2016 was an exciting year for Android fans. Google released Android Nougat which finally added split-screen mode,a pair of brand new Pixel phones hit the streets, and did we mention Pokémon Go came out? Here are our biggest posts and downloads for Android this year.

While you can install Linux on just about anything, old tablets are probably the cheapest way to do it. Case in point, Node put together a guide that repurposes a Nexus 7 tablet and converts it into a micro-sized laptop.

Google's new Pixel phones are here to replace the Nexus line. Normally, we wouldn't pit new phones against old ones but if you're shopping now, or looking to replace an explodey Galaxy Note 7, these are your two best options. Let's look at how the old guard stacks up against Google's new hardware play, and where the real value lies.

The reviews are in and most agree, Google's new Pixel phones are awesome. They also mark the death of the Nexus line. With the shift towards Pixels, Google is turning its eye from the experimental world of Nexus devices, to the bigger world of phone buyers everywhere.

In two weeks from now we will likely have official confirmation of brand new smartphones from Google, the first to be designed by the company itself.

The web giant has teased an unveiling set for 2am AEST October 5, and unless it's planning to reveal a completely unexpected product that just happens to have the rounded oblong dimensions of a smartphone, it seems like the long-held rumours of a Google phone will come to pass. Here's everything we know so far.

The iPhone 7 officially launched in Australia today, with prices starting at $1079 (or $1229 for the black versions). If you're a die-hard Apple fan, you'll doubtlessly think it's the best iPhone ever -- despite having no headphone jack and a dearth of exciting new software. For everyone else, you might want to consider one of these flagship Android phones instead.

Last week, Google released Android 7 Nougat into the wild. Packed with new features like multi-window support and bundled notifications, it provides a significant boost to speed and productivity compared to Android Marshmallow. If you're hell-bent on upgrading to the new OS this instant, we name the best -- and cheapest -- Android 7-ready smartphones you can buy in Australia.

Android Nougat: Google likes to play around with experimental features in Android betas. One such nixed feature is a powerful tool that lets you customise the little bar at the bottom of your screen with the Home and Back buttons. If you have a certain few Nexuses, you can get it back.

Today, Google began rolling out its latest mobile operating system -- Android 7 (AKA "Nougat") -- to select Nexus devices. Here are the major changes you need to know about.

Android: Google is just as sick of robocalls as you are, it seems. The company has just announced that the built-in phone app on Nexus phones will give you a big red warning when you're getting a call from a spammer.

If your current Android phone is looking a little sad next to this generation's latest and greatest, here's a chance to nab the Nexus 5X for the very reasonable price of $312, as long as you don't mind waiting a few days for delivery.

Reliable Android updates are a key selling point of Google's Nexus line of phones. Even Nexuses have an expiration date, though. Now, Google has a published list of when you can stop expecting updates for your Nexus phone or tablet.

There are a ton of Android flagships to choose from, but if you want one that puts you in control of your experience -- and when you get updates -- you have two big choices: Google's Nexus 6P and the OnePlus 2. Specs aside, which should you buy? Well, here's how they compare, after long-term use.

Not everyone wants a phone so big it's tough to slide into a pants pocket or use with one hand. Luckily, more manufacturers are hearing our cries, and two big contenders have stepped to the fore: Google's Nexus 5X, and the OnePlus X. Both are slim, thin, and powerful -- but not pricey. Here's how they compare.

It's been a long wait, but LG's latest addition to the Nexus fold has finally arrived. The Nexus 5X is a 5.2-inch Android smartphone that retains the lean operating system and zippy performance of Google's other first-party devices. For Android fanatics who crave speed and instant software updates, it's a logical -- and affordable -- phone upgrade.

It might not be the hottest tablet around, but the Nexus 9 can still hold its own. And, with Telstra offering the device for a measly $299, delivery included, now might be the time to do some early Christmas shopping.

Google has opened up pre-orders for its Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P Android Marshmallow smartphones in Australia. Here are the specifications, pricing and availability for both devices.

We've reported on the security flaws that exist on Android devices collectively known as Stagefright, which was first discovered a few months ago. Google has now issued a patch for the Stagefright 2 bugs for its own Nexus devices.

Today, Google held an event to announce its newest Nexus hardware. While we're still waiting on Australian pricing and release dates, it wasn't all about the phones. Here are some of the most important and interesting things Google shared today.