After months of speculations and rumors, Google officially announced the Android O as the Android 8.0 Oreo. The software update comes along with new features, such as faster boot times, Picture in Picture mode and revamped Google Now, among others.
Last week, the search engine giant launched Android 8.0 Oreo’s final version to those mobile devices which were enrolled in its Android beta program. Nonetheless, it appears that the update roll out will expand to other smartphones.
Verizon Communications made it known that its Pixel and Pixel XL mobile devices have started receiving the latest Android update.
The telecommunications company claimed that the Android 8.0 Oreo update to Google Pixel and Pixel XL bumps both mobile devices to build number OPR6.170623.012, and will have all the update’s features, according to 9to5 Google.
Always-on display feature
Nonetheless, Android Authority pointed out that the most notable feature of the Android 8.0 Oreo in Google’s Pixel devices is the always-on display. The update’s release notes revealed that this particular feature would transition to ambient display mode when the smartphone users receive notifications.
This latest update will likely be available in phases through over-the-air programming (OTA), so it might take a while to reach a person’s handset.
If a person wants to check for the update manually, that person can head to their smartphone’s Settings, System, System updates and then Check for update.
However, Google has already provided the OTA download links for the software upgrade on its developer website. The company also posted Nexus and Pixel devices’ factory images to its public site.
This would allow smartphone users to download and install the new software upgrade before their carrier launches the Oreo update to their mobile devices. However, it should be noted that a person needs a technical knowledge to install the Android 8.0 Oreo.
Other smartphones to receive the software upgrade
HMD Global (the company who owns Nokia-branded handsets) and OnePlus company confirmed that their smartphones were on the list to receive Google’s latest Android mobile operating system.
OnePlus 3, OnePlus 3T and OnePlus 5 smartphones will be getting the Android Oreo. But, the new upgrade will be the final software update being launched to the OnePlus 3 and 3T smartphones. Meanwhile, HTC confirmed that the latest mobile operating system would roll out to their flagship smartphones - HTC U Ultra, HTC 10 and HTC U11.
