Speculations suggest that Google has amped up its requirements for the new Android Nougat platform, so most users will have to resort to custom ROMs to check out the new version. One such device is the 2013 Google Nexus 7.

XDA Developers has managed to pool resources with third-party developers to install Android Nougat 7.0 on the Nexus 7 slate, even though Google has stopped supporting the device for some time. Meanwhile, as with custom ROMs, the developers are still checking out the entire platform, since it is only the first version of the custom ROM.

Nonetheless, the first impressions it made are favorable. According to Android Headlines, the custom ROM seems to be quite stable, even if it is the first version of Android Nougat for the Nexus 7. All connectivity options work, as well as the sensors. However, the industry follower cautioned that, since the custom ROM is still in its first stages, there are a number of known bugs that are on the platform. One such glitch is reflected on the device's video capture features, resulting in poor quality 1080p video recording when the device runs on the Android Nougat ROM

Meanwhile, since the Android Nougat 7.0 version for the Nexus 7 is a custom ROM, users will need to have basic tech skills before trying it out. The custom ROM needs an unlocked bootloader for the Nexus 7 device, as well as custom recovery features installed.

Although Google has released the Nexus 7 way back in 2012, having the custom Android Nougat ROM for the device is timely. Speculations suggest that Google will be refreshing the lineup, and will come out with another 7-inch slate before the year ends. However, it is unclear if it will be a direct follow-up for the Nexus 7 tablet since there are rumors that Google may rebrand it as part of the Pixel lineup.