Android 8.0 Oreo Features, Compatible Devices, and Download
Android 8.0 Oreo is finally out of the oven and the delicious cookie is already being served. In case you are yet to get the update, Google says that many other handsets will get it by the end of the year.
The Android O developer preview promised exciting things and the final product has delivered.
So, what is so special about Oreo? Here are some important facts about the newest favorite cookie:
1. Android 8.0 Oreo New Features
On the surface, Android Oreo reminds us of Android 7.0 Nougat but there are some improvements that set it apart.
The developer preview gave us a glimpse of what to expect but it does not hurt to go through major features one more time.
- Performance-With each update an improvement in performance is almost a given. Oreo promises better performance and improved cache management.
- Battery life- Oreo comes with limits which restrict how apps run in the background. The user can increase battery life by setting these limits.
- Notification control-Notifications are now grouped into channels. Users will also be able to manage the notifications they see and their associated sound. There is also the option of blocking and snoozing notifications.
- Notification dots-This idea has been ‘thieved’ from iOS. The dots will give a preview of the notification, thus, saving users the trouble of going to the main notification bar.
- Autofill APIs-This feature will allow Google to share your passwords with third-party apps.
- Camera upgrade-The new double tap feature gives you a 50% zoom and a fresh user interface.
- Picture-in-Picture-This feature allows video apps such as YouTube to show video in a pop-up window when the app is closed via the home button.
Other awesome features are:
- Smart text selection
- Google Play Protect
- Better audio
- Project treble
- Better security
- New settings
- Adaptive icons
- Wide color gamut in imaging apps
2. How to Upgrade to Android 8.0 Oreo (Install update)
To get the upgrade, sign up for the Android Beta Program.
To do this, head over the Google website, and press “Enroll Device” under a compatible device.
This tells Google that you agree to the terms and conditions and it will direct Google to search for a software upgrade.
You will get an update and once this happens, you will just need to download it.
Updates can take up to 24 hours to arrive after signing up.
3. Android 8.0 Oreo Compatible devices
Currently, the platform is launching to Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, or Pixel C but Google promises that the updates will not stop at these handsets.
Google’s other phone ranges namely Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will also get the upgrade. It is, however, bad news for owners of older Nexus phones since they won’t be getting an upgrade.
Whether phones from third party manufacturers will get the upgrade is up to the specific manufacturers. However, all current generation premium handsets will get the upgrade. As to the timeline, that remains unknown.
Premium handsets such as Galaxy S8 & Galaxy S8 Plus, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, LG G6 and G5, the OnePlus 5, OnePlus 3, OnePlus 3t and HTC’s U11, U11 Ultra, 10 will get the upgrade.
Nokia is trying to woo us so we expect Nokia 3, 5, 6, and 8 to get the update.
Motorolla’s X, Z, and G will also get the upgrade.
In addition, it is expected that all heavy hitters and some mid-rangers launched next year should come with Android Oreo out of the box or rather accommodate an upgrade.
4.Android 8.0 Oreo Substratum themes
Substratum themes are set to come to Android 8.0 soon. The good news is that rooting or custom ROMs will not be required.
Earlier, Substratum was only available to Android handsets that are rooted, running custom ROMs, or select Samsung Galaxy phones.
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