Android 7.1 release date updates 2016: Sony plans to roll out the latest Nougat version among all third-party manufacturers

Sony Mobile plans to get the distinction of being the first smartphone manufacturer to roll out the latest Android 7.1 Nougat operating system (OS) outside the Google brand.

According to a post from Xperia Blog, the development team from the Japanese mobile manufacturer reportedly has the source code for the latest mobile operating system from Android. It is planning to roll out the update anytime soon. "This is our (the Concept teams) number 1 priority" and that "if you spot any other vendor (excluding Google) releasing this faster than us, prepare your rotten tomatoes!" the Sony dev team reportedly stated.

The report also mentioned that Sony only needs to get the application suite (GMS apps) as well as the Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) from Google before it can finally roll out the Android 7.1 Nougat update.

However, it seems like another mobile phone manufacturer is already getting the Android 7.1 Nougat update based on a new GFXbench listing.

The Android Soul reported that the GFXbench listing for Motorola's Moto X Play reported the specs of the device including its operating system. But instead of the expected Android 7.0 Nougat update, the listing mentioned that the device will soon run using the newer version of the Android Nougat OS.

The update for Moto X Play is expected to roll out in early 2017. This means that Sony must release its own Android update before Motorola to achieve its goal of being the first third-party vendor to have the Android 7.1 Nougat update.

Meanwhile, Google's own smartphones Pixel and Pixel XL will finally get the Android 7.1 Nougat together with some of the other Nexus devices beginning today.

Aside from the two new smartphones, the list of the Google devices which will be updated with the latest Android software includes the Pixel C, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 9, Nexus 9 LTE and the Nexus Player.

Other Android-operated mobile brands are expected to announce their Android 7.1 Nougat rollout schedules soon.