The first preview build of Android N will be released to the public today with new features including a native split-screen mode, according to a report from 9to5Google. Citing an article from Ars Technica that was pulled after publication, 9to5Google says that the preview version of Android N includes a redesigned notification panel (with notifications that span the full width of the screen, and an edit button for quick changes), and improvements to the operating system's Doze feature, which will reportedly save battery whenever the screen turns off.
There's also a 'picture in picture' mode reportedly coming
The biggest addition though, seems to be a new split-screen mode for multitasking. This reportedly works on both phones and tablets, and, like other features included in the preview, will be given to developers to test before it's released to the public later this year. 9to5Google says that Ars Technica also reported the existence of a new "picture in picture" mode which sounds similar to that in iOS 9, letting users shrink windows to a corner of their screen while browsing other apps.
The original Ars story also reportedly said that the preview will be available for the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Pixel C, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, and the General Mobile 4G. Google is also said to be launching a new "Android Beta Program." All of this information is extremely provisional at the moment, but if the Ars Technica report is true, we can expect to hear more about Android N — and its new features — some time soon.
Update March 9th, 13.40PM ET: The update is official now — read more about it right here.