Android N will have Multiwindow, Split Screen UI; Marshmallow successor’s multitasking features support both phones and tablets?

By Staff Writer

Dec 14 2015, 06:50 AM EST

Google is said to be working on Android Marshmallow's successor, Android N, which will support multiwindow and split-screen user interface. It is yet to be revealed if these multitasking features will work on both phones and tablets.

Right after Android Marshmallow will be Android N, the seventh iteration to Google's software updates. The big G is reportedly working on Android N already despite the Marshmallow having just started rolling out on devices. International Business Times reported that Android N will support multitasking features such as multiwindow and split-screen.

"We're working on lots of things right now for N that, of course, we wish we had, you know, yesterday," said Andrew Bowers, Google Director for Consumer Hardware. "But we'd spoil the surprise of N if we shared all of them. Split screen is in the works!" Bowers revealed the Android N's first feature in a Reddit AMA session of the Google Pixel C team.

The Android 6.0 Marshmallow update did not come with multitasking features. Many users identified this as a big disadvantage for the Android Marshmallow.

Tech Radar reported that Google is a bit behind other manufacturers in creating its own multitasking system. Apple recently added multitasking features to its latest iOS 9 software update. Samsung also launched its own system but it reportedly lacks app support.

Another thing yet to be confirmed is if Android N's multitasking features will support both phones and tablets. It is worth noting that Apple only added iOS 9 multitasking support for tablets.

Android N is expected to come with new features and bug fixes, as per Tech Times' report. However, the Android Marshmallow successor was said to be not a major redesign unlike the Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Considering that the Android Marshmallow has just started arriving on devices, it might take a while before Android N will be released. There is still no news as to what confectionary-based name will be given to the Marshmallow successor. Rumors suggest that Android N could be unveiled in the big Google event next year.