It has already been a few months since Android 7.0 Nougat was released for Nexus devices. Google then introduced Android 7.1 with its Pixel smartphones and earlier this week it rolled out Android 7.1.1 which includes several new features and improvements. Samsung is yet to release Nougat for its devices but it has been running a beta program through which select users can test beta builds of Android 7.0 on their Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge.

In response to a query from a member of the Galaxy Beta Program, Samsung has confirmed that the public release of Nougat will start with Android 7.1.1.

Android 7.1.1 is a minor update, it includes a new set of emoji, the ability to send GIFs directly from the keyboard in select apps and makes life easier by adding app shortcuts directly to the home screen. Users can launch actions on apps like Twitter and Google Maps by long pressing the app icon.

Samsung hasn’t confirmed when it’s going to publicly release Nougat for the Galaxy S7 and the Galaxy S7 edge at least, it’s expected that the rollout will begin early next year.

Thanks, Henk!