Android Nougat 7.1 Now Available! Google Pixel Phones Get Priority Shipping

Nov 27, 2016 09:34 PM EST

Android's latest OS Android Nougat is now ready for download. However, the Nougat 7.1 version is only available in select smartphones like Google Pixel.

Google seems to be empowering its software and hardware department with this strategy. Since Google is the top OS source for Android smartphones, almost every big player in the Android smartphone industry like Samsung and LG, are waiting for its latest update.

Though Google has already opened the developer preview to Samsung, confirming they are already available for Samsung Galaxy S7 users, most of its active updates were only released in Google phones such as the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9 and Pixel C.

Android Nougat is a much-anticipated OS. According to Android, this is their "sweetest release yet."

Android Nougat empowers the smartphone by providing more than 1500 emojis to choose from. There is also a multi-locale setting.

One of the most fascinating features of Nougat is its muti-window view that enables the user to quickly switch between apps. This also allows the user to run two apps simultaneously. For example, a user can watch YouTube while responding to an email.

The Android Nougat also incorporated the Vulkan API, which is a "game changer" when it comes to quality graphics.

Though the Nougat 7.1 update is released on certain devices, developers can try manually uploading this on their own. For Huawei Nexus 6P users, they are advised to have their smartphones fully charged before downloading the entire update. Back up of current data is also important.

When updating to Android Nougat 7.1, the users will be prompted to the Firmware Over-The-Air (FOTA) feature.

As of writing, the Android Nougat will only be released in the new LG V20.

The LG V20 has a JIT compiler which improves the runtime of the smartphone. It also reduces the amount of storage for back processes. This goes in line with Android Nougat since it has power-saving features as well.

The new Android Nougat on the LG V20 will also have a "Work Mode." The Work Mode "allows you to turn on and off your device's work apps and notifications for a better work, life balance."

Android Nougat, aside from its improved technical features, also has a beautiful, simplistic interface. As Google rolls out its new Google Plus and Google Hangouts design, the Nougat is also included in the new design theme.

The latest updates will be tentatively rolling out this coming December.