Some reports suggest that Samsung has already kicked off the soak test by rolling the update to select Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge users.
After its release earlier last year, Android’s latest OS iteration, Nougat, is being (really) gradually rolled out to all eligible devices. After more than four months of its official launch the new operating system is finally making its way to Samsung’s 2016 flagship, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. According to a screenshot shared by The Android Soul, the update should hit the European Galaxy S7 edge, SM-G935F models on that date. Now, there is no word when the update will hit the other countries, but once it’s released in Europe, it should immediately be rolled out world over as well.
Another report on Telegiz suggests that Samsung has already started to rollout the Android Nougat update to select Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge smartphones, on the pretext of a soak test, before it is released for all. Soak tests allow select users to try out new software before it rolls out to all devices. If users report no issues with the software, Samsung should quickly proceed to sending Android Nougat to more handsets. Soak tests are always a good sign as they indicate a global roll out soon.
The build G935FXXU1DPLR includes the software, which will be Samsung’s official Android Nougat update in addition to Google’s security patch software for January. With this update, most Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge handsets will update to Android 7.1.1 Nougat. The report also suggests that once the full rollout for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is done, the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy S6 edge Plus and Galaxy Note 5 are next in line.
In addition to new features and fixes, Android Nougat 7.1.1 will also bring a host of visual changes. These include new shortcuts to Samsung’s apps, new icons, new layout for Quick Panel, new clock styles for always on display, and more. Android Nougat also brings in new features like multi-window support allowing you to use two apps simultaneously, and double tap to switch between them, improved doze mode for longer battery life, bundled notifications and quick reply to messages from notifications.
It’s not just Samsung that is rolling out Android Nougat update for its smartphones. Motorola recently rolled out the update for its smartphones like the Moto G4, Moto G4 Plus, and Moto X Style. OnePlus also rolled out the update for OnePlus 3 and OnePlus 3T smartphones. Sony rolled out the update for the Xperia XZ, and has also promised to roll out for other devices including Xperia Z3 Plus, Xperia Z4 Tablet, Xperia Z5, Xperia Z5 Compact, Xperia X, Xperia XA, Xperia XA Ultra, Xperia Z5 Premium, Xperia X Performance, and Xperia X Compact. HTC too has rolled out the update for the HTC 10 smartphone, while Xiaomi has promised updates for the Mi 4c, Mi 4s, Mi Note and Mi Max.