When talking about smartphones and smartphone operating systems, there’s a pretty big chance that someone is going to at least mention Google. While there are other solutions out there, Google’s Android OS holds the majority of consumer shares. This due to the fact that while other developers are more or less bound to one platform or smartphone brand, Google distributes Android to mobile devices all over the world from all kinds of brands.

The latest edition of Google’s firmware is called Android Nougat and fans have been sizzling with anticipation every since they got their hands on the first Developer Preview. When it was first announced, Google’s Android Nougat was only made available to the Google Pixel, the company’s new flagship line of devices, but with a number of devices being put on the shortlist to receive the update. Once the update goes public, users will be able to get Android 7.1.1 Nougat on their Android handsets, and the first in line to receive it are the Pixel C, Nexus 5X, 6P and Nexus 9.

What can be expected?

Android 7.1.1 Nougat is on its way, but there’s a large number of consumers that don’t really know what it will bring to the table. Let’s go over the features that Android users can expect in the latest build of the operating system.

The new update will allow Google phones to be restarted from the shutdown menu. This is a nice addition which will replace the traditional way of restarting a device, which consisted of turning off the handset completely followed by a reboot. To access the restart feature, users just have to long press the Power button on their device.

Similar to how Apple’s iPhone has 3D Touch, Google is implementing App Shortcuts which enable us to drag shortcuts from different apps directly on the Home screen. Hard pressing the Settings app for example will let you drag the setting for WiFi directly to the Home screen. This a nifty feature to have that makes the whole experience much more versatile.

The Quick Toggles bar has been revamped with a new row of option for prime elements such as brightness or WiFi added to the main notification panel so that there is no more requirement for extra swiping or tapping to get to the quick toggles.

Those using Facebook messenger might already be familiar with the GIF feature which lets you add GIFs to your conversations instantly. A similar feature will be available in Android 7.1.1 Nougat, enhancing the messaging experience with the ability to bring up an unexpected comedic twist.

Taking a page out of Apple’s politically correct book, Google will offer several emoji skin tones so that no one will be offended during your chats. This will provide more variation and also a response to consumers complaining about one emoji or another being of just one skin tone.

On top of the new features, Android users can also expect a lot of bugs and issues to disappear, as maintenance hasn’t been neglected during development, showing that Google is focused not only on building, but also on bolstering what has been already built.

When is it coming?

The Android build is slated for a December release, more specifically on the 6th of the month. When it comes to size, the new build has 650 MB and will be downloadable over the air, so users are advised to make sure they have a strong and stable connection before initiating the software download.

If you find yourself unable to wait until the official release of Android’s latest build, you can sign up for Google’s Android Beta Program which will allow you to test the firmware ahead of time. Getting into this program will require a few simple steps but it is far from difficult. If you are interested in the Beta program you must, first of all, own one of the devices eligible to receive the new Android 7.1.1 Nougat update. If your device is on the list, you can proceed by registering to the Beta program provided by Google on their official website.

Conclusion

That’s all that you have to do. Next up, your phone will receive the update and the ability to download it through a WiFi connection, or OTA (over-the-air). If that’s not an option, you can also download the new Android update and install it manually.