Android 7.1 Developer Preview coming later this month

Android 7.1 has just become official and the first handsets to launch with it are scheduled to come this month. Obviously, these are the new Pixel smartphones by Google, but this does not mean the Android 7.1 update hits the market at the same time. Compatible devices are expected to get the update in December, but a Developer Preview is expected to become available later this month.

According to a post by Dave Burke on the Android Developers Blog, "Later this month we’ll be bringing you the Android 7.1 platform as an open Developer Preview, similar to what we did for Android 7.0. You’ll be able to test and build on the new platform and try the latest features." The firmware will be available via the Android Beta program, as usual.

The first devices to get it are the Pixel C tablet, as well as the Nexus 5X and the Nexus 6P handsets. The list of new features that Android 7.1 brings includes support for circular app icons, image keyboard support, app shortcuts API, and more.