Ever since Google introduced Android 7.0 Nougat for its collection of Nexus devices in August earlier this year, there has also been plenty of clamoring for news updates concerning the release of the Nougat update for other devices by different hardware manufacturers. Basically, if you are a Nexus device owner, you are in pretty safe hands when it comes to being fast in obtaining the latest version of Google's mobile operating system -- and the same mantra applies yet again. It seems that an Android 7.1 Nougat update was in the pipeline not too long ago, and the first developer preview beta has now been announced -- targeting the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Pixel C tablet.
Earlier in October, Google did share in a reveal on how Android 7.1 Nougat is set to change the way you use smartphones, boasting of a slew of new features which have been thrown into the mix, and it is nice to know that some of these features are now showcased in the developer preview beta that will arrive on the selected Google handsets as mentioned above.
With October 19th, Google’s official release date for Android 7.1 Nougat already passed, not too many people would have access to this latest iteration of Nougat, but do keep a keen eye out for additional support across various hardware in the weeks to come. Android 7.1 Nougat is not an entirely new beast, although it does include a number of new features as well as extra tweaks and changes over its predecessor. Since we are now only in the developer preview beta version, it would not be too far off the mark to say that Google might actually add in even more tweaks and features in the official release down the road. A developer preview, or beta, is one way of testing out an update on a small number of devices, allowing Google to fix any potential bugs so that there is no user backlash just in case a huge update rollout is full of bugs and flaws.
In the latest Android 7.1 Nougat developer preview release, the Pixel was used to demonstrate some of the new software features. Among these features are the likes of round icons, app shortcuts on the homescreen for easier navigation, launcher icons, image and GIF support in the keyboard, and Night Light, among others.
Google’s new Pixel and Pixel XL would definitely qualify to run Android 7.1 Nougat, although the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Pixel C tablet are also part of the equation. There was mention of the Nexus 6 making the cut for a chance at the developer preview, although we do not know of the exact date.
In other words, we could very well keep our fingers crossed to look out for a second or perhaps, even third developer preview to be tested out among the limited masses before Google deems that Android 7.1 Nougat is good enough for a global release across the massive range of Android-powered devices, the now-defunct Samsung Galaxy Note 7 notwithstanding.
