Motorola has so far rolled out the official Android 7.0 Nougat for two of its Moto handsets, the Moto Z and the fourth generation Moto G. There is still no confirmation about the firmware's release for the Moto X but it appears to be looming in the horizon after the device dropped by GFXBench sporting a version of the Android Nougat OS.

What should be exciting for the Moto X owners, however, is the fact that GFXBench did not record an Android 7.0 build but the newer 7.1.1 version instead. Observers now believe that Moto X will be skipping 7.0, which, of course, is a prospect that is not too shabby at all.

Android 7.1.1 Features

The Google Pixel handsets are the first devices that have received Android 7.1.1. While it is largely stock Android and fits within the Pixels' own interpretation of the Android experience, it still provides insights as to the features heading to other devices built by other OEMs.

The most notable improvement includes the reemergence of the App Shortcuts. Android watchers should already know that this feature was briefly introduced in the Android Nougat beta program. This was previously scrapped but has now resurfaced in the latest firmware.

To put it simply, App Shortcuts follow the same concept behind the 3D Touch features in iOS. A user only needs to press and hold the app to access a list of actions. The App Shortcut lists five that the user can choose from.

There is also the introduction of the Moves menu in the device's Settings. This includes several actions that can be triggered by gestures.

Other features include the image keyboard, which allows users to send media contents regardless of what messaging app he or she is using. The camera app also got revamped, which is complemented by a new Smart Storage feature that automatically clears old backed-up photos to optimize device storage.

Unfortunately, Moto X users should not hold their breaths about getting the Google Assistant feature as it will not be included in the update. This is the same for other non-Pixel devices that will be running 7.1.1. Those interested with this function, however, could just download Google Allo because it is also outfitted with the same virtual assistant technology.

Android 7.1.1 Nougat Availability

There is still no information concerning the firmware's release date but the GFXBench sighting indicates that the Android 7.1.1 should be rolling out soon. Some even believe that other devices in the Moto X range such as the Moto X Play, Moto X Force, Moto X Pure, and Moto Z Play will also get the OTA, possibly skipping 7.0 as well.