Google’s new flagship phones dubbed Pixel have been released with the latest version of Android OS out of the box – namely Android 7.1 Nougat. Meanwhile, all other non-Pixel devices can only take advantage of Android 7.0 at the best, but the good news is that Google is working on bringing version 7.1 Nougat to more devices, starting with its own Nexus series. A Developer Preview of Android 7.1 is now available through the Android Beta Program for the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P smartphones, as well as the Pixel C tablet, and the Google Android Developer team has recently published a new video detailing some of the new additions to the latest OS version.
Android 7.1 Nougat on the Pixel smartphones includes a number of exclusive features reserved for the Pixel series, such as access to Google’s new Assistant boasting new and improved machine-learning capabilities and expanded contextual awareness. Nevertheless, a slightly more toned-down version of the same operating system will be released to other non-Pixel devices, and this particular OS update was recently pushed into the Android Beta Program as a Developer Preview build for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Pixel C. More to the topic at hand, Google’s Android Developer team released a new video on YouTube geared towards developers, detailing some of the new features available in the Android 7.1 Nougat Developer Preview. To begin with, because Android 7.1 Nougat is already available on Pixel smartphones, the Developer Preview for the Nexus lineup promises beta-level quality and API level 25, allowing apps targeting the new API level to be published on Google Play. The goal, according to Google, is to iron out any device-specific issues that may be found throughout the testing period. In addition, the video details a handful of new features including App Shortcuts and new developer tools for live wallpapers. Android 7.1 Nougat also gives applications the ability to determine if the device is operated through a demo profile / user, and using new APIs, applications too large to fit on the phone’s available storage can now prompt users to remove existing apps in order to make room for a new install.
Once again, the video below is geared more towards – but not exclusive to – developers and every Android user looking forward to version 7.1 Nougat can get a sneak preview of some of these upcoming features. Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel C owners can already give the build a try through the Android Beta Program, and as for the final release, Google is expected to roll it out on the Nexus series and supported Android One devices in December.