Android 7.0 Nougat Stories May 28, 2018
Google rolling out an updated Android 7.1.1 Nougat build for Nexus 6 owners
No, we’re not kidding. Over three and a half years after its debut, Google is rolling out an update to its Nexus 6. There’s no Oreo on board here, but rather, just an updated version of Android 7.1.1 Nougat.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories February 5, 2018
It might have taken 18 months but Nougat has finally become the most used version of Android. While most of the phones released in 2017 came with Nougat pre-installed, it has taken quite some time for older devices to receive the update.
Has your Android device been updated to Nougat yet?
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories September 29, 2017
Amazon’s Fire OS updated to Nougat with introduction of version 6
Amazon’s Fire OS, which runs on all of its Fire tablets and Fire streaming sticks/boxes, is finally getting an upgrade to 7.1.2 Nougat. While this forked version of Android is a pretty big step up from Fire OS 5 (which is based on Lollipop or Marshmallow depending on the device), unfortunately, version 6 won’t be rolling out to many devices…
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories August 8, 2017
With O’s official summer release imminent, Nougat is about to lose its title as the latest version of Android. Till then, Nougat and Marshmallow continue to rise in the latest August distribution numbers.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories July 22, 2017
Android Nougat is now rolling out to the LG V10 on T-Mobile
Rumors for the upcoming LG V30 are in full-force, but even with LG focused on getting its latest flagship out the door, the company managed to set some time aside to finally release the Android Nougat update for the V10 on T-Mobile.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories July 7, 2017
Android hit a milestone this past month as Nougat — versions 7.0 and 7.1 combined — finally made its way onto 11.5% of devices. Even though the next version of the operating system is set to go live in the next couple of months, this is sort of a big deal as a tenth of the market is now on the latest stable build of Android.
Has your Android phone and or tablet been updated to Nougat yet or are you still waiting for your OEM to upgrade your device?
Android Nougat finally hits double-digits in July distribution numbers
With several devices running Nougat launching in the past month, Android 7.0 — released nearly a year ago — has finally passed 10% in the July distribution numbers.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories June 14, 2017
Android Nougat is hitting several more Chromebooks including the ASUS C302CA
Android apps have yet to roll out to the majority of the Chrome OS ecosystem, but as they do, Google is perfecting the formula and making the functionality feel much more native. One of the biggest upgrades to this function to date has been Android Nougat, and now that rollout is extending to several more Chromebooks.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories June 5, 2017
Following an on-stage jab by Apple at WWDC 2017 this morning, the Android distribution numbers for June are now available. Nougat saw a sizeable jump with the latest version of Google’s operating system now at 9.5%.
Moto Z Play and Nextbit Robin pick up Android 7.1.1 upgrades
When budget Android smartphones hit the market, they don’t often come with the promise of lots of future updates. Motorola has done well in the past with this, and startup Nextbit pushed well over a dozen updates to the Robin. Now, both of these companies are pushing Google’s latest OS to very affordable and solid Android smartphones ─ the Nextbit Robin and Moto Z Play.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories May 3, 2017
Honor debuted its mid-range 6X back at CES 2017, and while it’s a pretty good smartphone overall, it shipped with one mind-boggling issue — it came out of the box with Marshmallow and Huawei’s terrible EMUI 4. The company said that it would be updated “soon,” and today, it’s finally living up to that promise, albeit a bit late.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories May 2, 2017
Android Nougat — specifically version 7.0 — continues its steady rise according to the platform distribution numbers for May. This increase is likely aided by the launch of major flagships by Samsung and LG around the world this past month.
Unlocked phones are usually pretty fantastic, and one of their main perks is usually faster updates. More often than not, updates roll out faster to unlocked phones since carriers don’t get in the way, but that hasn’t been the case for the unlocked Galaxy S7 family. Now, that phone is finally getting its long-awaited update.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories April 17, 2017
One of Xiaomi’s first big releases in the US was the Xiaomi Mi Box, an affordable 4K set-top box powered by Google’s Android TV. Since its debut, it’s been one of the better options for bringing Android TV to the big screen, but with one notable omission — Android Nougat. Now, a beta version of Nougat is finally available for the Mi Box.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories April 6, 2017
Nougat saw solid growth in April’s distribution numbers as more devices get updated to the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system. Adoption will only increase in the coming months as this year’s flagship phones begin hitting the market.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories March 24, 2017
Android Nougat is now available for the Nextbit Robin with a new privacy policy in tow
Nextbit started testing out Android Nougat for the Robin late last year, but this week the update is officially rolling out to all Robin owners. The final release version carries update number 88 and brings along with it various new features, an updated security patch, and a new privacy policy as well.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories March 20, 2017
Today Google pushed out the second public beta of Android 7.1.2 to Nexus and Pixel devices. For the most part, this update brought with it performance improvements, but the Pixel C got a refreshed look and feel as well as the addition of a new grid-style multitasking menu. Do you like the look of the new menu and think it should be the default on tablets?
Android 7.1.2 beta 2 debuted today on Pixel and Nexus devices and, despite being a minor version update, it brings a lot to the table for Google’s devices. Let’s take a closer look at what it offers…
Android 7.1.2 adds Pixel Launcher, new nav buttons, and a crazy new multitasking menu to the Pixel C
Despite having the same name as the Pixel smartphone, Google hasn’t shown the same favor to the Pixel C tablet. Where the Pixel phones have had early access to things like Google Assistant and to new software versions, the Pixel C has been treated like a Nexus ─ that’s to say kept up to date but not given any preferential treatment. However, that has seemingly changed today…
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories March 16, 2017
ZTE Axon 7 picks up Android 7.1.1 with Wi-Fi calling on T-Mobile and February security patch
Following its upgrade from Marshmallow to Nougat last month, ZTE is today making a slightly newer version of Android available to Axon 7 owners ─ 7.1.1. While it’s no major update, 7.1.1 brings along some welcome changes for the device, as well as bringing updated security patch levels to the phone.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories March 15, 2017
Update, Apr 14, 2017: Now available for iPhone too.
Following apps like YouTube Kids, Google is working on providing a more child friendly experience for Android. Launching as invite only, Family Link allows parents to control what apps children can use on managed devices, as well as set screen limits and usage locks.
Google is downgrading Nexus 6 owners on 7.1.1 to 7.0, which is causing more problems than it’s fixing [Update]
Google’s Nexus 6 is outside of its update window at this point, but owners were glad to learn that the phone would be upgraded to Android 7.1.1, even though it was delayed for quite some time. Eventually, Google rolled out the update, but it later pulled it. However, that left some users on 7.1.1, and apparently, Google is trying to downgrade those users back to 7.0.
Update: A Google employee has responded to Reddit users with the following information:
There was a recent OTA update for Android 7.0 that is causing confusion for some Nexus 6 users. For those of you that want to guarantee future OTA updates, you will need to get back on the 7.0 supported track. If you are experiencing issues after accepting the 7.0 update, please factory reset your device to help resolve any problems.
For any Nexus 6 users that want to continue flashing/sideloading future builds, you can stay on 7.1.1 and continue to do so.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories March 13, 2017
Android Nougat has a lot of features hidden under the hood, but one of the least used by apps, yet most convenient is app shortcuts. Not unlike 3D-Touch on iOS, these app-specific shortcuts make it easier to access certain portions of an app directly from the homescreen. It’s not something you’ll use every day, but it’s undeniably handy.
At this point, it’s been several months since Android Nougat debuted, and while adoption hasn’t been impressive, plenty of users on popular smartphones have access. Sadly, app shortcuts are only available on Android 7.1, unless you’re using a 3rd-party launcher which has support, like Action Launcher 3 or Nova. However, you’ll still need to be using one of a select few apps that actually support the feature, so let’s take a closer look at 9 non-Google apps taking advantage of app shortcuts.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories March 10, 2017
The unlocked Moto Z Play is now being updated to Android Nougat
One of the quiet winners in the mobile space last year was the Moto Z Play. With mid-range specs, a solid premium build, compatibility with Moto Mods, and battery life that isn’t rivaled by anyone else, all for under $500, the Z Play easily became one of the best options on the market and now, it’s getting even better.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories March 8, 2017
Verizon now rolling out Android Nougat to its Moto Z Play
Verizon is well-known for being pretty slow with updating its smartphones, as we’ve seen this month with the Verizon variants of the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. There aren’t many exceptions to this, although the company was the first to update the Moto Z and Moto Z Force to Nougat. Now, it’s finally updating the Moto Z Play to the same OS.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories March 7, 2017
Google released the March Android distribution numbers today which showed a sharp increase in the percentage of phones currently running Nougat. While this number is helped by the arrival of new phones announced at CES and MWC, we are still waiting for many older flagships to get updated. Has your smartphone been updated to Nougat?
With many phones announced at MWC launching with Nougat and older devices continuing to receive updates, Android 7.0 continues it growth. According to March’s Android distribution numbers, the latest version of Google’s OS doubled in usage over the last month.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories March 6, 2017
Verizon is now pushing Android Nougat to its Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge
Samsung first pushed Android Nougat to the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge in mid-January of this year, but it’s taken time for each carrier to eventually push it out to their variants of the phone. Out of the four big carriers, Verizon has been the only outstanding provider to not update its S7 family. Today, though, that’s changing.
With first impressions on the table, we’re already pretty impressed with what LG has done with LG G6. The bezel-light flagship brings a lot of impressive aspects to LG’s primary lineup, and clearly, interest in the device is pretty strong. The company has just announced that there have already been 40,000 pre-orders for the phone.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories March 3, 2017
Android Nougat is now rolling out to the Moto G4/G4 Plus in the US
One of the biggest downsides to buying a budget Android smartphone is their software updates. On most cheap devices, they’re never guaranteed. Motorola’s Moto line used to be the place you could go to solve that problem, but that’s changed over the last couple years. Now, though, last year’s Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus are finally being updated to Android Nougat in the US…
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories March 2, 2017
Google Assistant begins rollout to more Android phones as device requirements specified
Announced at MWC over the weekend, Google Assistant is officially rolling out to more Android phones starting today. Beyond needing Android Marshmallow or Nougat, Google has also specified some other device requirements.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories March 1, 2017
The Honor 6X was one of a few phones announced back at CES, but first impressions weren’t all that great. The main sore spot with the device was the software. With stronger options available from the company, it was tough to recommend the 6X with the software it originally shipped with. However, that’s soon changing, as Honor is preparing a major update for the phone.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories February 25, 2017
Android Nougat is rolling out to the DROID Turbo 2 on Verizon now
Verizon’s reputation for pushing out major system updates to its DROID lineup of devices is spotty at best. Some updates come through relatively quickly, others take months to arrive on customer’s devices. That’s the case with 2015’s DROID Turbo 2, which several months after its release on Nexus devices, is finally being updated to Android Nougat.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories February 20, 2017
PSA: AT&T’s LG G5 is now receiving Android 7.0 Nougat
Android Nougat has been creeping its way into a few carrier handsets in the last week, most recently just this morning with the Sprint HTC 10. Now, that trend continues with word (via Android Police) that the AT&T LG G5 is also getting updated to the latest version of Google’s mobile OS…
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories February 16, 2017
According to various reports on Twitter and elsewhere, T-Mobile this evening has stared rolling out Android 7.0 Nougat to its Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge models. The update comes complete with the February 1st security patches in place. It appears that T-Mobile and Samsung are starting the rollout with users who had been beta testing the software and will expand it from there.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories February 9, 2017
The Honor 8 was one of our favorite affordable smartphones of 2016, or at least it would’ve been if it hadn’t launched with Huawei’s infamous EMUI software layer. Despite the polished hardware, the same couldn’t be said about the software. Now, Honor is looking to change that with an update to EMUI 5.0.
Update: Honor has adjusted the rollout date to February 11th.
For the most part, Nvidia has been pretty good about keeping its Android devices up to date. Just a couple of weeks after debuting the fantastic new Nvidia Shield TV, it updated the former model with that new software. Today, that trend continues with a major update to its collection of tablets, with Android Nougat rolling out over the coming days.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories February 8, 2017
Google has today released its monthly set of statistics regarding Android version distribution. Like in previous months, we haven’t seen any major drops or gains here, but we are seeing good progress across the board, with new versions like Nougat and Marshmallow seeing gains, and older versions taking slight drops.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories February 7, 2017
ZTE’s Axon 7 was one of the most popular “affordable flagships” of 2016, and for good reason. Packing top of the line specs, premium hardware, and useful features into a price tag under $400 was nothing short of impressive. However, ZTE has been just a little slow in updating the device. Now, the company has finally released Android Nougat for the Axon 7.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories January 19, 2017
Over the past few days, many Galaxy S7 users have had the official, stable build of Android Nougat become available for download as an OTA, but today Samsung has finally officially confirmed the update.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories January 17, 2017
Sony begins Android 7.0 Nougat rollout for the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Premium [Update: Xperia Z3+]
Update 1/18: As expected, 2015’s Sony Xperia Z3+ is beginning to receive Android 7.0 Nougat with the same 32.3.A.0.372 build.
While Nougat nearly doubled in usage over the last month, the latest version of Android is still only on .7% of devices. However, the continued flood of updates from OEMs should help, with Sony being the latest to release Android 7.0 for the Xperia Z5 and Z5 Premium.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories January 15, 2017
ZTE is testing out Android Nougat for its $99 ZMax Pro [Update]
As the company prepares to release Android Nougat for its popular Axon 7 smartphone, ZTE is opening up access to an Android Nougat beta program for one of its less expensive devices, the $99 ZTE ZMax Pro.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories January 12, 2017
Following several weeks of testing, Samsung has today officially kicked off the rollout of Android Nougat for all Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge users.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories January 11, 2017
Android apps are a game changer for the Chrome OS platform, and hardware manufacturers are responding with devices that embrace the new capabilities. However, despite the ideal hardware, Google’s software isn’t quite perfect yet, but that’s changing…
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories January 10, 2017
Including the shopping and gift-heavy holiday season, January’s Android distribution numbers are now available. Although still under one percent, Nougat almost doubled in usage, while the nearly seven-year old 2.2 Froyo finally disappeared from the list.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories January 4, 2017
As previously rumored, LG has unveiled 4 new smartphones at CES 2017 this week including the LG K4, K8, and K10, as well as the new LG Stylo 3. All of these devices offer slightly different mid-range experiences, and most even include Android Nougat out of the box.
Android 7.0 Nougat Stories January 1, 2017
Google had a big year. Many people may consider the Pixel phone and the company’s many hardware launches among the most standout moves that the Mountain View company made in 2016, and they would be right, but 2016 was even bigger than that. It marked the first full year of Google operating under the umbrella of Alphabet, it marked a clear shift of focus for Google towards artificial intelligence, it brought the tenth anniversary of the Google I/O developers’ conference, and more.
But now that it’s 2017, let’s take a quick look into what really stood out as Google’s biggest wins of the year. From the flurry of official blog posts that come every week to the big press events at Google I/O 2016 to the fall Google event that saw the introduction of Google’s first solely self-branded smartphone, there’s a lot to talk about. In short: Google has long dabbled in hardware and AI, but in 2016 it became plainly obvious that these two areas will shape the company’s future…
