Last month, Google officially introduced Android 7.1 Nougat, which, at that point, had already been running on its pair of Pixel phones and other handsets via developer previews.
At the same time as the announcement, Google also included a December rollout schedule for Android 7.1 Nougat to Google's somewhat overlooked flagships. Now, to the delight of Nexus owners, the exact release date has been confirmed.
Android 7.1 Release Date
The consumer release of Android 7.1.1 is scheduled to be rolled out on Dec. 6, according to Vodafone Australia. The software update, weighing around 650 MB, will coincide with the security patch for December.
Once released, the software update will put the Nexus 5X, 6P, Pixel C and Nexus 9 on par with that of the software housed inside the Google Pixel pairing.
Android 7.1, as previously mentioned, was first made available on the Pixel and Pixel XL, quickly trickling down to a few supported Nexus devices via the first Developer Preview. On Tuesday, the second Developer Preview was released, which extended the software update to the Nexus 9.
Android Nougat 7.1 Features
Apart from the standard updates and features included in Android 7.0 Nougat, Android 7.1.1 will also enable developers to add app shortcuts, akin to what shows up when an app is pressed via 3D Touch on later iPhone models.
Other features such as data saving measures to free up space, Google Assistant and image keyboard support for snazzy GIFs with rich content are also present on the latest version of Android Nougat.
Vodafone Australia notes that the update will be pushed out 5 p.m. AEST on Dec. 6, but the security patch will be released a day before, which matches Google's pattern of releasing security patches on a Monday.
However, it may take up to a couple of weeks before supported devices can receive the new software update.
Android 7.1 Nougat Distribution
On the first three days of release, only 10,000 phones, selected at random, will be eligible for the software update. From day 4 to day 13, 10 percent from the remaining pool will be selected each day, and users must check for the update manually. Finally, on the fourteenth day, all devices will be eligible for the software update.
Android 7.1.1 is also slated to hit the Pixel and Pixel XL, which contains a number of bug fixes alongside double-tap and raise-to-wake features.
For owners of previous Nexus flagships impatiently waiting for the official rollout of Android Nougat 7.1, make sure to manually check for updates once Dec. 6 rolls around.
What feature easily stands out as the best in Android Nougat 7.1? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
