Google started rolling out Android 7.1.2 on the Pixel C tablet and the Nexus Player on April 2. Now, the tech giant has released security updates, factory images, and OTAs of the latest Nougat version for Nexus and Pixel smartphones.
The rollout comes out just weeks after Google announced the first developer preview of Android O, the next release of its proprietary mobile operating system. The new piece of software packs lots of new features, although not many big changes for end users.
This last version of Android Nougat is also relatively minor, packing only a handful of noticeable changes and a bunch of security fixes that privacy advocates will appreciate.
What’s new in Android 7.1.2?
Android 7.1.2 brings a couple of new features and much-needed bug fixes and safety patches.
One slick new trick is that users can now check their notifications by swiping down on the fingerprint sensor. The gesture serves as an alternative when people don’t want to turn on their screen.
To enable this feature, they need to access Settings and from there go to the Moves menu. There, they have to turn on the Swipe for notifications option, and that’s it.
Other changes include a new proprietary launcher and app grid for the Pixel C and some changes to the Nexus Player’s interface. Both platforms are now more in line with the rest of Google’s Android Nougat lineup.
The tech giant’s April Security Bulletin says developers fixed several bugs that threatened the functioning and security of the mobile OS, but that users had not filed reports on these flaws in the wild before they were patched.
Out of all the exploits, 8 were classified as Critical, 26 as High, and 14 as Moderate in terms of severity. Google claims it will patch all of them by April 5, when the latest security update is rolling out to a broader range of devices.
List of handsets getting the new Android update
It is important to note that factory images and OTAs are different from OTA updates, the ones most users are accustomed to. These images are zip files that need to be downloaded and installed manually and require a little bit of technical know-how.
Google is terminating support for the Nexus 6 and the Nexus 9, meaning these handsets will no longer receive OS updates. However, the company will keep releasing security patches for them.
Thus, only the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus Player, and Pixel C are compatible with the recently released images. Users can always wait for the OTA update and download it seamlessly.
Source: Google / Full OTA Images
