Android 7.1.1 Nougat Update Released

Last month the news leaked about the Release date of the Android 7.1.1 update for Google's pixel and Nexus devices. Now Google has published that Android 7.1.1 Nougat update released as of 5th Dec 2016 in Android developers blog.  Android 7.1.1 release is for Pixel and Pixel XL devices and the full lineup of supported Nexus devices. Device makers can get their hands on the latest version of android source code at Android Open Source Project (AOSP) 

Android 7.1.1 Nougat

Android 7.1.1 is an incremental release that builds on the features already available on Pixel and Pixel XL devices, adding a handful of new features for consumers as well as optimizations and bug fixes on top of the base Android 7.1 platform API level 25.

Android 7.1.1 factory images and over-the-air (OTA zip files) update are available for the Pixel and Pixel XL devices, as well as Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G (Android One) devices. The user can also download and flash this update manually. The latest version of the support library 25.0.1 is also available for a user to add image keyboard support, bottom navigation and other features for devices running API Level 25 or earlier. With this update, developers can optimize their app by providing round icons and adding app shortcuts. 

What is Next?

Google Said " We'll soon be closing open bugs logged against Developer Preview builds, but please keep the feedback coming! If you still see an issue that you filed in the preview tracker, just file a new issue against Android 7.1 in the AOSP issue tracker. You can also continue to give us feedback or ask questions in the developer community.

As mentioned back in August, we've moved Android Nougat into a regular maintenance cycle and we're already started work on refinements and bug fixes for the next incremental update. If you have an eligible device that's currently enrolled in the Android Beta Program, your device will automatically receive preview updates of upcoming Android Nougat releases as soon as they are available".

Source : Android Developers Blog

Google Pixel Vs. IPhone 7- The Ultimate Comparison

In order to rev up the excitement of consumers, Google unveiled a series of its amazing products on 4th October, 2016 in San Francisco. The major announcement included the introduction of ‘Pixel’. It is the first phone of Google that carries its exclusive branding. The device with its 4K video, artificially intelligent assistant and other hi-tech features is deemed to take over the loved iPhone7! Now let’s compare this new phone with iPhone 7.

Design: When it comes to design, both Google Pixel and iPhone 7 are in the same league. In some cases Pixel looks better but in some other cases iPhone 7 looks better. iPhone 7 gets an upper hand here because of its cohesive design and waterproof body. Pixel offers a range of elements But Pixel is not waterproof. Till now, Pixel has made its appearance only on Google’s website and web pages, So, it's bit difficult to explain much about the design of the phone. 

There are 2 domains where Pixel scores over iPhone 7

• The first one comprises of the headphone jack. Pixel has it and though we may agree that the future belongs to the wireless earphones and headphones but in the present the 3.5 mm jack offers more convenience.
• The second area where Pixel scores over iPhone 7 is the position of the fingerprint scanner. The position of the scanner on the back offers more convenience than on the front, like iPhone 7 has it.

Software: In the software section, there is a tie between Pixel and iPhone 7. 

• Android 7.1 inside Pixel is better than iOS 10.
• The Google Assistant is smarter than Siri and offers more useful features.
• Apple supports its phones better with the updates of software which become crucial when you are purchasing a highly expensive phone and are going to use it for some years. 

Still, it can be said that software in Pixel and iPhone 7 has different target audience. Android offers more flexibility and you can build your own work flows whereas iOS 10 provides more refined experience.

Hardware and performance: When it comes to hardware, both the phones have a range of similarities. Both have an internal storage of 32GB in their base variants, support only one sim card and lack support for microSD card.

Some differences are also there.

• iPhone 7 has RAM capacity of 3 GB whereas Google Pixel has 4 GB RAM.
• Google Pixel having a 5 inch screen and iPhone 7 having a 4.7 inch one.
• Pixel screens use AMOLED panels which depict more vibrant colors. iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus screens are likely to be brighter and have more accurate colors.
• There is no tie in the absolute raw performance. Pixel powered by the Snapdragon 821 processor. iPhone 7 powered by the A10 processor. A10 is faster than Snapdragon 821 processor. This makes iPhone7 a great performer. 

Camera: 

• According to Google, Pixel has the best camera ever put in a Smartphone and it lacks the feature of optical image stabilization.
• The camera hardware inside the Pixel is pretty good and it is similar to the camera hardware in Nexus 6P, which is fantastic.
• Pixel utilizes Sony-made IMX 378 image sensor and according to Google, it has scored 89 points in DxO. The points scored by the iPhone7 camera are 86.
• Though both the phones possess a 12 megapixel camera, the sensor of Pixel is bigger and this offers better performance in low light. Thus, it can be said that Pixel will snap technically improved images.
• Considering absolute bests, even if you get iPhone 7, you’ll receive a camera which will be great to use. Moreover, iPhone 7 provides two cameras, the other one is a telephoto lens.

The above mentioned comparisons are not all inclusive and there’s a lot more that needs to be explored of these phones. But that said, iPhone 7 appears to be more favorable option for consumers when compared to Pixel. Most of this is because of the price. Pixel is a pretty expensive phone with a starting cost of Rs. 57,000. The appeal of the phone is limited to people who principally insist on Android. For others, iPhone 7 is a preferred option.

Source