Android 8.0 Oreo has officially launched. When we say "launched" we mean that it only applies to devices created by Google. Currently, essentially, only those with Google Pixel smartphones, Google Nexus, and a few tablets can easily access it.
It's a pity because Android 8.0 brings a lot of new features, including better notifications, picture-in-picture support for any app, and better battery life management. If you want to install it on your device and play around with the new operating system, there are some shortcuts you can follow. However, your options will depend on the type of smartphone you have: this guide primarily applies to Pixel and Nexus users, but it includes general direction actions for other smartphones.
Why can't you easily access Android 8.0? Unfortunately, new updates can take a long time to reach any significant number of Android users. For example, at the time this article is being written, Android 7.0 Nougat is only installed on 14% of devices worldwide. Its predecessor Android 6.0 Marshmallow reached 32% of Android users.
This is all because manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Sony, Huawei, HTC and others add their own customizations and add-ons to stock Android before making them available on their smartphones. By the way, this is one of the reasons why Google has separated so many of its apps and features from operating system Android. You can update everything from Gmail to Google Play Market, regardless of the Android operating system, so Google can distribute latest versions of their applications, even if the OS update is behind.
Join the beta
Do you have a Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P smartphone? If your device has not been updated by this time, it will be updated soon. Enter the Settings app and tap About Device, then check Software Updates to see if the Android 8.0 Oreo update is available.
If the update is not yet available and you want to speed up the process, you can do so by signing up for the Android beta testing program run by Google. This will give you quick access to new versions of the operating system, although the version you are testing may have some bugs. After you sign up for the beta, the program will also provide you with a pre-built version of Oreo.
On the smartphone you want to update, go to the registration page android programs beta. If you're on a compatible device, you can simply click the "Register device" button. After a short delay, you will be prompted to download and install Android 8.0 Oreo on your smartphone. You can then start enjoying all the features of the new operating system.
Don't forget the main rule: before you register, create backups all important data.
Perform a Manual Update
For Pixel and Nexus devices, there is another option: manual update. It includes downloading the full Android 8.0 Oreo code that Google has released online. Unfortunately, this code is optimized for certain devices (specifically Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P), so you can't just install it on samsung galaxy S8 or LG V30.
Manual updating requires technical know-how because you need to use tools designed for application developers. And if you make the wrong move, you risk turning your smartphone into a brick. In short, we only recommend this option if you enjoy messing around with your device and have a spare smartphone you can switch to if the worst happens. Otherwise, just wait for the automatic update.
You can download the public operating system code, known as the System Image, from the Android Developers Portal. Find the make and model of your smartphone in the list, find the entry for Android 8.0 and click "Link" to start the download. Then extract the files to a folder of your choice.
Once you've saved the system image files to your hard drive, the next step is to set up the developer tools. First, you need to unlock your device so you can install a new one. software. Basically, you will disable the setting that makes your smartphone wait for confirmation from your carrier. Then download the Android SDK Platform Tools zip file and extract it to a folder of your choice on your hard drive. You may want to create a new folder for this specific purpose.
You also need to prepare your smartphone for action. Navigate to About phone (About device) in the settings, tap the build number seven times, and you will see a dialog box confirming that your smartphone is now ready for developer settings. Go back to Settings, find the new Developer Options menu, and make sure you've enabled USB Debugging.
Once your smartphone is ready to use, connect it to your computer using the USB cable supplied by the manufacturer.
After that, put your smartphone into fastboot mode using the ADB tool or a combination of buttons (varies depending on the brand and model of the device).
Then open a command prompt or terminal window in the folder where you extracted Platform Tools. Then go to the Platform Tools folder, then press "Shift" and right-click on the folder thumbnail and select "Open command window".
Finally, after you've made sure you've backed up your data, you're ready to launch Oreo on your smartphone. Open a new command prompt window as described above in the folder where the Android 8.0 files were extracted, or navigate to it in an existing window. Then enter "flash-all" to get the software on your smartphone. Installation may take a few minutes, so please be patient.
For other devices: install the launcher
If you're not a Nexus or Pixel owner, then you can't get Samsung, HTC, or any other manufacturer to speed up the update, especially for specific device. We have already mentioned the reasons for the delay and unfortunately we cannot offer you any secret way to install Android 8.0 on your smartphone.
However, you can make your smartphone look and work like it's already running. Android control 8.0 by installing an Oreo-style launcher. Launchers are programs that are responsible for the entire look of an Android device without touching the applications inside.
Before downloading the launcher, go to the "Security" page in the "Settings" section and turn on the "Install from unknown sources" switch. Then go to the Rootless Pixel Launcher page on your smartphone and download the first APK file listed there. When you open it, the installer will launch.
The next time you press the Home button on your Android device, you will be given the option to use the default Launcher3 app. If you agree, your smartphone will behave as if it is running Android 8.0. This move, of course, will not replace the experience of using real Android 8.0, but it will keep you from rash steps to automatically updating your device for now.
The official release of the new version of the operating system Android with the sweet and crunchy name of Oreo. Fresh Android Oreo has received dozens of new features, ranging from notifications to support for picture-in-picture and new emoji. Detailed photos comparing Oreo with Nougat can be seen below. We will also talk about who will be able to install the new platform and when.
So, Android Oreo just got faster, smarter, and sweeter. This is how Google positions the updated system. Among the main innovations are the following:
- Accelerated execution of user tasks, the system works twice as fast. Background activity is minimized as much as possible.
- Autofill function - the system remembers your logins so that you can spend less time entering your login and password.
- Support for picture-in-picture mode - allows you to simultaneously work with two applications: watch video content and use another application.
- Notification Dots - now new notifications will be signaled to you by dots on the application icons. You can quickly see what's new. And also quickly clear notifications.
Google also announced improved application protection in the Google Play market (daily scanning of more than 50 billion applications per day, even those that you have not installed). An increase in time has been announced battery life systems. Emoji lovers can now enjoy an updated emoji palette. This and more awaits you in Android Oreo. Full description You can check out the new features on the Google site if you're interested.
Install Android Oreo
Starting August 21, the Oreo update is already available for users of Android devices, but not everyone will be able to install it. Which was to be expected. Google Pixel and Nexus owners will be able to download Oreo first, but users of other Android smartphones will have to wait a little longer, if, of course, their devices receive this update at all. Recall that the previous version of Android Nougat was installed on only 13.5% of devices. Most of the gadgets continue to work onAndroid 5.0 Lollipop and Android 6.0 Marshmallow released in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
Comparison of Android Oreo c Nougat: photo
Android Oreo on the left, Nougat - right
Android 8.0 release date
According to official Android 8 data, the release date goes through several stages, the last of which ends in the fall of 2017. At first, it was even interesting to watch how users build their guesses about the code name of the update. Already traditionally, Google uses the name of the sweet, following the alphabet, but it was not named at the presentation. On the this moment It is already known that Android 8 received the code name Oreo in honor of popular cookies.
What's new in Android 8 version?
Android 8 brings a lot of innovations that will make using smartphones more enjoyable and comfortable. Great work has been done on optimization and new features have been added. The system began to work much faster and received an update to the protection system. For a wide range of devices, modernized artificial intelligence is becoming available, which has become much better in terms of its capabilities. Android 8 has received a wider color gamut and optimization of standard Google applications.
Picture-in-picture function
The Android 8 news showed that you can now turn on any app, reduce the window size, and then open another and work with them at the same time on the same screen. It will be easy to close the application, for this it is enough to move it off the display with a quick movement of your finger.
The notification curtain works according to a different mechanism.
To read a notification received via messenger, you no longer need to open it. It is enough to hold your finger on the shortcut and the text will be displayed directly on the desktop, which is very convenient. The only thing is that only the latest messages that fit on the display are displayed, although the numerical display of the number of notifications will be different.
Performance has improved markedly
On Android 8 0, according to the developers, the smartphone loads twice as fast when compared with the 7th generation of the system. And the performance of the system as a whole has increased.
Improved option to highlight text fragments
Now it is much more comfortable to select the necessary text fragment. For example, when highlighting a number, you can double-tap on it and thereby call the subscriber. In the same way, the new algorithm works with addresses, showing their location on the map.
Autocomplete
Android 8 0 review showed that when this feature is activated, authorization in applications will take place automatically, filling in the login and password fields with the data you frequently enter.
Energy consumption
Smartphones with Android 8 will limit the activity of background processes that are idle for a long time. As a result, autonomy increases.
New emoji display option
This change will go unnoticed by most users, but in appearance, emoji began to resemble those used in the iOS interface.
New look for the notification shade
In Android 8 o, when the curtain is pulled down, the switches and font size are smaller, allowing you to display more notifications. The same changes apply to watches.
Google has just released the latest software update for smartphones and tablets, Android 8.0 Oreo. And while many changes remain behind the scenes, there are already plenty of known new features. In this guide, we'll learn what's new in Android Oreo and tell you what to expect. Including when you get the Oreo update, including a list of supported devices and a detailed look at the latest features.
There are many new features in Android Oreo that you can use to make your phone and tablet experience even better. It's a smart, fast, and powerful upgrade. Users will get additional notification features that are easier to manage, as well as a new Picture-in-Picture mode for videos. The changes will affect icons, text highlighting and auto-complete features in apps like Google Chrome. Not to mention faster performance and longer battery life.
Many changes have also taken place behind the scenes, so you won't see them right away, but they will make a big difference in daily use. After a long period of beta testing, Google released Android Oreo on August 21st officially. The system is already available on select Nexus and Pixel devices, with more coming soon. Read on for more details.
UpdateAndroid 8.0Oreo: release date
For those wondering, Android 8.0 Oreo is a free software update for all eligible devices. The first devices to receive the new software from Google are the Nexus 5X, Google Pixel XL, and the Google Pixel C tablet and Nexus Player. The update process may take 2-3 weeks.
In addition, Google has confirmed that testing of Android Oreo on the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Pixel has already begun. In the past, these devices received updates for two weeks.
Then Android 8.0 update is expected this year on Essential, General Mobile, HDM Global (Nokia), Huawei, HTC, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp and Sony smartphones, just to name a few.
What's new inAndroidOreo?
Below, we'll take a look at the new features specific to Android 8.0 Oreo and available on all supported smartphones, tablets, and Android TV. Not to mention, you'll be getting new Google Assistant features and a new Google Lens app soon. It's not the most important update, but there's a lot more to look forward to.
System optimization A: Google has worked hard to make OS apps run faster and smoother. System optimization will allow smartphones to reboot twice as fast and possibly double the performance of applications and games.
Background restrictions: A power saving feature in addition to "Doze" that will limit the battery usage of applications in the background based on priorities. The Android 8.0 update will limit things like how often apps check your location, scan Wi-Fi, or access data. (Some applications may need to restart when reopened).
Smart text selection A: Android Oreo recognizes addresses, URLs, phone number, and email address. Double tap and copy/paste the selection and the system will prompt you for the apps you need. In addition to the usual copy, paste or copy of all commands.
Notification dots: The notification system on Android is powerful, but it gets even better. A small colored dot can indicate notifications and app activity, enhancing the visual experience. Visibility right on the icons is complemented by the ability to view notifications by long pressing on the icon.
Picture-in-picture mode and notification dots inAndroid 8.0Oreo.
Picture-in-Picture mode: Android TV has had PiP mode since Nougat, and now this feature is available to all devices based on Android Oreo. This is a feature for video in picture. Imagine being able to use your smartphone and watch YouTube videos at the same time. So, for example, you can watch instructions on YouTube while exploring a project in Chrome at the same time. There is also support for multi-screen displays. You can watch something on your phone, and put a parallel stream on your TV.
Automatic completion: Just like our desktop web browsers, autofill will work on smartphones and tablets, whether it's email or physical addresses in apps. Android 8.0 Oreo provides auto-complete for Google OS.
Responsive icons and icons: Instant notifications about the number of messages or information directly on the icons on the main screen. Similar to iOS. Not to mention adaptive icons. Imagine the clock icon is always showing right time, the calendar shows the date and so on. It is also worth noting the attractive animation.
Notification channels: The notification system is changing slightly again. Connected notifications, thanks to the new API, give developers more control over what we see and how often. Later we will see synchronization between devices. There will also be an option to snooze notifications.
Widescreen Color for Applications: Android developers will now be able to use new devices with a widescreen color display. How . Applications will be more colorful and attractive.
Keyboard navigation A: We have already seen this feature to some extent on Android Nougat, but it will get better in Android Oreo. Navigation will allow you to scroll and perform gestures from the keyboard and while typing.
Sound enhancements: New low latency audio, Bluetooth aptX support and more.
New emoji inAndroidoreo: The ugly Android emoji are dying. Google is redesigning every emoji in the new Android Oreo. In addition to being the first update to support Emoji 5.0, you now get a huge number of new emojis in a new design.
New emojis onAndroid 8.0Oreo.
Androidoreovitals: Highly discussed on Google - Vitals is a project that promises to improve device battery life, speed up startup time, graphics display time, and overall device stability.
Rescue Party: Android fixes itself. Rescue Party restores and fixes core components of the Android OS during boot cycles. With each action, the function digs deeper until the problem is fixed. In extreme cases, it is recommended to change the factory data. This restore is similar to "Latest Stable" in Windows.
Downloadable fonts andXML: Developers and manufacturers will have even more control over the font and its design in their applications or on devices, as well as in applications. Each application can easily have its own font, which will not interfere with the operation of the device.
Fluid Experiences: Allow users to do even more with Android. This definition includes Picture-in-Picture mode, notification dots, and adaptive icons.
ProjectTreble: A new project that promises to make android base modular. The goal is to make it easier for manufacturers to update Android by keeping the base consistent and working across all devices and software versions.
Androidgo: Like Android One, Android Go is a new initiative for budget devices. The entire operating system google apps and the Play Store have been rebuilt for devices with 1 GB of RAM or less. Premium Android features for every budget.
More gestures for fingerprint scanners: Google is adding new gestures and movements to access Android Oreo.
Above, you can see an image provided by Google that teases some of the features that weren't previewed in the developer version of the system. All of them are included in the official release on August 21st. Some of these include a new split launcher, instant apps in the app tray, new screen animations and brightness improvements, work profiles, and more.
On August 21st, Google submitted Android 8.0 Oreo to AOSP (an open source project) and over-the-air updates started pouring in immediately. Check for updates right now. Alternatively, you can install Android 8.0 yourself if you're not ready to wait.
Now users can only sit back and wait for the new Android 8.0 Oreo update from Google. The Android 8.0 update is coming in stages, slowly up to a certain percentage of devices. This solution enables a smooth upgrade process and prevents critical errors. If you haven't figured it out yet, please be patient as the update continues to roll out.
Currently, all new Nexus and Pixel devices are receiving updates. In the coming weeks, we expect to continue rolling out the update. Then, over the next 2-3 months, most major manufacturers will roll out Android Oreo to their smartphones and tablets.
Android 8.0 Oreo, which was released on August 21, is slowly starting to gain momentum in the market. Every year, the largest mobile operating systems (including iOS) receive updates that, albeit a little, make the process of using a smartphone more comfortable. Android exit 8.0 was indeed expected by many, although most of its features were "leaked" long before the official release. But disputes regarding the name were conducted until the very day of the presentation, but, in the end, we received the expected version of Oreo, named after the famous cookie. Today we'd like to discuss what's new in Android 8.0 and take a look at the list of devices that will receive the update.
Android 8.0 is more stable, safer and more energy efficient
At first glance, a person who is not particularly interested in operating systems and technologies will not find any differences between and Android Oreo. You just need to dig deeper. Now there is nothing special to surprise with mobile OS - a couple of bright "chips" in the new version and that's it. The developers focused on improving security and optimizing systems so that the user can fully enjoy working with the OS.
To make Android 8.0 faster, Google has been actively working to limit "gluttonous" programs that not only consume smartphone resources, but also significantly affect battery life. The new technology Doze and Doze is involved, which is smart about working with background applications, limiting them. In addition, applications in Android 8.0 have become less likely to request access to other services, including geolocation. It is worth noting that Google applications that like to observe their users will also request your location information less often.
In general, in Android 8.0, developers have tried to implement as many ideas as possible that will make the version fast, efficient and with a minimum of errors. Naturally, time will pass, a couple of updates will be released before the novelty is polished. As always.
Android 8.0 brings new icons and improved quick settings
For casual users who don't want to go into the details of each change, the visual changes are more interesting. Here it is worth highlighting adaptive dynamic icons. Familiar application icons, which until now were static in “pure” Android, have learned to move. Choose a visual effect and enjoy.
Even more interesting is the ability to change the shape of the icons. You yourself set what shape the application icon will be: square, round. Moreover, Android 8.0 introduces the ability to completely change appearance icons, and even system tools. Google is getting closer to users every year, fulfilling our desires.
Here we note that the new version has more options for setting up the lock screen. Now you can not only change the background image, but also set the necessary buttons, as well as their position.
A little change awaits us in the notification shade (about the notifications themselves a little later) Android 8.0, where the quick settings panel is located. However, you will not find important innovations here. The developer just tried to slightly improve what, in principle, is already well done.
The new notification system in Android Oreo
The most interesting for many users will be. It actually gets tweaked every year - Google won't come to a consensus on everything. In Android 8.0, the user will have even more control over notifications. Special channels (classes) have been added that allow you to split notifications from different applications into categories. The control panel will become cleaner, and it will become more comfortable to work with messages from various programs and games.
Be that as it may, we believe that the notification channels in Android Oreo will not be fully usable right away. Initially, only Google services will be able to boast that they will be categorized, the rest of the application will probably find a home in the Miscellaneous class for the first time.
Added in Android 8.0 is a kind of silence mode, thanks to which you can postpone notifications from applications for a specified period of time (15, 30, 60 minutes). Naturally, you can completely turn off notifications from specific applications.
It is very interesting how we think the indicators of new notifications on the application icons look. Next to the icons in Android 8.0, a counter appeared that will show the number of notifications from a particular program. The innovation turned out to be quite useful for many active users, who now just look at the application to understand how many new messages have arrived.
Changed settings menu and picture-in-picture in Android 8.0
The settings menu has been completely redesigned in the new version of Android. By the way, Google annually makes noticeable changes to the settings interface. Perhaps, finally, we will get the perfect option. In Android 8.0, the settings menu has become more organized, clear and convenient. For each function or characteristic of the device, a separate general category has appeared, within which several smaller subcategories are hidden. Everything looks good, although at first it will not be very convenient.
We haven't forgotten about picture-in-picture (PiP) technology, which appeared in Android 8.0 Oreo. Initially, it was used in television, but moved to smartphones as the screen diagonal grew. Picture-in-picture technology is a mode when (in the case of TVs) two TV channels are displayed simultaneously (the second one is in the form of a small window in the corner). On smartphones with Android 8.0, using the technology, it will be possible to work simultaneously with two applications, which will increase productivity. It is somewhat reminiscent of the split screen mode that appeared in Android Nougat.
Other changes in Android 8.0
But that's not all Android Oreo innovations. What else did the developers present in the new version of the OS:
- Autocomplete. Hate entering username and password? Android 8.0 introduced system-wide support for form autofill.
- Fingerprint scanner features. The new version seriously worked on expanding the number of gestures that can be used with a fingerprint scanner.
- Kotlin support. A new programming language that is distinguished by its conciseness and security, which Java cannot boast to the same extent. Especially this innovation of Android 8.0 will be of interest to developers.
- New emoji.
List of devices that will receive the update to Android 8.0 Oreo
Already in September-October 2017, they will receive the long-awaited Android 8.0 firmware. It is clear that among them will be the flagships of Google itself, as well as large companies that are actively cooperating with the developer of the operating system.
Pixel and Nexus
So, in the forefront are Nexus and smartphones. They will definitely get an update to Android 8.0 Nexus 5X and 6P. For them, it will be the last - the life cycle of these devices is coming to an end. The entire Pixel line will receive a new version (presumably in October, Google will introduce the second generation of Pixel, which will immediately be released with Android 8.0).
Samsung
At the end of 2017 (beginning of 2018), owners of flagship smartphones will be able to download Android 8.0. Galaxy S7, S8, Note 8, a line of mid-range devices introduced in 2017 (A, J, C) will receive an update. Most likely, the Samsung Galaxy S6, as well as mid-budget smartphones of past years, will not be updated to Android Oreo.
LG
This Korean company is likely to start updating its smartphones as early as the fall of 2017. In the queue for the update, of course, are the flagships, taking first place. Its simplified versions (Q6, Q6a) will definitely receive a new version of Android, the V line, as well as last year's flagship G5, will not remain without updates.
HTC
The manufacturer assured that by the end of 2017 it will update the latest flagship HTC U11 to Android 8.0 Oreo. Already at the beginning of 2018, we should expect a new version on U Ultra, U Play, Desire 10, HTC 10 and some other smartphones. Probably, HTC will be one of the first companies whose smartphones will receive the coveted "eight".
Nokia
HMD, which now owns the Nokia brand, announced a long time ago that it worked closely with Google, which provided one of the first updates to the operating system for its smartphones. Download Android 8.0 Oreo will be able to the owner of any Nokia. System updates should be expected at the end of 2017 (beginning of 2018).
One Plus
So far, it cannot boast of a large number of released smartphones, but each of them regularly receives system updates. OnePlus 3/3T and OnePlus 5 will be able to boast Android 8.0 in early 2018. For the first two, probably the latest OS update.
Sony and Motorola
Closer to 2018, and the devices of these two companies will begin to receive updates to Android 8.0. Among the first are the latest flagships.
Huawei
Many Huawei smartphones will begin receiving updates to Android 8.0 this winter. The company announced a few months ago that it was working on optimizing its own shell for the new version of the OS. The list of devices is quite extensive. Naturally, it includes the latest flagships / P10 Lite / P10 Plus, as well as Mate 9. Most likely, Honor 8/9 will be updated, as well as Nova 2. The latest from the budget lines Y3, Y5 and Y7 will also receive a version.
Xiaomi
Owners of Xiaomi smartphones will not see the update, most likely until the beginning of 2018. It is possible that the new version of the autumn will be presented on the new version, but it is hard to believe in this. Mi 6 will be updated, possibly Mi 5S. The Max line of phablets, as well as the flagship Mi Note 2, will not be left without Android 8.0. We hope that the Redmi line will also get Android Oreo in 2018.
The list is regularly updated with other companies. We can say with confidence that there will be no updates for old smartphones and budget-level solutions. Probably, there will be no updates for little-known device models. Here we can only hope for custom Android 8.0 firmware, which will begin to appear in the next month or two. We wait.
Conclusion
Android 8.0 looks quite interesting, although this version did not make a splash in the mobile OS market. Google just fixes the flaws of previous versions, adding useful features that the user is waiting for. Oreo is just starting to spread, so it's too early to make a final verdict. Let's see how a new version system will manifest itself at least on a couple of devices.
