Google Android 8.0 Oreo officially announced: Here are the top features

Google Android 8.0 Oreo, the next version of the mobile OS has been officially announced for the world. Google announced the Android Oreo name, which had been leaked earlier, at an event in New York, and this coincided with US total Solar Eclipse event. Android 8.0 brings a host of improvements and new features to Android including Picture-in-Picture mode, better battery optimization and more. Here’s a quick look on what is new in Android Oreo 8.0 and when should users expect it on their smartphones.

When will Android 8.0 or Android Oreo available for my phone?

As Google says they have been developing Android 8.0 Oreo for more than a year, and the beta version has been out for months of developer, user testing. Google’s blogpost says, “We’re pushing the sources to Android Open Source Project (AOSP) for everyone to access today.” It adds that Pixel, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P builds have entered carrier testing and they will start rolling out in phases over the next few weeks. Pixel C and Nexus Player will also get the build.

Those who running Android O beta on their Pixel, Nexus smartphones should have already got the final version of the software today. The files can be downloaded and flashed manually.

Google says it is working with Essential, Huawei, HTC, Kyocera, Motorola, HMD Global (aka the Nokia phones) Samsung, Sharp and Sony and these will be launching, upgrading new devices to Android 8.0 Oreo soon. Now HMD Global has already revealed they will be one of the first to roll out Android O and are already deep in development of the new OS. For most other smartphone users, the wait for Android O will be long, given that is the trend we’ve seen for most other versions of Android.

What new features are coming to Android O?

• 2x faster to boot up
• Minimises background app activity
• Autofill remembers app logins
• Picture in Picture lets you see two apps at once
• Notification dots quickly show you what's new, and can be swiped off screen
• Android Instant Apps launch within your browser with no installation
• Google Play Protect scans apps to keep your device and data safe
• Improved battery life
• Redesigned emoji library with more than 60 new emoji