14 DAY TRIAL // Google announced two new smartphones this month, Pixel and Pixel XL, shipping with Android 7.1 Nougat. Recently, the tech giant announced the Android 7.1 Developer Preview. The preview is expected to arrive later this month, and a final release is scheduled for December.
Google stated that the Android 7.1 Nougat is the latest version of the platform, an incremental update based on Android 7.0. It apparently includes new features for both users and developers. Some of the new features are Daydream VR support and A/B system updates. Moreover, it will come with new app shortcuts and image keyboard support.
Later this month, Google will be making the Android 7.1 Developer Preview available, so developers can test and build on the new version. The Developer Preview will be delivered through the Android Beta program, as usual.
The Developer Preview will be offered to Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel C devices initially
Android 7.1 will be coming with circular app icons support, enhanced live wallpaper metadata and app shortcuts API, which allows developers to surface key actions directly in the launcher. Developers can create up to 5 such shortcuts.
Moreover, the new version includes image keyboard support for expanding the type of content that users type on their keyboards, and storage manager Intent for users to directly clear unused files and free up space on their devices.
Carriers and developers of calling applications should know that Google also included new API support for multi-endpoint calling and new telephony configuration options.
Google has mentioned that, initially, the Developer Preview will be offered for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel C devices. Other supported devices will receive it by the end of the preview. The final release will arrive in early December to Nexus 6, 5X, 6P, 9, Player, Pixel C, and supported Android One devices. Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones will receive their updates during the last month of this year.
