When Google first revealed the Pixel smartphones, many were given a first glimpse of Android Nougat and its various features. Unfortunately, that showcase may not be an accurate depiction of Android Nougat as Google has confirmed that some of the features showcased during the Pixel presentation will be Pixel-only features.
A list of “Pixel-only” features was published by the Android Police yesterday, and it reveals quite a bit about which features will be available across the board, and which features will be Pixel specific. Some of the features omitted from Android Nougat is pretty understandable, with the “quick switch” adapter and the camera app found on the Pixel being reliant on the phone’s hardware. The omission of free, unlimited photo and video backup service via Google Photos, while disappointing, is not an altogether surprising move.
However, the biggest omission from Android Nougat has to be Google Assistant. It appears that the Android Nougat update will not implement Google Assistant into all currently available Android smartphones, meaning that Android smartphones that receive the Nougat update will still be reliant on Google Now. Google has mentioned that they intend to make Google Assistant widely available to users, but seeing as Google is omitting the AI assistant from the Nougat update, it appears that this particular feature will only be available on smartphones that are released after the Pixel.
Some UI changes found on the Pixel will also not be available with the Android Nougat. This includes the navigation bar icons, SysUI accent colour theming, the set-up screen, the wallpaper picker, and the dynamic calendar date icon.
Source: TechCrunch, Android Police
