Wileyfox chews out a Nougat upgrade

Well, this is a nice surprise to see from the London-based company: they’re on track with the big guns to update their existing handsets to Nougat. Not only that, but they’re going to be the first company outside of Google to update to Android 7.1.1. Even though my Nexus 6P is on 6.1.2, that’s still an impressive feat all on its own. Even Samsung isn’t on 7.1.1 yet.

The first handset to receive the update will be the Wileyfox Swift 2, which is one of the company’s recent releases. After that, all, yes all, of their current phones will go on to receive the Nougat 7.1.1 update.

This is something I feel should be a standard offering for phones in support, along with receiving the monthly security patches in a timely manner. It’s nice to see Wileyfox do something else to align their strategy with the attitude that their handsets and the customers who hold them are entering a long-term relationship. I may have mentioned this once or twice on the CSPCast once or twice before.

Wileyfox is no longer partnering with the now-defunct Cyanogen Inc, so it’s gratifying that whatever decisions they made, it isn’t slowing them down.

Although one of my team was wondering why his Wileyfox Swift 2 hadn’t gotten the updates yet, we’re quite sure that the British manufacturer won’t forget him when the roll-out is completed. Even Google and Apple take a little while to get to everyone.

More information in the press release below

Show Press Release (607 More Words)

WILEYFOX UPGRADES TO ANDROID NOUGAT 7.1.1

Nougat 7.1.1 available on Wileyfox Swift 2 range for a superior user experience

London, 10 April 2017 – Wileyfox, the London-based smartphone manufacturer today announces the roll out of Google’s latest Operating System (OS), Android Nougat 7.1.1 on its range of award-winning Swift 2 phones including the Swift 2, Swift 2 Plus and Swift 2 X. The move follows Wileyfox’s migration away from Cyanogen OS. Wileyfox is one of the first smartphone manufacturers to offer Android Nougat 7.1.1 to its users.

The upgrade, in partnership with Google, fulfils the Wileyfox promise to continuously provide the latest security and Android updates for its devices. The new OS will initially be deployed on the Wileyfox Swift 2 range and the entire portfolio of handsets will receive Nougat updates by the end June. The move from Cyanogen to a pure Android OS comes with the Wileyfox look and feel and is free from bloat for enhanced performance and experience. It is testament to Wileyfox’s commitment to deliver a best-in-class user experience to its customers.

With customisation, security and privacy at its core, Wileyfox offers its users protected folders, spam blocking and LED customisation from the outset. The upgrade to Android Nougat is GMS and CT compliant and continues to provide access to ALL Google services and features including the Playstore, Music, Video, and more.

Other new features of Android Nougat 7.1.1 available on the Wileyfox Swift 2 range now include:

Multi-tasking and split screen functionality
Quick switching of apps and quick reply
Notification prioritisation
Customisable quick settings
Doze mode on-the-go
Google security patch 1 April 2017

Naeem WaljI, CMO, Wileyfox said, “We value our customers above anything else and so focus all our efforts on ensuring our users receive a superior experience that is “made for you.” In upgrading to Android Nougat 7.1.1 we can provide our users with the best that Android has to offer in terms of features, functionality and performance with the Wileyfox touch. We are committed to ensuring all our devices, not just the flagships, receive the latest Android updates.”

“When we launched Android Nougat, we were excited to deliver even more ways to make Android your own. Today we’re rolling out Android 7.1.1, an update to Nougat that showcases more ways to express yourself, along with a handful of other sweet features and improvements to stability and performance,” added Product Manager, Android.

To ensure a seamless transition from Cyanogen without any disruption to its users Wileyfox partnered with some of the best Android developers in the world including former Cyanogen Director of System Engineering, Ricardo Cerqueira. Ricardo’s team is continuing to consult on device bring-up, service architectures, application design, troubleshooting, programming, and solution design and integration.

To further supercharge the Android Nougat experience for its users Wileyfox has thrown in some game-changing extras including personalised content and smart-dialling. Wileyfox partnered with machine learning and mobile technology provider Yandex, to develop personalised content feed, Wileyfox Zen. In just one swipe, Wileyfox Zen offers users an intuitive feed of articles, news, videos, images, and other stories matching their particular interests. Wileyfox Zen is based on innovative AI and machine learning to ensure you receive news and articles suited to personal tastes.

Wileyfox also partnered with Truecaller for the first to market smart-dialling capability. Deeply integrated within the dialler, Truecaller allows users to identify every caller and block nuisance calls, even if the number isn’t saved in contacts.

Both new features will be available on all handsets upgraded to Android Nougat 7.1.1.

Wileyfox users can look forward to receiving further Nougat updates for the rest of the Wileyfox portfolio in the coming months:

Swift 2 range – Now
Swift – May
Storm – May
Spark – June
Spark – June
Spark – June

WILEYFOX LOVES YOU.

Update: Arrived

‘Lo and behold, I just received notification that the ~~long-awaited~~ Nougat update has arrived for my team-member. He’s more than a little happy to be downloading now. At work. While he should be making phone calls and messaging people.