Later there will be support for various video chats and other applications, but at the moment this is not the case. Without a Red subscription for YouTube, you won't be able to minimize a video to a window, which is why the new feature becomes relevant exclusively for the Chrome browser. From it, the videos are minimized into a small window after pressing the “Home” button from the screen with the expanded video.
System UI Tuner
In one of the first Betas of the Oreo system, the built-in System UI Tuner had many useful functions. For example, it was possible to add a special button to the navigation bar, which allowed you to minimize regular YouTube into a small window without a Red subscription. In the release version, the settings were reduced to the simplest control of the status bar.
Performance and autonomy Android Oreo
Google has worked closely on the performance of the entire system. For example, any Nexus or Pixel with the new OS turns on 2 times faster than with the previous version.
The Doze mode has been significantly improved, making it even more effective in performing its functions. Now the device itself will set restrictions on some actions of programs in the background. This will affect all functions. For example, apps will not be able to continually update information using the device's GPS. Doze is turned on automatically when the system starts.
Autocomplete, smart text highlighting
The auto-fill function is very popular in modern browsers, as it allows you to save a lot of time searching for the necessary logins and passwords that were written down in a notepad. Now it works outside of browsers. If the user gives permission, the system will automatically save all login data for the applications used. However, this function stopped working with banking programs with the release - most likely, this is a security requirement on the part of banks.
In Android Oreo, the text selection system has undergone changes. Now the OS will recognize what exactly the user is copying and selecting. For example, if you highlight a phone number or address, you will immediately be prompted to use it in the corresponding application.
Download and install APK
If earlier installer files were downloaded in the same way as any others, and applications were installed and worked without problems, now this process has changed somewhat. First, in order to download an APK, the program will need to be given special permission. Secondly, it will be possible to give applications installed from APK full access (GPS, Bluetooth, etc.) only by removing restrictions in the settings.
Emoji in Android Oreo
The design of the emoticons has also been redesigned - they have become more pleasant and similar to the Apple version. The latter is extremely important because often users of the two platforms, when communicating with each other, had difficulty understanding the emotions expressed through emoji due to the different display of emoticons.
Project Treble
The project is intended to be a solution to the main problem of Android - the problem of lack of updating to new versions on a huge number of devices. Google wants to make sure that everyone receives updates, and this will not be influenced by the manufacturer or internal hardware of the smartphone or tablet. If previously each company had to update the shell itself in order to release an update, now this is not required. Treble will work in the same way as any application that, after development, immediately launches on any device without modifications by the developer.
Rescue Party
And Rescue Party is aimed at eliminating the eternal reboot of devices when updating the OS, manual restart or installing custom firmware. Thanks to this function, Android recognizes the situation when the smartphone endlessly reboots and performs a recovery. If this does not help, then the OS takes the user to the recovery menu to perform a full reset to factory settings.
The function works in two cases:
- When restarting the system server five times in 5 minutes.
- With five departures of the system server service in 30 seconds.
Other Android Oreo fixes and improvements
The developers have fixed errors when working with multiple displays. Users now have the ability to move running windows from screen to screen. The average user will not need this, but at work or in specific situations it can be extremely useful.
The sound quality of wireless headsets rarely pleases users. However, the refusal of many companies to abandon the 3.5 mm jack forced Google to improve the sound transmitted over Bluetooth. The OS now uses Sony LDAC, which will allow you to get the highest sound quality without using wires, and new codecs are built in to improve overall sound quality.
Automatic Wi-Fi Shutdown is a new feature that automatically turns off the Wi-Fi module under specific circumstances. You can set it to turn off when visiting certain places. This setting was hidden in the release version. Whether Google will return it is unknown.
NAN allows two devices running Oreo OS to communicate without using Wi-Fi. It is designed to transmit small amounts of information at very high speeds. This is ideal for exchanging sensor data.
Smart storage acts as an automatic cleaning device memory. If the function is active, the system itself will delete all photos and videos that have been stored for 3 months and have been synchronized with the cloud.
Android 8.0 Oreo, 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 slightly, make the process of using a smartphone more comfortable. The release of Android 8.0 was indeed highly anticipated by many, although most of its features were leaked long before the official release. But there were disputes regarding the name until the very day of the presentation, but in the end we got 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 especially not interested in operating systems and technologies will not find any differences between Android Oreo. You just need to dig deeper. Nowadays there is nothing particularly surprising about the mobile OS - a couple of bright “chips” in the new version and that’s all. The developers have 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 was actively working to limit power-hungry programs that not only consume smartphone resources, but also significantly affect battery life. The new Doze and Doze technology is used, which intelligently approaches the work with background applications, limiting them. In addition, programs in Android 8.0 have become less likely to request access to other services, including geolocation. It's worth noting that Google apps that like to monitor their users will also be less likely to request your location information.
In general, in Android 8.0 the developers 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 new product is polished. As always.
Android 8.0 brings new icons and improved quick settings
For ordinary users who do not want to go into the details of each change, visual changes will look 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 decide what shape the application icon will be: square, round. Moreover, Android 8.0 introduces the ability to completely change the appearance of the icon, even of system tools. Google is getting closer to users every year, fulfilling our desires.
Here we note that the new version has more options for customizing the lock screen. Now you can not only change the background image, but also set the necessary buttons, as well as their position.
A few changes await us in the notification curtain (about the notifications themselves a little later) of Android 8.0, where the quick settings panel is located. However, you won't find any important innovations here. The developer simply tried to slightly improve what, in principle, was already well done.
New notification system in Android Oreo
The most interesting for many users will be. It actually gets tweaked every year - Google still won't come to a consensus. In Android 8.0, the user will have even more control over notifications. Special channels (classes) have been added that allow you to divide 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 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 divided into categories; the rest of the application will probably find refuge in the “Miscellaneous” class for the first time.
A kind of silent mode has been added to Android 8.0, thanks to which you can snooze notifications from applications for a designated period of time (15, 30, 60 minutes). Naturally, you can completely disable notifications from specific applications.
It’s very interesting how we think the indicators for new notifications on application icons look. A counter has appeared next to the icons in Android 8.0, which will show the number of notifications from a specific program. The innovation turned out to be quite useful for many active users, who now only need to 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 in the new version of Android has been completely redesigned. By the way, Google makes noticeable changes to the settings interface every year. Perhaps we will finally 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 won’t be very comfortable.
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 televisions) two TV channels are displayed simultaneously (the second 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. Somewhat reminiscent of the split-screen mode that appeared in Android Nougat.
Other changes in Android 8.0
But this is not all the innovations of Android Oreo. What else did the developers present in the new version of the OS:
- Autocomplete. Do you hate entering your username and password? Android 8.0 introduced support for autofilling forms throughout the system.
- Fingerprint scanner capabilities. In the new version, they seriously worked on expanding the number of gestures that can be used with the fingerprint scanner.
- Kotlin support. A new programming language that is distinguished by conciseness and security, which Java cannot boast to the same extent. This innovation of Android 8.0 will be especially interesting 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 collaborating with the developer of the operating system.
Pixel and Nexus
So, in the forefront are the Nexus and . Nexus 5X and 6P will definitely receive an update to Android 8.0. 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 (Google is expected to introduce the second generation Pixel in October, which will immediately launch with Android 8.0).
Samsung
At the end of 2017 (early 2018), owners of flagship smartphones will be able to download Android 8.0. The 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 previous years, will not be updated to Android Oreo.
LG
This Korean company will likely begin updating its smartphones in the fall of 2017. Naturally, flagships are in line for the update, taking first place. Its simplified versions (Q6, Q6a) will also receive a new version of Android; the V line, as well as last year’s flagship G5, will not be left without an update.
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, you should expect a new version on U Ultra, U Play, Desire 10, HTC 10 and some other smartphones. HTC will probably be one of the first companies whose smartphones will receive the coveted G8.
Nokia
HMD, which now owns the Nokia brand, has long announced its close cooperation with Google, which ensured that its smartphones were one of the first to receive operating system updates. Any Nokia owner can download Android 8.0 Oreo. System updates should be expected at the end of 2017 (beginning of 2018).
OnePlus
So far it cannot boast of a large number of released smartphones, but each of them regularly receives system updates. Android 8.0 will be available on OnePlus 3/3T and OnePlus 5 at the beginning of 2018. For the first two, this will probably be the last OS update.
Sony and Motorola
Closer to 2018, devices from 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 most likely not see the update until early 2018. Perhaps the new version will feature new products for the fall, but it’s hard to believe. 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 older smartphones and budget-level solutions. There will probably 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 simply fixes the shortcomings of previous versions, adding useful features that the user expects. Oreo is just starting to spread, so it’s too early to make a final verdict. Let's see how the new version of the system performs on at least a couple of devices.
The first thing that catches your eye is the updated Settings menu. It is now decorated in black and white and looks very stylish. The handy sidebar navigation menu introduced in Android Nougat is gone. In addition, some settings items have been swapped.
2. Limit background processes to save battery
Increasing autonomy became one of the main tasks that the developers set for themselves when working on. To do this, they completely redesigned the Doze function, which originally appeared in Marshmallow. The list of actions that applications can perform in the background has also been revised. New, more stringent restrictions can significantly extend the battery life of gadgets.
3. Quiet mode for individual notifications
In the latest versions of Android, you can turn on silent mode, as a result of which you will not be disturbed by notifications, calls and messages for a while. In Android O it will be possible to activate this mode for individual applications. To do this, move the notification to the side and click on the icon with the image of a clock.
4. New features of the fingerprint scanner
For the first time, smartphones now have the ability to perform certain actions using gestures on the fingerprint scanner. However, in the new version of Android this feature will be further developed. The most important thing is that the new API will allow you to use vertical and horizontal swipes, long and short taps on the scanner in third-party applications.
5. Navigation bar settings
For the first time, Android Marshmallow introduced a hidden menu called System UI Tuner, which allows you to customize the appearance of operating system elements. In the new version, its capabilities have been significantly expanded. The best part is that you can now change the appearance and functionality of the buttons on the bottom navigation bar.
6. Application shortcuts on lockscreen
In Android O, it will be possible to place in the left and right corners of the lock screen not only buttons for launching the dialer and camera, but also any other applications.
7. Picture-in-Picture mode
Multi-window mode from Nougat has been further developed. Now you can put video in a separate floating window and watch it on top of all other applications. This feature will be especially useful on tablets.
8. Improved battery usage statistics
The energy efficiency settings section received not only visual changes. You will finally find out which tasks drain your device's battery the most. With names of processes and applications.
9. New autofill feature
Everyone roughly knows how the autofill function in the browser works. You enter your data once, and then with one click they can be inserted into the required fields. Now the same opportunity will appear in Android O. The developers promise that all important personal data will be reliably protected at the operating system level, so there is nothing to worry about.
10. Dark theme
After eight years of existence, Android finally has a dark theme.
11. Notification channels
The notification system in each new version of Android becomes more and more advanced. In Android O, apps will be able to create feeds that post notifications related to the same topic. For each channel you can set your own display parameters.
12. Responsive icons
Older versions of Android used free-form icons, Nougat recommended round icons, and many third-party firmwares preferred square icons. Thus, to make an app icon look organic on any Android system, developers have to build in icons for all occasions. Android O solved this problem. Now the operating system itself will make sure that the icon of any program looks beautiful.
13. Hi-Fi Bluetooth codecs
Bluetooth has always been criticized for its poor sound quality compared to wired headphones. Fortunately, Google has added new codecs to Android O for transmitting and playing audio over Bluetooth, including Sony's LDAC. This should significantly improve sound quality on compatible Bluetooth devices.
14. Improved display of colors in applications
To make image editing easier, Android O will allow apps to use AdobeRGB and Pro Photo RGB color profiles. This means that what you see in the photo editor on your smartphone screen will look the same on any other display.
15. Wi-Fi Aware
This is a promising new technology that allows two devices running Android O to communicate with each other even if they are on different Wi-Fi networks. It is not yet very clear how this will be used in practice. Perhaps for transferring files or streaming multimedia.
16. Display the number of unread notifications on icons
Many third-party launchers have been able to do this for a long time. Now support for the function of displaying the number of unread notifications has appeared at the operating system level. If the sight of the three-digit number of unread emails on the icon annoys you, you can disable this feature in the settings.
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, since we did not mention some minor visual changes and those functions that are hidden too deep in the depths of the operating system.
In addition, do not forget that for now we are looking at only a development build, which will be further developed and changed. But Android O already looks very attractive, so it’s worth the wait.
The final release of Android O is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2017.
Oreo is the official name of the Android 8.0 mobile operating system, the official release of which took place on August 21, the day of . As you know, Google names each next large-scale Android update after some kind of sweet, and does this strictly in alphabetical order. For example, the previous version - Android 7.x - was called Nougat (“nougat”). True, in most cases, marketers used common names, while Oreo is a trademark of cream-filled cookies, the rights to which belong to the Nabisco confectionery factory. But this approach is not new; just remember Android 4.4 KitKat, whose name was borrowed from a chocolate bar produced by Nestle.
The sources of Android 8.0 Oreo are already available in Android's Open Source Platform (AOSP), as for the Pixel and Nexus 5X/6P smartphones, as well as the Pixel C tablet and the Nexus Player, the new firmware for them is undergoing the final stage of testing and will be released in the near future time. The timing of updates for devices from other manufacturers, as usual, will largely depend on the efficiency of the manufacturers themselves.
What new will owners of smartphones and tablets see after their gadgets receive Android 8.0 Oreo? One of the most notable innovations is Notification Dots, or notification dots. Its essence boils down to the fact that to read the notifications of a particular application without launching it, just hold your finger on its shortcut.
If while playing a video you need to perform any other actions on your smartphone, you do not have to interrupt the viewing. You can use the Picture-in-Picture feature, which reduces the size of the image and places it in the corner of the screen. Currently, only a few programs can work in this mode, but in the future all players and instant messengers with video chats will probably support it.
Speaking of chats: for lovers of non-verbal communication in virtual space, Android 8.0 Oreo redrew all existing emoji and added 60 new ones. Another change regarding the interface is a simpler structure of the settings menu, in which it has become faster to find the necessary items.
The phone itself also loads faster - according to the developers, on the Pixel smartphone the startup speed has doubled. At the same time, background activity of applications was limited, which should have a positive effect on the battery life of devices.
They also worked on security: the Google Play Protect function has appeared, which automatically scans applications and the rest of the system. In addition, Google Play Protect will help you find your device if it is lost.
Among the other innovations, we note auto-filling of logins and passwords for applications, support for Instant Apps enabled by default (the ability to launch programs without installing them), adaptive shortcuts and “smart” text selection Smart Text Selection, capable of distinguishing phone numbers, email addresses, etc. .
On August 21, 2017, the long-awaited presentation of Google’s new operating system took place. The platform received a memorable name - Android 8.0 Oreo. The event took place on the day of a solar eclipse, which is quite symbolic. You can download the new version now, but first let’s talk about what innovations users will see after installing the latest Android.
What's new?
Some sources are inclined to believe that it would be more appropriate to call the update Android 7.5, they say, there are not so many innovations. However, we will list the main points that can please smartphone owners. So, briefly about the main thing:
- increased operating speed compared to its predecessors;
- higher degree of protection reliability;
- improved technologies using artificial intelligence – GoogleAssistant;
- improvement of virtual reality technologies;
- expanded spectrum of colors;
- classic Android applications are optimized;
- The developer has added BluetoothCodec - LDAC created by Sony, thanks to which audio is played back in better quality.
Main features
And now a more detailed review of Android 8.0 Oreo. From now on, applications that previously “hung” in the background and drained the smartphone will be suppressed. Google developers intend to eradicate this annoying problem. We are talking about broadcasts, help services and a navigation system that updates data about the location of the device.
The “curtain” of the quick settings panel changes its appearance somewhat. At the very beginning, smartphone users will see interface icons, which are of paramount importance. Turn on Wi-Fi, mobile data, flashlight, Bluetooth connection, mute the system, and then follow them with additional items. Here we note that in Android 8 users can configure the notification category and enable silent mode for 15, 30 or 60 minutes.
The PiP mode appears - this means picture in picture. Thanks to this feature, it becomes possible to launch several applications at one time - send emails and watch a movie, chat and simultaneously read articles in the browser.
After installing the new Android 8.0 Oreo firmware, you will notice that the fingerprint scanner has begun to recognize various touches. For example, the sensor now recognizes swipes vertically and horizontally, while at the same time a long or short tap works perfectly. Initially, this technology was supported by Google Pixel and Pixel XL phones.
A smartphone running Android 8 boots 2 times faster than devices running the younger generation OS. At the same time, overall productivity increases. This will be especially noticeable by those who often encounter an application such as Google Sheets. This program works twice as efficiently.
You can customize shortcuts on the lock screen - this is especially convenient when you need to quickly open the desired application. The setup is done manually. Thanks to the AdobeRGB and ProPhoto profiles on Pixel smartphones with Amoled matrices, you can achieve a better display of the color gamut with Android 8.0.
List of devices that will receive Android 8.0 Oreo
First of all, Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones will be updated to Oreo, as well as the flagship tablets Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X. Asus has already confirmed that its ZenFone 4 and ZenFone 3 smartphones will receive a system update in the third quarter of 2018.
The BlackBerry manufacturer has not yet announced when Android 8 will be installed on its smartphones, but it can be assumed that in 2018 the KeyOne model will be able to update to the latest version of the OS. By the fourth quarter of 2017 and the beginning of 2018, an update of the HTC U Ultra, HTC U Play and HTC 10 models, as well as other advanced models, is expected.
Chinese Meizu announced only three representatives of its model range - MeizuMx 5, Meizu M3 and Meizu M2 Note - these phones will support Android 8. HMD Global intends to launch Nokia 8, 6, 5 and 3 models on the latest OS.
The Chinese Xiaomi have distributed their smartphones throughout the Russian Federation and the CIS, therefore, our reader may be interested in which smartphone models will support the Oreo update. So, these are Xiaomi Mi 6, Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (Upcoming), Xiaomi Redmi Pro 2 (Upcoming), Xiaomi Mi 5s, Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, Xiaomi Mi Max, Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus, Xiaomi Mi Note 2 and Xiaomi Mi Mix.
Of course, we can’t help but mention Samsung, because they are the leaders based on Android. The update is expected to be available for the flagship Galaxy S8, S8+ and Note 8 devices, as well as the previous generation S7. Along with them, the A7, A5, A3, J7, J5 – 2017 models – will also be updated.
How to install?
Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, along with relatively new models of Nexus tablets, will be able to be updated without fail. But how to install firmware on a third-party device? Let's find out!
We recommend visiting the XDA-Dev forum, where the list of unofficial Android 8.0 firmware is regularly updated. You can already install the new OS on smartphones from OnePlus, Sony, Google, Samsung, Lenovo, HTC, Asus, Motorola and other manufacturers. For each model, instructions for installing a new generation system are opened, features and possible complications that the downloaded file can cause are described.
We warn you that the unofficial build of Android 8.0 may work with deviations, or may not want to be installed at all, which will entail irreversible consequences. If you already have experience installing the Android system yourself without an official update, then you can try it.
If you wait too long for an update over the air via Wi-Fi, you can test the new Android Oreo system in beta version through the Developer Preview program. Advanced fans of the Android platform, who are able to roll back the system if “something goes wrong,” can try installing new firmware through the Preview tool. Not a Pixel or Nexus user? Then we recommend the Android Studio tool for installation. Happy testing!
Installing Android 8.0 firmware
Now it has become even easier to update and install the operating system of your smartphone or tablet to the latest version. Now, to install new firmware, just download Android 8.0 from our website, follow the instructions from the downloaded archive, download and install the application on your smartphone or tablet with the Android operating system.