Android 7.1.1 Nougat update brings in a set of new socially relevant emojis for everyone

A new update for the Android Nougat operating system (OS) comes to devices enabling users to have better customization options for their devices while still being socially relevant.

Earlier this week, Google announced and at the same time rolled out the Android 7.1.1. Expected to offer new improvements to how tech geeks use their gadgets, the patch addresses certain aspects of the world of mobile devices including nifty additions to messaging capabilities.

"Today, and over the next several weeks, the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G (Android One) will get an over the air (OTA) software update to Android 7.1.1 Nougat. Any devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program will also receive this final version," an excerpt from the official statement reads.

For starters, a more diverse range of emojis aiming to be all-encompassing arrive on devices, which makes for more fun and very socially relevant way of doing virtual conversations. These new emoticons now have a wider scope in terms of jobs and profession, which are also customizable in terms of gender and even race. Moreover, those that were previously part of the existing batch of emojis that are only available for a certain gender have also been given a bit of a tweak, which makes them available to the counterpart gender as well. This move tries to erase socially constructed thinking that some jobs or work are stereotyped in terms of gender specifications.

The new update also makes it easier for users to send Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) as an option, allowing them to incorporate the GIFs in their messaging thread. This feature is available via the keyboard on selected supported apps such as Google Allo, Google Messenger and Hangouts.

In a broader sense, Android 7.1.1 aims to use smartphones and smart devices in the most convenient way, which is why application shortcuts are being enabled directly from the home screen. Certain actions can be done without the need to open a certain app first as long pressing gives multiple options from which one can choose whatever they desire to do via the program.