Google’s Pixel launch event revealed a lot more than just Google’s latest flagship devices. As expected, it includes support for Google’s Daydream VR platform and faster A/B system updates, but Google is also highlighting a few new features in today’s announcement. The latter means that Android users will now be able to freely send gifs through the keyboard, rather than copy pasting links or other roundabout methods.
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In a statement provided to Ars Technica, Verizon leaves little wiggle room for its newfound commitment to timely Android updates.
While there are dozens of reasons you would want to get one, most Android users won’t be jumping the ship right away.
Google has formally announced Android 7.1 Nougat, the next version of its flagship mobile platform.
On 22 August, with little fanfare, Google released the final version of Android Nougat. Currently, Google has the final version of Android 7.1.x scheduled to hit the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C, Nexus Player and supported Android One devices in “early December”. That’s good news for anyone planning to pick up the Pixel or Pixel XL from the carrier, rather than getting it from Google or another retailer. Google says it has been working with hardware vendors on 7.1 for some time, but it needs to make sure app developers can test and update their offerings before release. If you would like to receive beta updates directly from the Android product team, you need to register your phone by navigating to the Android Beta Program web portal.
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The storage manager intent function will allow developers to have the option for a user to access their phone’s settings directly from within the app, allowing them to carry out functions such as freeing-up storage space on the device. Developers can also now add “app shortcuts” to their Android apps, letting users skip to certain sections or features of the software directly from their home screen.
