Google has announced that this month, it will be releasing a developer preview and public beta of the first major update to Nougat, Android 7.1.

Dave Burke, Android's VP of Engineering, wrote in a developer's blog post that Android 7.1 is "an incremental update based on Android 7.0 but includes new features for consumers and developers."

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The new features include support for Google's new VR platform and handset, Daydream. WIRED reported that there's also a shortcut API that allows apps to be opened from the launcher, "support for circular app icons" and "new metadata for live wallpapers."

In addition, Google has also added some much-requested features, such as image keyboard support, which allows users to "express themselves through custom stickers, animated GIFs, and more." There is also the storage manager intent, which lets an app take the user to a new Settings screen for the purpose of freeing up space on the device. 

The Verge reported that although the Pixel and Pixel XL are the first devices to run on the Android 7.1 out of the box, Google is also making the Android 7.1 available first for the Nexus 5X, 6P, and Pixel C tablet. The Pixel phones, however, have some features exclusive to them, such as the Google Assistant, Pixel Launcher, Pixel Camera, and 24/7 customer support.

Google said that it would keep on supporting Nexus devices through customer support and continued software updates. However, this is the first time Nexus devices would not be the first in line to receive Android upgrades.

Google says that it is working with its partners to bring Android 7.1 to different devices "over the months ahead," adding that it is best to download it to test app compatibility and try customizations.