When it comes to modern day smartphones, you get a whole lot more than just the hardware right out of the box. The underlying operating system and platform that it arrives with will also go a long way in determining just how far the device can last, not to mention the apps that are available which enhance your productivity on the move. Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS have been duking it out for a fair number of years already, while Microsoft’s Windows Phone remains squarely in the middle. Well, it looks like the Android 7.0 Nougat release is about to happen anytime soon, and we have received confirmation that the Nexus 6 and the Nexus 9 LTE are automatic shoe ins for the update.
This should not come across as surprising, as Google has always maintained its “pure” Android handsets will be the ones that receive the latest operating system when it arrives. The trend does seem to have bucked in this generation, with LG’s upcoming V20 all set to arrive with Android 7.0 Nougat right out of the box -- before any other of Google’s “pure” Android smartphones receive the update. No matter, it is always better late than never with the latest operating system update, don’t you think so?
While the likes of Sony, Huawei and different smartphone manufacturers who have thrown their lot with Android are working on their own tweaks when it comes to Android 7.0 Nougat, it is nice to hear that the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 LTE are the ones being prepared for some Nougat sweetness. For those who do not own Nexus device, you are out of luck in the immediate future then. Do not be exasperated, however, as you can always keep your fingers crossed that Android 7.0 Nougat will arrive right before the year is over at best.
While Android 7.0 Nougat has been confirmed to arrive on both the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 LTE, the question of “When?” remains to be answered. For Nexus 6P owners, you should know by now that Google already begun to distribute the Android 7.0 Nougat factory images.
Apart from that, the next version of Nougat, Android 7.1, is also tipped to be made available for the likes of the Huawei-manufactured Nexus 6P, HTC Nexus 9 tablet, LG Nexus 5X and Motorola Nexus 6. It remains to be seen what the hold up is with Google on their side, since they have remained mum on the situation. Perhaps Google is making sure that the release will be perfect in every way, and hence, are extra careful in making sure that no bugs remain in the final release.
For those who feel that waiting is not their strong suit, you can always sign up with Google's Android Beta Program so that you will be able to check it out beforehand. A disclaimer: issues can be commonplace when you are using the Android Beta Program, and this is where Google appreciates any and all feedback.
The Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel C, General Mobile 4G (Android One) are all eligible for Google’s Android Beta Program.
