Google’s latest update to Android Nougat will bring new features to Nexus devices such as more gender inclusive emojis and a GIF keyboard. These features have been sought after ever since Google revealed that the Pixel and Pixel XL came with them.
Google announced earlier in the year that they would be promoting gender equality by adding new emoji that would reflect pivotal roles women play in the world. Furthermore, they also included gender counterparts for emoji that previously only had male or female representation. Now there are female welders and men getting haircuts. The new set of emoji is available to all devices running Android 7.1.1 Nougat.
The GIF keyboard is an easier way to search and share those GIFs, rather than searching for appropriate GIFs through another website. However, it should be noted that the GIF keyboard has limited app support;it can be used in Google Allo, Google Messenger and Hangouts so far.
Lastly, Android 7.1.1 displays app shortcuts directly on the home screen. As a result, you can start searching for a video on YouTube by holding down the icon, which will display a small pop-up menu.
Meanwhile, a Pixel exclusive update includes raise-to-wake and double-tap functions. This will let users view their lock screen and notifications by simply tapping on the display or picking the phone up.
Today, and over the next several weeks, the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G (Android One) will get an over the air (OTA) software update to Android 7.1.1 Nougat. Any devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program will also receive this final version.
As usual, smartphone users that have a custom OS overlaying Android will have to wait for their smartphone manufacturer to push the update.
