it's not universal. I'm sure there will be themes in the f inal release though.

It's funny how much grief Touchwiz gets around here, but when I don't use it I actually miss it quite a bit. I suppose the ultimate combination will be Touchwiz on N! Although I would predict I won't see Touchwiz-N on my Note 6 until this time next year or later.

 

[Fanaticalism]

Oh, what's the animation like??

Regarding your list: don't forget, customizable quick toggles directly from the pull down notification shade!

That's a huge one, in my opinion, and part of the reason why I prefer TouchWiz over stock Android. Those are toggles I use on the fly often throughout my day. Much easier to pull down once and get to them right away versus twice with stock (or once with two fingers). Also, the fact that they'll be customizable will be nice, too (coughAppleControlCenter). Finally, this is making its way to stock Android.

Can't believe I forgot that one!

With the new folders you would expect kind of like a zoom in effect (which isn't really material, more iOS like) since it seems you're looking at them through a framed window. They don't do that, they unfold onto a white background which makes to me as they are on M. Just me,
[doublepost=1462302616][/doublepost]

Yes that's interesting about touchwiz. I suppose to some extent that's why I'm not quite as impressed with N as everyone else. I already have multi windows/tasking, although the iteration in N is better. I already have customizable toggles. Doze isn't a big deal as I need battery saving while I'm using my phone, not when it's off, but still it's nice to have. Touchwiz has a LOT of nice touches, interacting with a phone call, etc.

There are certain things missing which make me scratch my head, but of course it's an early release. For one the lack of themes is kind of odd. They do have a dark theme for the settings only but it's not universal. I'm sure there will be themes in the f inal release though.

It's funny how much grief Touchwiz gets around here, but when I don't use it I actually miss it quite a bit. I suppose the ultimate combination will be Touchwiz on N! Although I would predict I won't see Touchwiz-N on my Note 6 until this time next year or later.

Samsung has done a nice a job of cohesion throughout the UI but there are still opportunities with software design. Things just seem better implemented/intuitive on stock. As they say, the devil is in the detail.

 

[epicrayban]

Yes that's interesting about touchwiz. I suppose to some extent that's why I'm not quite as impressed with N as everyone else. I already have multi windows/tasking, although the iteration in N is better. I already have customizable toggles. Doze isn't a big deal as I need battery saving while I'm using my phone, not when it's off, but still it's nice to have. Touchwiz has a LOT of nice touches, interacting with a phone call, etc.

There are certain things missing which make me scratch my head, but of course it's an early release. For one the lack of themes is kind of odd. They do have a dark theme for the settings only but it's not universal. I'm sure there will be themes in the f inal release though.

It's funny how much grief Touchwiz gets around here, but when I don't use it I actually miss it quite a bit. I suppose the ultimate combination will be Touchwiz on N! Although I would predict I won't see Touchwiz-N on my Note 6 until this time next year or later.

Yeah. The exciting thing about Android N is, it opens up more options to those of us who enjoy those TW features. Now, potentially, I could enjoy those features on an HTC made Nexus device, which can reap me the benefits of all that come with Nexus devices. A lot of great potential there.

I agree with you about TouchWiz. Most of its features I find very useful. It's nice we're finally starting to see some of those features get implemented in the competition. More choices for us
[doublepost=1462303211][/doublepost]Guys, also don't forget these new App Switcher features! I've been saying for the longest time, the capacitive buttons should be doing more.

http://www.droid-life.com/2016/03/10/video-android-ns-app-switcher-is-pretty-awesome-now/

Now, double tapping the App Switcher icon immediately takes you back to the previous app you were just in (I've been saying forever that that's what it should do!). You can also thumb through the recent apps one by one by tapping the button once. And of course, you can long press to enter multi-window mode.

More features. More usability. Faster and more intuitive ways to use your phone. I love it.

I think the back button should do more, too. And it should be contextual. So for example, holding down on the back button should maybe auto-refresh Chrome, or even pull up browser history. Something!

 

[Fanaticalism]

I did. Got a pretty good deal on a 64GB Frost model over at Swappa.

Haven't moved my sim over to it yet as I really wanted to spend some time getting reacquainted with Android (have only used sporadically on our old Nexus 7 and LG G Pad GPE tablets) and disconnecting from iMessage can admittedly be a pain in the ass (had lots of family visiting and crazy busy weekend where having messaging problems would've been less than ideal ). I've also come to really rely on and enjoy my Apple Watch, so a bit hesitant to leave it behind for the time being.

I've been keeping notes on all the little things I noticed so far, might be a few too many compromises to live with for my particular use case, not sure yet. May move to it full time for a while soon...we'll see.

UPDATE: Any now thanks to the discovery that both Amazon and Best Buy are present having a sale on the Huawei watch ($100 off) and I have $130 in Amazon rewards to spend, tomorrow I'll be the owner of a stainless steel version with the stainless steel mesh band (Milanese in Apple Watch speak ). That removes one of the compromises of switching.

Thats the band I wanted when I got mine but but wasn't available so I for the leather instead.

 

[epicrayban]

I did. Got a pretty good deal on a 64GB Frost model over at Swappa.

Haven't moved my sim over to it yet as I really wanted to spend some time getting reacquainted with Android (have only used sporadically on our old Nexus 7 and LG G Pad GPE tablets) and disconnecting from iMessage can admittedly be a pain in the ass (had lots of family visiting and crazy busy weekend where having messaging problems would've been less than ideal ). I've also come to really rely on and enjoy my Apple Watch, so a bit hesitant to leave it behind for the time being.

I've been keeping notes on all the little things I noticed so far, might be a few too many compromises to live with for my particular use case, not sure yet. May move to it full time for a while soon...we'll see.

UPDATE: Any now thanks to the discovery that both Amazon and Best Buy are present having a sale on the Huawei watch ($100 off) and I have $130 in Amazon rewards to spend, tomorrow I'll be the owner of a stainless steel version with the stainless steel mesh band (Milanese in Apple Watch speak ). That removes one of the compromises of switching.

Nice update! Hope you enjoy.

You check this out yet? http://www.droid-life.com/2016/05/03/piemessage/

Open Source PieMessage Brings iMessage to Android, Thanks to Mac Middleman

Fanaticalism started a thread here about it: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/heres-the-answer-to-imessage.1970915/

 

[tbayrgs]

Nice update! Hope you enjoy.

You check this out yet? http://www.droid-life.com/2016/05/03/piemessage/

Open Source PieMessage Brings iMessage to Android, Thanks to Mac Middleman

Fanaticalism started a thread here about it: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/heres-the-answer-to-imessage.1970915/

This sub forum should come with a disclaimer that you should read at your own risk else you may find your wallet a bit lighter. I resisted the urge for so long but ultimately succumbed.

 

[jamezr]

This sub forum should come with a disclaimer that you should read at your own risk else you may find your wallet a bit lighter.

speaking of your wallet How are you getting along with the Nexus 6P?

 

[tbayrgs]

speaking of your wallet How are you getting along with the Nexus 6P?

As I mentioned, haven't gone all in on it yet, been setting it up and using it only on Wi-Fi for the time being. The handset itself is nice, still not a fan of fingerprint scanner on the back. My reservations right now are mostly Android related. I'll probably see if I can successfully dig myself out of iMessage next week and try using it exclusively for a few weeks.

I read that Facebook is looking to integrate SMS with their Messenger app once again (a la iMessage on iPhones), which would go a long way in helping my messaging experience.

 

[hallux]

Odd that of all devices, they roll it out to that one...

I don't think it was Google that released it, I think Sony did that work. Samsung, HTC and LG very well could do the same but it's up to them to do it.

I did. Got a pretty good deal on a 64GB Frost model over at Swappa.


UPDATE: Any now thanks to the discovery that both Amazon and Best Buy are present having a sale on the Huawei watch ($100 off) and I have $130 in Amazon rewards to spend, tomorrow I'll be the owner of a stainless steel version with the stainless steel mesh band (Milanese in Apple Watch speak ). That removes one of the compromises of switching.

Nice pick-up on both sides. That's what I'm using - 32 GB aluminum 6P and the SS Huawei Watch, though I have the link band. I thought about grabbing a 3rd-party milanese band, I did grab a tempered glass screen protector for it. I haven't found the vibration to be too light or too overpowering, though I do miss it sometimes. I'm still playing with the gestures, I passed the "test" when I got the tutorial but I haven't used them all regularly enough to keep them in muscle memory.

Check out the Rolling watch face (I may have linked it here before). Once I found it, I haven't used anything else, neither has a co-worker with a Moto 360. Rolling Watch Face - Android Apps on Google Play
[doublepost=1462313538][/doublepost]

I read that Facebook is looking to integrate SMS with their Messenger app once again (a la iMessage on iPhones), which would go a long way in helping my messaging experience.

I never bought in to the FB messenger idea, was never excited about them having access to my texts, as few as I have. I'm on Fi, so I use Hangouts and I can send texts from any computer or device logged in to my Google account linked to Fi.

 

[epicrayban]

You know what's one stupid thing about Google's implementation of copy and paste menus that pop up?

After you go into the secondary part of the menus to use "select all," it doesn't automatically go back to the first pop up with the "copy/paste" options. You have to hit the back button within the pop-up to get back to those options.

That's just dumb.


Edit: wait a sec... now "select all" is on the first page of the pop up. Is it adapting to my usage? Genuinely not sure...

edit2: nope never mind. Still dumb.

 

[Fernandez21]

Nice pick-up on both sides. That's what I'm using - 32 GB aluminum 6P and the SS Huawei Watch, though I have the link band. I thought about grabbing a 3rd-party milanese band, I did grab a tempered glass screen protector for it. I haven't found the vibration to be too light or too overpowering, though I do miss it sometimes. I'm still playing with the gestures, I passed the "test" when I got the tutorial but I haven't used them all regularly enough to keep them in muscle memory.

Why do you need a screen protector? Isn't the cover sapphire?