Android 7.1.1 Nougat Update: Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus Devices Get 4G VoLTE Support and More
On Monday Google introduced the Android 7.1.1 Nougat update for Nexus and Pixel devices, and the update has begun rolling out across the world. Pixel XL smartphone now supports 4G VoLTE, compatible with Reliance Jio in India.
After the public release of Reliance Jio, and the free run for initial customers, Jio has developed over 50 million subscribers already, and as a 4G-only carrier, Jio only supports voice calls over LTE. Hence, there was significant interest in the feature, but the Pixel and Pixel XL devices sold in India did not have VoLTE support as yet.
The newly released Android 7.1.1 update is presented for a few models including Nexus 5X, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus 6P, Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G. The Android 7.1.1 Nougat update comes with the build number NMF260 and weighs 261.9MB.
To use 4G VoLTE, Google Pixel, and Pixel XL users will need to enable Enhanced 4G LTE Mode in Settings > Mobile network settings. This mode utilizes LTE services to improve voice and other communications. After enabling this mode, users will see an HD symbol in their status bar, with the explanation "Device is HD capable" which implies that the phone is now VoLTE-enabled.
Apart from VoLTE support, the newest firmware update for the Google Pixel smartphones brings some bug fixes and improvements, new emoji, and a new GIF sending option from the keyboard.
The Android 7.1.1 Nougat update also makes it easy to make app shortcuts directly from home screen, just by long pressing on the app icon that they are required to create a shortcut option.
The Android 7.1.1 Nougat update for Google Pixel XL is 263.6MB in size, and also brings the December Android Security Patch. If the user hasn't yet received the update, and can't wait to try out the VoLTE feature, a user can upgrade to the latest version via the OTA files on Google's site.