Android N is certainly one of the topics which is about to hit the headlines in a big and consistent way over the next few months. Talk on the next version of Android has been rather slow of late, however, with Google expected to reveal more details on the next version of the operating system during May’s I/O event, the level of conversation on N will be increasing dramatically over the next few months. In fact, the last week or two has already seen the momentum building. About a week ago, Android Police released mockups of screenshots which they say were based on information they had received. The mockups showed how some of the new settings on N will look. Following which, the next set of mockup screenshots have now been released and again, detail more of what can be expected with N’s system settings.
In terms of the latest information, it seems a number of differences are primarily designed for an improved level of usage. So for instance, when you are at the first level of the system settings menu, a new drop down tab will be in position at the top of the page. This seems to be included to allow for quick changing between notification priorities – think, ‘Do not disturb’. In addition, all of the top tier tabs like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Data usage, etc, will all now show brief information without having to click through the tab. Examples of the information include which network you are connected to, data being currently consumed, whether Bluetooth is connected and so on. Likewise, the horizontal line barriers separating the tabs (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Data usage, etc) have all now been removed.
In terms of the widely reported on Hamburger menu that is now expected to be included in the settings on N, according to the latest information, this will simply be a shortcut route back to the settings start page. As a result, the hamburger only appears when you have clicked past the initial page and will allow for quick access back to specific first page tabs. Of course, at the moment, none of the information is officially confirmed and therefore, could be subject to change in the final product. In the meantime though, you can see a visual example of the difference between the current settings menu and the Android Police mockup of the changes in the image below.