The presentation event of Pixel, Home and many other Google products, was the perfect space to show part of Android 7.1 preview Nougat. Today it was announced that the Android 7.1 developer preview for Nexus devices will be released this October.
Among the features that the new developer preview will bring with it is better support for DayDream VR and system updates such as the Apps shortcuts and the keyboard image support. It will also bring optimizations and bug fixes as well as new APIs (API level 25).
We will not say anything about the madness that will mean now for manufacturers like Samsung, LG or HTC having to update their smartphones with 7.1; a perfect excuse for the entry of that Pixel that will shorten the times in the updates.
The new features of Android 7.1 Nougat
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API for App shortcuts- Allows developers to create key actions directly in the launcher and takes users deeper by launching the most used actions in their favorite apps. Up to 5 shortcuts or shortcuts can be created, either statically or dynamically
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Support for circular app icons- Allows developers to supply circular icon assets that match the visual appearance of Pixel and other launchers or app launchers
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Improved metadata for live wallpapers: offers developers improved metadata in relation to live wallpapers so that they can be selected as a preview. Displays the existing metadata such as brand, description and author, as well as the new context and title URL to link more information
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Keyboard image support- Expands the types of content that users can enter from their keyboards, as well as allowing them to express themselves through custom stickers, animated GIFs, and more. Apps can 'tell' the keyboard what kind of content they accept, and keyboards can deliver all the images and other content they offer to the user
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Storage manager Intent: allows an app to take the user directly to a new settings screen to erase unused files and free up storage space on the device
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APIs to offer support for multi-endpoint calls and new configuration options in telephony
But, by when?
Android 7.1 Nougat Developer Preview will be rolled out for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Pixel C for this month of october with other compatible devices below. The best way to get the update when it is released is by participating in Android Beta Program.
The final version of Android 7.1 Nougat will be available in the month of december for the Nexus 6, 5X, 6P, 9, Player, Pixel C and other Android One devices just like the Pixel and Pixel XL. Google has stated that it is working closely with device manufacturers to get them ready for Android 7.1. What is not clear if the OEMs will go from Android 7 to go directly to 7.1.
And we have published some news related to the publication dates of updates for Sony, HTC and others and they agree precisely with the month of December, the only thing that happens is that the version would be 7.0. Hence, or they put the batteries in these two months and integrate those 7.1 news in the next update, or those who receive those updates will have to wait another two months to receive 7.1, which will be just when another small update arrives, since we have two more Nougat left apart from 7.1
The best thing about this preview for developers that Google will publish this month is that third-party app developers they will be able to update their apps, so the most popular launchers will be able to support circular icons and shortcuts apps.