Android Oreo is the name of the current version of Google’s mega-popular mobile operating system that’s available now for select devices.
In terms of feature highlights, Oreo focuses primarily on speed and efficiency. For Google’s phones updated to Android 8.0, another name for Oreo, boot time is cut nearly in half, and we’ve seen phones from other manufacturers speeding up, too. Additionally, the operating system update tackles pesky background activity that drains your battery and your data plan.
While it skimps on new visual changes, Oreo packs in some useful design tweaks, like picture-in-picture (PiP) mode for multitasking with the likes of YouTube, Hangouts and others, as well as notification dots that give you a colorful nudge to check out your notifications.
Since Android Oreo 8.1 has launched, there are even more extra features to check out, making the upgrade to Google’s latest mobile OS version all the more tempting for those who don’t have a supported phone.
AR Stickers, available for Pixel phones, injects even more fun into the stock camera app. Check out our in-depth article to see if and how augmented reality changes the game.
The final tentpole feature introduced in 8.1 for developers is the Visual Core. This Pixel 2-exclusive software and hardware function has been awakened, which works to improve HDR+ to make the already-great photo capabilities of the Pixel 2 even better.
Head to the next page to read more about the best features coming with the Android Oreo update. But first, check out which phones are compatible with the software.
Not seeing your current phone, or the one that’s on your wishlist? Don’t fret just yet, as Google itself has confirmed that the Oreo update will hit devices from many popular manufacturers soon, including Essential, General Mobile, HMD Global Home of Nokia Phones, Huawei, HTC, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp and Sony.
