Android Nougat Galaxy S7: Latest news, features and more

Impact

Months after launching the final version of Android Nougat — the seventh Android operating system — Google released an update on Dec. 5: Android 7.1.1. The update to Android Nougat 7.0 aims to bring "many of the cool features of Pixel to everyone." 

Devices that quickly received the new update following the announcement via an over-the-air software update included the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G (Android One).

Samsung will release the Android 7.1.1 update without the 7.0 update in some markets

In light of the latest update, Samsung will reportedly skip the Android 7.0 update for two models — the Galaxy S7 and the S7 edge — and directly update to Android 7.1.1. According to a report from GSM Arena, which notes that there's room for miscommunication in such leaks, skipping the Android 7.0 update will not take place in every market, as a Vodafone representative from Australia has said Android 7.0 will be rolled out in the country for the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge.

Members of the Galaxy Beta Program can receive the new update

Google wrote in a blog post that in addition to Pixel and Nexus devices, "any devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program will also receive this final version." 

In November, Samsung rolled out Nougat beta for users living in the United States, United Kingdom and South Korea with active Samsung accounts and either the Galaxy Beta Program app or the Samsung Members app. Access to the beta operating system is closed, but existing members of the Galaxy Beta program can check out the new update.

Android 7.1.1 brings more changes

What will Android 7.1.1 bring to users? Key features include new emoji promoting gender equality; a new camera app; and a new Image Keyboard to send stickers, GIFs and other content on apps like Google Allo, Google Messenger and Hangouts; and app shortcuts. 

"Launch actions on your favorite apps, such as Twitter or Google Maps, by simply long pressing the app icon," Google wrote about app shortcuts. "Jump directly into an existing conversation on Google Messenger or start an entirely new one — all straight from the app icon."

The original Android 7.0 update included 72 new emojis, quick switch features allowing a more streamlined way to move between apps, a smarter battery and a multi-window view feature. The Android Nougat update also allows smartphones to support Google's new virtual reality platform Daydream.