Android Nougat or 7.0.1 officially received only less than 1% of all mobile devices of different brands. But already in May 2017, Google is preparing to introduce to the mobile world Android 8 under the codename Android O. The new mobile OS will be unveiled on May 17 at the Shoreline Amphitheater near Google's headquarters in California at the Google I/O conference.
This information is officially provided by the developer company in a very non-standard form. IN Twitter Google invited subscribers to follow links where users found interesting puzzles. The answer to these puzzles is confirmation of information about the upcoming conference and planned events. The puzzle was a chessboard.
There is also an official tweet from Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, regarding the date and location of the conference:
At the moment, the event page only reports the venue, while Google search itself returns the exact dates:
There's not much to say about Android 8.0 from Google. At the moment, it is known that the developer will increase stability and improve the protection of personal data, fix bugs and introduce a new user interface.
Google traditionally names a new version of the OS after some yummy. All versions of Android are named strictly in alphabetical order. So the trend is:
- cup cake
- Donut
- eclair
- Froyo
- Gingerbread
- honey comb
- Ice Cream Sandwich
- Jelly Bean
- kitkat
- Lollipop
- Marshmallow
- Nougat
- O-?(!)
In 2017, Google will search for the name of the sweet (in English) starting with the letter O. The problem is that there are not many such sweets. Tech Radar analysts suggested that Android 8.0 can be named Orange, Oreo, Oatcake.
There is also a user voting on the site, in which more than 5,500 people have already taken part. The most popular name for Android 8.0 among users is:
Android 8.0 announcement date is already clear, but when the first release of the version will take place is not known. Judging by the experience with Android Nougat, it took the Google team a little more than 3 months to finalize and release the finished release.
The most popular version of Android currently remains Lollipop, which runs more than 33% of devices, Marshmallow runs just over 30% of mobile phones. The share does not exceed 1% - according to various sources, the figure varies from 0.7% to critical 0.2%.
Google doesn't comment on new ones at all. features and chips of Android 8.0, experts suggest that smartphones running Android O will become smarter due to advanced assistants. Personal assistants will have access to a wider range of applications and user data.
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. The release of Android 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's worth noting that Google apps that like to spy on their users will also request your location less frequently.
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, in Android 8.0 it is possible to completely change the appearance of the icon, even the 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, as well as Nova 2 will be updated. 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 the new version of the system will manifest itself at least on a couple of devices.
On August 21, 2017, the long-awaited presentation of the new Google 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 by installing the latest Android.
What's new?
Some sources tend 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 speed compared to its predecessors;
- higher degree of protection reliability;
- improved technologies using artificial intelligence - Google Assistant;
- improvement of virtual reality technologies;
- extended range of colors;
- classic Android apps are optimized;
- the developer has added BluetoothCodec - LDAC, created by Sony, thanks to which the audio is played in the best quality.
Key Features
And now a more detailed review of Android 8.0 Oreo. From now on, applications that previously “hung” in the background, discharging the smartphone, will be suppressed. Google developers intend to eradicate this intrusive problem. We are talking about broadcasts, help services and a navigation system that updates 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 that are of paramount importance. Turn on Wi-Fi, mobile data, flashlight, Bluetooth connection, turn off the system sound, and after them, additional elements follow. Here we note that in Android 8, users can set the category of notifications, turn on quiet mode for 15, 30 or 60 minutes.
PiP mode appears - this means picture in picture. Thanks to this feature, it becomes possible to run several applications at the same time - send letters by e-mail and watch a movie, chat and read articles in the browser in parallel.
After installing the new Android 8.0 Oreo firmware, you will notice that the fingerprint scanner began to recognize various touches. For example, the sensor now recognizes swipes vertically and horizontally, 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 on Android 8 system loads 2 times faster than devices on the younger generation OS. At the same time, overall performance is improved. This will especially be noticed by those who often encounter an application such as Google Sheets. This program works twice as efficiently.
Shortcuts are configured on the lock screen - this is especially convenient when you need to quickly open the desired application. The setting 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 from 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, and with them the flagship Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X tablets. Asus has already confirmed that their ZenFone 4 and ZenFone 3 smartphones will receive a system update in Q3 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 upgrade to the latest version of the OS. By the fourth quarter of 2017 and early 2018, an update is expected for the HTC U Ultra, HTC U Play and HTC 10 models, as well as other advanced models.
Chinese Meizu announced only three representatives of its lineup - MeizuMx 5, Meizu M3 and Meizu M2 Note - these phones will support Android 8. HMD Global intends to bring Nokia 8, 6, 5 and 3 models to the latest OS.
The Chinese Xiaomi have distributed their smartphones across the Russian Federation and the CIS, therefore, our reader may be wondering 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, one cannot but mention Samsung, because these are Android-based flagships. The update is expected to roll out to the Galaxy S8, S8+ and Note 8 flagship devices, as well as the previous generation S7. Together with them, the A7, A5, A3, J7, J5 models of 2017 will also be updated.
How to install?
Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, along with relatively new Nexus tablet models, will be able to update without fail. But how to install firmware on a third-party device? Let's figure it 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 it 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.
If you wait too long for an over-the-air update over Wi-Fi, then you can test the new Android Oreo system in beta 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 a new firmware through the Preview tool. Don't use Pixel or Nexus? Then we recommend the Android Studio tool for installation. Happy testing!
Installing Android 8.0 Firmware
Now it's even easier to update and install the operating system of your smartphone or tablet to the latest version. Now, to install a 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.
And the new version of this operating system is just around the corner. Let's see what we know about Android 9.0 so far.
What "delicious" name can get Android 9.0?
Since the early days, all updates to the Android operating system have been named after sweets and in alphabetical order.
So far we have seen:
Android Donut (v1.6)
Android Eclair (v2.0)
Android Froyo (v2.2)
Android Gingerbread (v2.3)
Android Honeycomb (v3.0)
Android Ice Cream Sandwich(v4.0)
Android Jelly Bean (v4.1)
Android KitKat (V4.4)
Android Lollipop (v5.0)
Android Marshmallow (v6.0)
Android Nougat (v7.0)
Android Oreo (v8.0)
In 2018, we should see the launch of Android 9.0 or Android P. The name won't be announced until the summer, but that doesn't stop us from trying to guess what the name will be.
But there is no guarantee that your device will definitely be updated to Android 9.0, as usual. Device fragmentation is still a problem for the operating system. Even in the last update of statistics on the use of Android versions on January 8, there were still devices running version 2.3.3 of Gingerbread.
What new features will be in Android 9.0?
So far, there have been very few rumors about what we can expect from Android P, except that, as suggested by the XDA Developers community, Google will remove access to unofficial APIs (which are not part of the official SDK). This news may upset some developers.
Other changes we expect to see in the upcoming update, according to rumors on enthusiast sites, include support for Wi-Fi Direct Printing and Bluetooth hearing aids, as well as better integration with Google's IoT platform - .
Things we would also like to see in Android 9.0 include faster deployment of the OS itself, as well as less device fragmentation. We also look forward to better support for picture-in-picture, as well as further enhancements to improve battery life and performance.
What would you like to see in Android P? Tell us about it in the comments.
The new operating system was announced yesterday, but it is not yet known exactly when smartphones will be able to receive the update.
Thanks to Mountain View, it became known that the update to Android Oreo will be available for owners of Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Pixel C and Nexus Player. Pixel owners will be able to get the update over the air, while everyone else will have to download it manually. The update weighs only 50 MB. Most likely, its weight for smartphones from other companies will be much greater.
How to update your smartphone to Android Oreo?
To upgrade to Android Oreo right now, the first step is to back up the data on your smartphone. You can update in two ways:
- Manually by downloading special images.
- By joining the Android beta.
The second way is more reliable. You need to go to this page, log into your Google account and click on the "register device" button. You can roll back to a previous version of the operating system on the same page. Google Pixel, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P owners will soon be able to get the update without downloading images and the Android Beta Program.
Google confirmed that carriers have already begun testing new software for these devices. The update will take place in stages. It has also been confirmed that select devices from Essential, General Mobile, HMD Global, Huawei, HTC, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp, and Sony will receive the Android 8.0 Oreo update before the end of 2017.
