As Google releases the latest Android upgrade, dubbed Nougat, it is reportedly gaining significant ground on Apple iOS in the smartphone world. This will be important as growth slows, but there are still significant challenges. One is that Google needs to repeat that operating system dominance on other devices which have higher growth rates and which will support a new generation of web experiences and services. It is attacking this with multiple weapons, including Android extensions for smart homes, cars and wearables, and its other OSs, Chrome and the new Fuchsia (see Wireless Watch August 22). It also needs to ensure that its rising control of the smartphone platform turns into usage of its services and so into revenues from…