Android Nougat release date: Final Developer Preview rolls out; Easter egg found

The Android 7.0 Nougat is almost ready. Twitter/Google Android

Google has rolled out the final Developer Preview for Android 7.0 Nougat, bringing users closer to the official release of the highly anticipated mobile operating system.

As usual, users who are enrolled on the Android Beta program will be notified of the release so that they can experience Nougat in its rawest form before it is released to millions of Android devices this summer.

"This preview gives developers the near-final system updates for all of the supported preview devices, helping you get your app ready for consumers," Google wrote on the Android Developers blog.

Among the tweaks and features to expect in the final Android 7.0 Nougat Developer Preview include system images for Nexus and other devices used for previewing the software.

It also comes with an emulator, which developers can use to do some final testing on their apps to make sure they are ready for the big Android 7.0 Nougat rollout.

The preview also packs the final N APIs (API level 24) and latest system behaviors and User Interface in addition to a new set of comprehensive bug fixes and optimizations.

Google also tucked in an easter egg in the Android 7.0 Nougat found by Android Central. It can be accessed by going to Settings, then About phone. Select the Android version number and tap the screen until a cartoon "N" pops up.

Press and hold the letter "N" and watch a small cat emoji show up just below it. Tap the cat to access a "No Entry" emoji. Once this pops up, swipe down to the notification quick settings, tap Edit and look for the Android Easter Egg quick setting then drag it to the quick settings.

When that's done, tap the Empty dish quick setting toggle to start a game where a cat can be tempted to eat with a selection of bits, fish, chicken or treats.

Users who successfully lures the cat will get a notification with a cat and a number, which, when tapped, opens a new window that shows a smiling cartoon cat that can be shared as an image after a long press.

The release of the fifth and last Android 7.0 Nougat Developer Preview shows that it won't be long before the final consumer-ready version takes off.

It is expected that the upcoming Google Nexus 2016 devices will be the first to don the software. The smartphones will reportedly be released along with Android 7.0 Nougat as early as next month.

News
Tears and prayers for Christian camp girls swept away by Texas floods
Tears and prayers for Christian camp girls swept away by Texas floods

Christians have been praying after heavy downpours caused the Guadalupe River in Texas to burst its banks on Thursday night, deluging a Christian all-girls summer camp. 

Illinois community coming together to purchase Pope's old home
Illinois community coming together to purchase Pope's old home

Debt-hit town in Illinois is looking to buy the Pope's childhood home.

Fear, denial and control: Why the Cuban government prohibits the most natural responses to the country’s dire humanitarian needs
Fear, denial and control: Why the Cuban government prohibits the most natural responses to the country’s dire humanitarian needs

It may be hard to fathom how such pettiness plays into the government’s wider crackdown on FoRB and other fundamental human rights, or how on earth it could justify extending its repression to children, but ultimately it all comes down to fear.