The Sony Xperia X is the first non-Google smartphone to receive an upgrade to Android 7.1.1 Nougat. However, not all Xperia X units will be getting the mobile operating system update, as the Android 7.1.1 Nougat upgrade is only available through the Concept Android build of Sony.
In November, Sony brought Android 7.0 Nougat to the Xperia X through the Concept for Android program. The builds that are released under the program are experimental, and are meant to provide users with a method for testing new software closer to the stock version of Android compared to the stable releases of the operating system that Sony rolls out for its devices.
The Xperia X Concept firmware has since received a couple of updates, but the latest one that was rolled out under the program is found to be based not on Android 7.0 Nougat, but rather on Android 7.1.1 Nougat. The Android 7.1.1 Nougat MR1 update carries the build number 38.3.A.0.41, and adds features related to the operating system update to the Xperia X.
Technically, this makes Sony the second mobile device manufacturer after Google rolls out the latest version of the Android operating system, despite the very limited release of the update.
The Android 7.1.1 Nougat upgrade adds a restart option in the power button menu of the Xperia X, a feature that is said to be a highly requested one from users, while also improving the speed of the camera’s start-up. The update also adds PlayStation 4 Remote Play support, though there is no DualShock 4 controller support for now.
In addition to the new features that were introduced, the Android 7.1.1 Nougat MR1 update also includes Google Security patches until Dec. 1.
How To Get Android 7.1.1 Nougat On Sony Xperia X
For users who are looking forward to getting Android 7.1.1 Nougat on their Sony Xperia X, you will have to wait a bit longer. The Android 7.1.1 Nougat update is only currently available to users who have signed up for the Concept for Android program and have chosen the Experimental update track.
The operating system upgrade will likely be pushed forward to the Stable update track of the program in a few weeks, but there is no information on how long the wait will be from that point until Sony launches the wide rollout of Android 7.1.1 Nougat to all Xperia X owners.
Android Nougat On Sony Smartphones
Last month, it was reported that Sony started pushing out Android 7.0 Nougat updates to more Xperia smartphones, extending the availability of the latest major version of Google’s mobile operating system to more of the company’s smartphones.
Also in December, Sony indicated that it wanted to be the first company to roll out Android 7.1.1 Nougat to its smartphones, with the operating system update said to be the top priority for the company’s development team. Sony can be said to have achieved the goal, but it would be much better if Sony can release Android 7.1.1 Nougat to a wider batch of customers.
