Pixel’s Best Features Aren’t Making Way to Android’s Latest Version

The latest version of the Android operating system, Nougat 7.1 was hardly cited at Google’s hardware event this week. There was a motive for not mentioning it as some of the new Pixel smartphones’ finest features won’t be coming in the new OS. This comprises features like Google Assistant, the built-in customer support amenity, infinite and free backup of full-res photos and videos, Smart Storage, and much more.

Pixel’s Best Features Aren’t Making Way to Android’s Latest Version

Certain oversights make sense. For instance, only Pixel phones will ship with the new, “quick switch” adapter that makes it easier to transfer your data from iPhone to Android.

The Pixel’s Camera app is also knotted to the phones’ new hardware. The Pixel sports a 12.3-megapixel rear camera which allows you shoot 4K video. It also delivers distinct modes like “Smartburst” for capturing numerous photos in series, among other things. The Pixel also features a Sensor Hub processor with strongly incorporated sensors and connectivity.

One could even claim that rushing the free, unlimited photo and video backup service, via Google Photos, is just good advertising. It makes the Pixel smartphone more alluring to photo devotees, who are looking for a cause to upgrade their existing Android device.

Though, some of the missing features are more astonishing. Most particularly, Android 7.1, the updated version of Nougat that influences the Pixel and Pixel XL, is missing Google Assistant. This smart virtual helper is Google’s reaction to Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana, and Amazon’s Alexa. It’s a lot more forceful than Google Now. It is the current digital helper that ships on today’s Android devices and in the separate Google app.

Google Now is already equally powerful. It allows you talk to it using natural language, and bids a diversity of assistance, similar to opponents. But Google Assistant is like an upgraded, smarter Google Now. It can do everything Now does, but its fundamental A.I. technology is proficient of having a two-way dialogue with you.

A Google spokesperson reveals:

“Our goal is to make the Google Assistant widely available to users. We’ll continue to launch new surfaces over the course of the next year.”

For the meantime, in terms of the Pixel Launcher and user interface, only the Pixel smartphones will feature navigation bar icons. It make space for retrieving Assistant, SysUI accent color theming.

Android 7.1 will takeoff as a Developer Preview later this month. Google didn’t confirm when it will start to rollout to customers’ smartphones, or which will get the update first.