Google's Android has proven to be a robust enough operating system that it remains to be the default OS for most smartphones. The fact that it also remains to be the one biggest competition of Apple's iOS is a testament to how successful the OS has become. And right now, the innovation continues, as the latest version of the beloved OS is shipping out.

What's in a name?

Android 8.0 was initially thought to be nicknamed "Octopus," which would make sense just for the fact that the animal's eight legs are an iconic representation of the eighth incarnation of the OS.

However, it was confirmed that the latest OS would officially be called Android Oreo. This name is probably more the expected one, as previous Android versions were named after a dessert. Ice Cream, Cupcake, Donut, Éclair — all were official version names for the OS.

Google does not seem to have a problem with branding — in fact, the partnership with Oreo may very well help both companies. Also, The Verge pointed out that teaming up with popular brands is not an entirely new thing for Android. People may recall that Android 4.4 was called "KitKat," after the popular chocolate snack.

"There’s [also] precedent for the partnership, as Google had previously teamed up with Nestlé and Hershey’s to call Android 4.4 KitKat," Chaim Gartenberg writes.

Some features and fixes

As for actual features, there are several improvements both practical and cosmetic on the Android 8.0 Oreo. Those who had the privilege to test out the last developer preview may have an idea of the changes and updates.

For one, the easter egg for this version is an octopus with an Oreo for a head. However, the official status is different.

On a press event in New York, Google unveiled a superhero-themed Oreo character, complete with cape and all. This coincided with the awaited Total Solar Eclipse in the United States.

Adding to the cosmetic side, a "Powered by Android" text blurb also appears on the boot screen, just below the "G" logo. This feature is only available on Pixel devices, though.

With Android 8.0 Oreo, users can also control those pesky apps which force themselves to draw over other running apps. This is done by setting the "Display over other app" setting to "Off." This setting can be found by navigating to Settings, selecting Apps and notifications, App info, Show system (via the overflow menu), Android system, and finally choosing App notifications.

There are also a number of performance and bug fixes that make the Android 8.0 Oreo the most efficient version of the OS yet.
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