Google releases Android 7.1 Developer Preview 2 for some devices

Google has just announced that a second Android 7.1 Developer Preview is being rolled out to a couple of its devices. The new update comes with a few new features that will be implemented in Android 7.1.1 when it goes out next month.

For the time being, the Android 7.1 Developer Preview 2 is available for the following devices: Leg Nexus 5, Huawei Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, and Pixel C. It's also worth mentioning that this is the last Developer Preview update before Google releases the final Android 7.1.1 build for eligible devices.

According to Google, Developer Preview 2 includes “near-final system behaviors and UI, along with the latest bug fixes and optimizations across the system and Google apps.”

In addition, the search giant announced that this update brings the developers features and APIs that have already been introduced in Developer Preview 1. So, those who haven't yet tried out those features, they can now take a look at app shortcuts, round icon resources, and image keyboard support.

Also, Developer Preview 2 is supposed to update the SDK build and platform tools in Android Studio, the Android 7.1.1 platform, and the API level 25 emulator system images.

Google confirmed that as long as you have an eligible device that's been enrolled in the Android Beta Program, your device should receive the Developer Preview 2 update over the coming weeks without you having to do anything. However, you will also be able to download and flash the update manually.

Android 7.1.1 includes the developer features already available on Pixel and Pixel XL devices and adds some optimizations and bug fixes. Google expects to launch the final Android 7.1.1 build sometime in December. The update will be rolled out to all supported preview devices, as well as the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones.