Nougat Update: Nougat 7.1.1 Coming to Pixel and Nexus Devices With New Features; Soon to be Part of Android Open Source Project?

While Android is slowly equipping older smartphone models with the Android 7.0 Nougat operating system, phones already equipped with Nougat like the Google Pixel phones and several Nexus devices are getting an update. In the coming weeks, Android will be rolling out the Nougat 7.1.1.

According to Android Authority, the Android 7.1.1 Nougat factory images for the Google Pixel and Nexus will deliver the consumer-ready version of the Nougat 7.1.1 along with an Android security patch. The factory Images will be available to Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Pixel C, Nexus 9 and the Nexus Player.

Android 7.1.1 Nougat factory images and OTA files are now available for Pixel and Nexus devices https://t.co/8BedKzYxfj

— GSMArena.com (@gsmarena_com) December 5, 2016

Android 7.1.1 Nougat builds on features available on Google Pixel devices since it launched already fully equipped with the Android 7.0 Nougat operating system. According to Android's developer's blog, Android 7.1.1 Nougat will bring in new features and optimizations, as well as bug fixes, all on top of the base Nougat 7.1 platform.

Some of the new features from Android 7.1.1 Nougat includes more emoji, this time with both male and female counterparts as part of Android's support for gender equality. The new emoji sets will come with the Android 7.1.1 Nougat update for Pixel and Nexus. On top of Emoji, users will also be able to send GIFs from the on-screen keyboard in supported apps like Google Hangouts and messenger.

Android 7.1.1 Nougat will also bring in improved app shortcuts from the home screen. By long pressing apps found on the home screen, users will be able to pick an action without opening the app itself. Lastly, users will have the option to choose round app icons instead of the standard android icon designs.

Google Pixel and Pixel XL devices will receive the update through over-the-air (OTA), along with the other Nexus devices which are eligible for the 7.1 Nougat upgrade. Devices enrolled in Android's Beta Program will also receive the final version of the Android 7.1.1 Nougat; the update can also be manually done for supported devices. Android will soon put 7.1.1 source code on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) for smartphone developers to use.