The Motorola Moto Z is an amazing smartphone. A lot can be said about the company's decision to embrace modular connectivity in a way that makes sense. You don't turn off your Moto Z and take it apart to add new features. You simply lock a Moto Mod into place on the back of the phone. Moto Mods aren't the only thing that makes the Moto Z amazing. Something like Moto Mods is only possible because of Google's Android operating system and the things it allows companies to do. For example, you probably didn't know that you can open 2 apps at the same time with the Moto Z.
It's called multitasking, and it's possible because the Moto Z runs Android 7.0. The software update added the ability to open 2 apps at the same time, along with other features that Google hopes will keep users glued to their Android smartphones. DayDream, for example, turns some Android smartphones into virtual reality headsets when connected to the DayDream Viewer accessory that the company recently started selling. Google calls the new multitasking features collectively. It is thanks to this feature that you can send an SMS and continue watching a TV show at the same time, for example.
Here's how to open 2 apps on the Moto Z and the Moto Z Droid, the Verizon-exclusive variant of the device.
How to open 2 apps on the Moto Z: before you start
Before we get started, it's important to note a few things about multitasking in Android Nougat on the Moto Z.
The first important thing is that you need to make sure that it is installed correctly. Carriers have some influence when devices on their network receive updates like Android Nougat. The Moto Z Droid on Verizon has been offering users the option to download the update since late last year. Those who bought the unlocked Moto Z directly from Motorola only recently started receiving Nougat. Your phone may not have it installed yet.
Go to the Settings app on your phone and scroll down to the end of all your settings. If you see Android 7.0 listed under About phone, you have the software you need. If not, tap About phone and ask your device to check for software updates.
The second thing you need to keep in mind is that not all of your apps will have the ability to multitask. Developers should add support for the feature in their apps. Without the code needed to make the feature work, you won't be able to multitask with this app. Unfortunately, there's no way to tell which apps support multitasking until you try using them. Built-in apps created by Google support the feature perfectly.
Many of Android's most popular apps have been updated to support multitasking, but some high-level mainstays remain. It's also worth noting that some apps may never support the feature because they're no longer updated or their developer doesn't think it's essential.
Note that this feature works whether you are using the Google Now launcher installed on your Moto Z or a third-party launcher available for download from the Google Play Store.
How to open 2 apps on the Moto Z: let's get started
Turn on your Moto Z and open one of the apps you want to multitask with. For the purposes of this demonstration, we are using Serist, a TV show tracker available on the Google Play Store. Open your first app.
Once inside the app, press and hold the square to the right of the Home button along the bottom edge of your screen.
Now you have two options. You can either select the other app you want to open from the list of recently opened apps, or press the Home button to go to the launcher and select an app you haven't opened yet. We do the latter.
When your phone already has a multitasking app, the status bar at the top of its screen will show that app's dominant color. For example, ours is red because it is the dominant color of Serist. We're going with Amazon's Prime Video app for the second app.
If the app can be used for multitasking, that's what you'll get. If not, you will receive a notice telling you that you cannot multitask with this app or it might not work properly.
That's really all there is to it. Google managed to make getting started very easy. By default, multitasking depends on the orientation of your device. You can leave your device in portrait mode. This direction facilitates reading and typing at the same time. For example, it's best to watch a video at the top and text or browse at the bottom.
Good luck opening 2 apps on the Moto Z.