Google has finally released the latest Android operating system. The latest operating system will be known as Oreo and comes loaded with some interesting features like picture-in-picture mode, autofill, Instant Apps, Google Play Protect and much more.
But what why does Google calls it Oreo?
Well, Google has a history of naming its Android versions after different sweets. The list includes Donut, Éclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow and Nougat. Google created a hype around the name of the latest Android versions, referring its name as Android O.
What are the key features?
The company has included most of the features, which it revealed during its annual developer conference. To start with, there is a picture-in-picture mode that lets users to two tasks simultaneously. So, for example, one can minimise a YouTube video while sending a text message or writing an email.
Then there are the Notification dots, which are basically tiny chat heads for notifications. The user can long-tap on a Notification Dot and it will preview the notification, and one can swipe to dismiss, drag down to see the full notification or tap to open the app. The dots will extract the colour from the icon, making it easier to distinguish between different notifications.
Google made it easier to remember your passwords with Autofill framework. This allows users to autofill the user id and passwords, which makes it easier to log in to different apps, while you are setting up a new device. Autofill will roll out fully over the next few weeks as part of an update to Google Play Services. The company has also integrated Android Instant Apps, which means you can use one App without installing it.
The company has also introduced new emojis and the latest Android version comes loaded with Google Play Protect, which safeguard users from malicious and dangerous apps. Play Protect will be built into every device with Google Play and automatically takes action to keep users’ data and device safe.
Google has also introduced Android Vitals, which helps in optimizing battery life, startup time and more. Under system optimizations, the company had made it easier for to run faster and smoother. The brand has added new limits on background location and Wi-Fi scans and changes in the way apps run in the background. These boundaries prevent unintentional overuse of battery and memory and apply to all apps.
Which all devices will get the latest update?
Firstly, the update will be rolled out to Google’s Pixel and Nexus line-ups. The list includes Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C and Nexus Player. Google has also revealed that it is working closely with other manufacturers.
You might also like this:
The company says that by the end of this year, hardware makers including Essential, General Mobile, HMD Global Home of Nokia Phones, Huawei, HTC, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp and Sony are scheduled to launch or upgrade devices to Android 8.0 Oreo. Further, Android Beta users will receive the update to the final version today and images are available to download and flash manually.