Android developers should expect the Android 7.1 Developer Preview soon.
Google said it anticipates the new developer preview will be available by the end of the month through its Android Beta program.
Coming soon! @Android 7.1 Developer Preview. Read more about the incremental updates here: https://t.co/Tj3D06pWtZ #AndroidN pic.twitter.com/ppT4nq8AaE
— Android Developers (@AndroidDev) October 11, 2016
In addition, Google noted the Android 7.1 Developer Preview will include:
- App shortcut application programming interfaces (APIs)
- Circular app icons support
- Advanced live wallpaper metadata
- Image keyboard support
"The Android 7.1 Developer Preview will give you everything you need to test your apps or extend them with new features like shortcuts or keyboard images," Dave Burke, Android's vice president of engineering, wrote in a blog post. "We'll also include a launcher and apps that support app shortcuts, and a keyboard and apps that support keyboard images."
@AndroidDev @Android App shortcuts is really useful to take our users directly to the respective sections within our app. Looking forward.
— PregBuddy (@pregbuddy) October 12, 2016
Perhaps best of all, the developer preview will support the Google Daydream virtual reality (VR) platform.
Developer preview for Android Nougat 7.1 to be open soon, will include #DaydreamVR support: https://t.co/DILqQtoP8h #AndroidDev
— StartApp (@startapp) October 12, 2016
Although the new developer preview offers numerous features to support the Android Nougat operating system, many Android device owners are still waiting to try Nougat.
Android Nougat is full of great new features, but it’s not even available on most phones yet. That doesn’t… https://t.co/CbE0UIXn3s #Gaming
— Gamer Pro (@TehProGamer) October 11, 2016