Google took advantage of the total Solar Eclipse in the U.S to launch the next major version of Android OS via a live stream in New York (19:50 BST). The eight release of the popular mobile OS – previously known as Android ‘O’ – will ‘from now on’ go by the name Android 8.0 Oreo (or simply Android Oreo).
Like Kitkat (Android 4.4) before it, Google has teamed up with a commercial brand, in this case with Nabisco to adopt the trademarked ‘Oreo’ cookie brand as the name of this release. As it does with every version, Google also revealed a traditional statue to go along: a superhero Android Oreo.
The latest version of Android focuses on security protections and speed improvements as well as greater control over apps and better battery life. It promises features like autofill, built-in Google Play protect, fully redesigned emoji set (including over 60 new ones), notification dots and picture-in-picture.
Android 8.0 Oreo also brings Project Treble – Google’s modularisation concept to deliver faster Android updates. The final build has been uploaded to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). It is expected to start rolling out in phases to the Pixel, Pixel C, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Nexus Player.
Devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program will also recieve the final version. Google’s OEM partners like Essential, General Mobile, HMD Global (Nokia), Huawei, HTC, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp and Sony are expected to launch new or upgrade exisiting smartphones with Android Oreo before the end of the year.
Source: Google Blog
