Google usually releases a new Nexus handset with a new version of Android. This year though, the company has changed things a bit. It has already released Android 7.0 Nougat for its Nexus devices, and it plans on launching replacing its Nexus lineup with Pixel branded smartphones.
Now, as per LlabTooFeR, the upcoming Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones from Google will launch with Android 7.1 Nougat. The current build number of the OS is NDE63B, though it is possible that we will see Google release a newer build number when it finally unveils the new Pixel smartphones at its rumored October 4th event.
Google's Pixel and Pixel XL to be released with Android 7.1 (NMR1).
— LlabTooFeR (@LlabTooFeR) September 5, 2016
Google has itself confirmed when it launched Nougat last month that it will be moving Nougat into a “new regular maintenance schedule.” As a part of this schedule, the company plans on rolling out the first maintenance build of Nougat sometime in fall, which matches perfectly with the release timeframe of the new Pixel smartphones.
It is not yet known what new additions Google plans on making to the OS with Android 7.1. However, it is likely that we are looking at minor refinements and the debut of Google Assistant, which the company first demoed at Google I/O earlier this year.
What additions do you want Google to make to Nougat with Android 7.1?