The new Android 8.0 Oreo operating system is already available on several Google mobile devices, such as Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Pixel C, Pixel and Pixel XL. However, several non-Google brand smartphones will likely have to wait several months before updating to the latest mobile operating system.

Samsung is famous for dragging its feet when it comes to updating its latest smartphones to the latest mobile operating system. However, the South Korean tech company has kicked off its Android 8.0 Oreo beta program for its Galaxy S8 series.

Android Beta Program

According to SamMobile, the tech company is developing a software version of the Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, which are G950FXXE1ZQI7 and G955FXXU1ZQI7 respectively. The S8 series will likely be the tech company’s first smartphones to run on the latest mobile operating system. However, Samsung has yet to announce the official release date of the software update.

Samsung started the Nougat beta program for its Galaxy S7 series back in November 2016 and ended in December. The full version of the Android Nougat was launched to the devices earlier this year. Nonetheless, the software update for the S8 series might arrive much sooner.

The software Beta Program of the S8 and the S7 may be different due to the new Project Treble initiative of the search engine giant.

They aim to release the software updates to smartphones faster by detaching the stock Android software from the manufacturers’ software customizations. No one can tell how the Project Treble will affect the beta testing of the smartphone manufacturers. However, if manufacturers execute it properly, Galaxy S8 users will upgrade to Android Oreo before January of next year.

Features of the new mobile operating system

Google released the Android 8.0 Oreo mobile device OS last month. The software update comes along with a number of features, such as more fluid experiences for handset users, and extended battery life. There is faster booting time and the latest security patches through Google Play Protect (automatically inspects malicious programs inside all the apps installed on the handset.

According to Trusted Reviews, Android Oreo’s picture-in-picture feature allows device users to do tasks simultaneously. The software update also brings improved Smart Text Selection, more power to Google Assistant, Wi-Fi Awareness, redesigned music controls and improved Notification Dots.