Android 7.1 Nougat's Changelog Reveals Pixel-Exclusive Features Not Available To Nexus Devices (bgr.com)

With the launch of the Google Pixel and Pixel XL yesterday, Google failed to mention the fact that vanilla Android is dead. The Pixel and Pixel XL run Android 7.1 Nougat, custom software made solely for the new Pixel devices and not for past Nexus smartphones. A changelog for Android 7.1 reveals that Nexus smartphones and tablets will not get Pixel-specific features. They won't get the Pixel Launcher or Google Assistant. BGR reports: Google is trying to set the Pixels apart by giving them special features, and it's not like that's an irrational business decision. But the Pixels might change the way Android fans buy devices. Before, you could go for Nexus to get the hottest Android features as soon as Google released Android updates, or you could buy anything else and hope for speedy software upgrade. Now, it seems that you'll have to buy Pixel to get a full Android experience as Google envisions it, or get anything else and never experience Android in its full glory. Some of the Pixel product-specific features, as mentioned in the changelog found by Android Police, include: Pixel Launcher, Google Assistant, unlimited original quality photo/video backup to Google Photos, phone/chat support, and various cosmetic changes.

Comments

Pixel == Nexus

[TheJish]

The Pixel line is replacing Nexus, so isn't the Nexus/Pixel buyer in the same position? So, if you want the latest and greatest Android has to offer, you should by the phone from Google. However, I agree that it is a bit annoying that the current Nexus phones will not move forward with these new features.

This might not be a good move for Google

[ArhcAngel]

Samsung has been at odds with Google for years over their Android mandates. Other manufacturers just didn't have the clout to fight like Samsung. This could be just the justification other OEM's need to take up the Tizen, Oxygen, or another OS banner and ween themselves off of Android.

Re:Ya know...

[TheGratefulNet]

there are no updates, for all practical purposes. android update model is worse than window10, and THAT is saying A LOT.

linux: I can update and patch the kernel, the ip stack, apps, etc etc.

android: sigh. it sucks. that's all.

we need a real linux based phone and not google's lock-in bullshit that is abandonware.

the vendors don't care and neither does google. all this just made ME not care about phones, pretty much. I love linux and have been a linux admin since the 1.1 kernel days, but I refuse to spend time on 'phones' since they are junk and more frustration than its worth.