Starting today, Google is rolling out the Android Nougat 7.1.1 update to its newly released Pixel devices and the renowned Nexus lineup. It will enable the latter to catch up with the Pixels in terms of features, which were already available since launch. The update schedule falls in line with previous reports of the same.
This Android Nougat update, though is a minimal upgrade from the previous one, brings some much-needed features to your smartphone. Making a push for gender equality, Google had proposed as well as released new and diverse emojis to represent “a wider range of professions for both women and men.”
The update finally also ports over some of the rich media features from the ‘Gboard iOS keyboard’ to the official Android release. You now have the option to send GIFs within supported messaging apps such as Allo, Messenger, and Hangouts from the keyboard itself.
This update is also aimed at upping your theme and accessibility game with the addition of app shortcuts, initially released on the Pixel devices. It enables the user to long press an app icon and display pop-up options that ease out certain actions for that particular app. For example, you can press the Twitter icon to display options like ‘New Tweet,’ ‘New Message,’ and others.
But some features are Pixel exclusive and might never be ported over to the official Android Nougat release. The Mountain View-based tech behemoth has taken a first step towards their own hardware lineup and extra features make their offerings stand out from the vanilla crowd.
Along with the said new features and stability improvements, the version 7.1.1 update will be available on Google-specific devices including the Pixel C, Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9 and a couple Android One devices. This update will soon also be available to devices enrolled in Google’s Android Beta Program. It will be delivered wirelessly as an over-the-air (OTA) update.
