Many Android devices will soon make the switch to the latest Android 7.1 Nougat, but only Google Pixel and Pixel XL that were announced recently will run a full-blown version of the OS.
Google has already confirmed that Android 7.1 Nougat beta will be available for Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, and Pixel C somewhere before the end of this month, with other compatible devices joining up in December. Even though a number of features currently exclusive to this OS will make the jump, there are those that will remain exclusive to the Google Pixel and Pixel XL.
Google Daydream VR
According to Google, the Pixel and Pixel XL are phones built with VR in mind. The phones are the first to come with full support for the company’s Daydream VR platform and they will allow users to enjoy immersive 3D experiences and feel as if they are part of the real thing. The Pixel phones were accompanied by a Daydream View VR headset, which is needed when you want to get into VR.
Google Assistant
The Google Assistant is one of the most interesting additions to the latest Android 7.1 Nougat. If you are familiar with Google Now, you will love the new Assistant. It uses natural language and you can even ask it follow-up questions and crack jokes. The Assistant keeps learning more from you and eventually it will tailor its services in line with your needs. The application lives on every screen of the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, but it should come as a software update on the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X.
Unlimited cloud storage
Google Pixel and Pixel XL have one of the best cameras in the smartphone world, at least according to industry experts DxOMark. If you love having a record of every moment of your life, the Google Photos app in this version of Android 7.1 Nougat has just what you need. You will be able to save all of your photos and videos in their original format without worrying about your internal storage.
Even with a Nexus 6P that is running on Android 7.1 Nougat, you won’t be able to enjoy this feature.
Pixel Launcher
Google has been known for its vanilla experiences when it comes to Android devices. However, the Pixel and Pixel XL have something different – a Pixel Launcher. The unique home screen will remain exclusive to the Pixel phones, but who knows, Google might decide to avail this feature to non-Pixel devices at a later time.
24/7 customer support
Another feature that has little to do with Android 7.1 Nougat but more with Google Pixel and Pixel XL is the bundled 24/7 customer support. This process can be initiated right from the settings app of the Pixel phones. You have the option of calling or texting the help desk, including sharing your on-screen details with the person on the other end.
Android 7.1 Nougat
As noted, the Google Pixel phones are the only ones currently running Android 7.1 Nougat. Keep in mind that these two will start shipping this week Thursday, but the beta version of this OS will start hitting Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X later this month. It could take several other weeks before the stable version of Android 7.1 Nougat makes its way to the Nexus lineup. As a result, your only chance of using this OS is with the Pixel and Pixel XL, not even the LG V20, which is also running on Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box.