Google’s new Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones are the big news in the Android world now. Both smartphones are runs on the latest Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box and it is rumored that the new Android 7.1 update will be rolled out to non-Pixel devices, such as Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, etc. by December this year. The new update includes various new features, improves touch responsiveness and more.
Let us see what are the new features in upcoming Android 7.1 Nougat update. Note that some of the features given below are Pixel smartphone excusive. For example, Pixel launcher, Google Assistant, Smart Storage, etc. are some of the Pixel specific features and Night Light, Fingerprint swipe, Seamless A/B system updates, etc. are common features of Nougat 7.1.
Below are the changelog and new features in Android 7.1 Nougat update, which may roll out to non-Pixel devices by December.
First, let us see what are the common features of Android 7.1 Nougat and then see what are the Pixel specific features. Note that the below given features may change in the final build of the OS.
Features in Android 7.1 Nougat Update
Night Light: This mode helps you protect your eyes by filtering the blue light coming from the display, which will be enabled after sun set.
Touch/display performance improvements: The new update will improve the touch responsiveness, so you will feel more fast than before.
Seamless A/B system updates: With Android 7.1, you do not need to manually update your phone. Android update will run in the background automatically when you are not using it.
Daydream VR: Though not all phones support the Daydream, you can view it on supported phones with the new VR headsets.
Fingerprint swipe: The new update will add new function to fingerprint scanner. Now, you can view notifications with a quick downward swipe on the fingerprint sensor.
Developer features:
– APIs for app shortcuts
– Circular app icons support
– Keyboard image insertion
– Fingerprint sensor gesture support
– Manual storage manager Intent for apps
– Improved VR thread scheduling
– Enhanced wallpaper metadata
– Multi-endpoint call support
– Support for various MNO requirements
– PCDMA voice privacy property
– Source type support for Visual Voicemail
– Carrier configuration options for managing video telephony
– Storage manager – identifies apps and files and apps using storage
Pixel specific features
Pixel Launcher: The new launcher has some visual changes and features that the Google Now Launcher does not have, like the new calendar and date icon, Google search pull up button, new wallpapers and new lock screen animations.
Google Assistant: If you have installed Allo, you know what is Google Assistant. On the Pixel, you can launch it with a long press of the home button.
Google Photos: Pixel owners get unlimited, original quality backup of all photos
Smart Storage: When your phone is running low, it will automatically remove the original version of saved photos and videos.
Support: The Pixel will come with 24/7 support including a screen share feature accessible through the support tab in the settings.
Quick switch adapter: Use this feature to transfer contacts, photos and messages from your current phone to your Pixel.
Camera features: The Pixel and XL camera features the following:
– Electronic Image Stabilization (“video stabilization”) 2.0
– White Balance Presets
– Exposure Compensation
– AE/AF Locking
– Viewfinder grid modes
– Hardware accelerated (on Qualcomm Hexagon coprocessor) HDR+ image processing
Smart burst: Sensor Hub processor with tightly integrated sensors (accelerometer, gyro, mag) + connectivity (Wi-Fi, Cell, GPS) . (Source – AP)
