Google has announced the availability of Android 7.1 Nougat developer preview for Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel C smartphones. According to sources, the developer preview updates will be available for select compatible handsets by the end of October.
During the launch of Pixel smartphones at the Made by Google event, the search-engine giant showcased the new Android 7.1 version. It has been confirmed that the preview will be rolled out for select Nexus handsets before the end of this month.
Android 7.1 Nougat Developer Preview only for Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel C phones
To begin with, the Android 7.1 Nougat Developer Preview will be available for Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel C handsets. Even though Google has confirmed that other handsets will be eligible to get the Android 7.1 Nougat developer preview, the company hasn’t provided any time frame for the release.
Android 7.1 Nougat developer preview features
The Android 7.1 Nougat developer preview ships with support for Daydream View VR headset and image keyboard. Furthermore, the update will address issues reported by developers and customers after using the new Pixel and Pixel XL handsets.
With the arrival of the Android 7.1 Nougat preview, you will be able to freely sent GIFs via the keyboard instead of copy and pasting links. The imminent update comes just two months after the commercial release of the first Android 7.0 Nougat. Some of the other notable changes included with Android 7.1 consist of A/B system updates, night-light, circular app icons, a manual storage manager, and app shortcuts in addition to few features exclusive to Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones.
Expect new Android Nougat updates each quarter
According to reports, Google is expected to unveil maintenance updates quarterly by addressing all issues. Although Google has revealed the suspension of Nexus phones, the company will continue to provide updates. As of writing, all Nexus handsets including Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 LTE received Android 7.0 Nougat update.
Google also confirmed that the Android 7.1 Nougat final build will be rolled out to all Google-supported Android 7.0 handsets in early December. Hence, you can expect Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus 9 LTE, Nexus Player, Pixel C, and supported Android One phones to get Android 7.1 Nougat update. Moreover, you can expect the arrival of the update for the recently released Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL by the end of 2016.
We expect the arrival of Android 7.1 Nougat developer preview this month. However, only those handsets registered with the Android Beta Program will be eligible to get the update. If you would like to receive beta updates directly from the Android product team, you need to register your phone by navigating to the Android Beta Program web portal.
