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Android 8 0 oreo what's new. What's new in Android O (8.0)

Android 8.0 Oreo, which was released on August 21st, is slowly gaining momentum in the market. Every year, the largest mobile operating systems (including iOS) receive updates that, albeit a little, make the process of using a smartphone more comfortable. The release of Android 8.0 was indeed expected by many, although most of its features were leaked long before the official release. The name was controversial until the very day of the presentation, but in the end we got the expected version of Oreo, named after the famous cookie. Today we would like to discuss what's new in Android 8.0 and take a look at the list of devices that will receive the update.

Android 8.0 is more stable, safer and more energy efficient

At first glance, a person who is not particularly interested in operating systems and technologies will not find the differences between Android Oreo. You just have to dig deeper. Now the mobile OS has nothing to surprise with - a couple of bright "chips" in the new version and that's it. The developers have focused on improving security and optimizing systems so that the user can fully enjoy working with the OS.

To make Android 8.0 faster, Google has been actively working to limit "gluttonous" programs that not only consume smartphone resources, but also significantly affect battery life. Involved new technology Doze and Doze that is smart about working with background applications limiting them. In addition, applications in Android 8.0 have become less likely to request access to other services, including geolocation. It's worth noting that Google apps that like to monitor their users will also be less likely to request your location information.

In general, in Android 8.0, the developers have tried to implement as many ideas as possible that will make the version fast, efficient and with a minimum of errors. Naturally, time will pass, there will be a couple of updates before the novelty is polished. As always.

Android 8.0 brings new icons and improved quick settings

For ordinary users who do not want to go into the details of each change, the visual changes will look more interesting. It is worth highlighting responsive dynamic icons. Familiar application icons, which were static in "pure" Android until now, have learned to move. Choose a visual effect and enjoy.

The ability to change the shape of the icons looks even more interesting. You yourself decide what shape the application icon will be: square, round. Moreover, in Android 8.0, the ability to completely change the appearance of the icon, and even system tools, is implemented. Google is getting closer to users every year, fulfilling our desires.

Here we note that the new version has more options for customizing the lock screen. Now you can not only change the background image, but also set the necessary buttons, as well as their position.

A little change awaits us in the notification curtain (about the notifications themselves a little later) Android 8.0, where the panel is located quick settings... However, you will not find important innovations here. The developer just tried to improve a little on what, in principle, is already well done.

New notification system in Android Oreo

The most interesting for many users will be. It actually gets tweaks every year - Google won't come to a consensus. Android 8.0 gives the user even more control over notifications. Special channels (classes) have been added that allow you to split notifications from different applications into categories. The control panel will become cleaner, and it will become more comfortable to work with messages from various programs and games.

Be that as it may, we believe that it will not be possible to use the notification channels in Android Oreo to the full right away. Initially only Google services will be able to boast that they will be divided into categories, the rest of the application, for the first time, will probably find a refuge in the "Miscellaneous" class.

Added in Android 8.0 a kind of silence mode, thanks to which you can postpone notifications from applications for a specified period of time (15, 30, 60 minutes). Naturally, you can completely disable notifications from specific applications.

It is very interesting, as we think, the indicators of new notifications on application icons look. A counter appeared next to the icons in Android 8.0, which will show the number of notifications from a specific program. The innovation turned out to be quite useful for many active users, who now only need to look at the application to understand how many new messages have arrived.

Changed settings menu and picture-in-picture in Android 8.0

Completely redesigned settings menu in a new Android version... By the way, Google annually makes noticeable changes to the settings interface. Perhaps we will finally get the perfect one. In Android 8.0, the settings menu has become more organized, understandable and user-friendly. For each function or characteristic of the device, a separate general category has appeared, inside which several smaller subcategories are hidden. Everything looks good, although at first it will not be very convenient.

We have not forgotten about the technology picture in picture (PiP), which appeared in Android 8.0 Oreo. Initially, it was used in television, but it has also moved to smartphones with an increasing screen diagonal. Picture-in-picture technology is a mode when (in the case of TVs) two TV channels are displayed simultaneously (the second is in the form of a small window in the corner). On smartphones with Android 8.0, the technology will be able to work simultaneously with two applications, which will increase productivity. It is somewhat reminiscent of the split screen mode that appeared in Android Nougat.

Other changes in Android 8.0

But this is not all the innovations of Android Oreo. What else did the developers present in the new version of the OS:

Autocomplete. Hate to enter your username and password? Android 8.0 introduces support for auto-filling forms throughout the system.
Fingerprint scanner capabilities. The new version has seriously worked on expanding the number of gestures that can be used with the fingerprint scanner.
Kotlin support. New language programming that is laconic and safe, which Java cannot boast to the same extent. Especially this innovation of Android 8.0 will be of interest to developers.
New emoji.

List of devices that will receive the update to Android 8.0 Oreo

Already in September-October 2017, they will receive the long-awaited Android 8.0 firmware. It is clear that among them will be the flagships of Google itself, as well as large companies who are actively cooperating with the developer of the operating system.

Pixel and Nexus

So, in the forefront are the Nexus and. Will definitely receive an update to Android 8.0 Nexus 5X and 6P. It will be the last for them - the life cycle of these devices is coming to an end. The entire Pixel lineup will receive new version(presumably in October, Google will unveil the second generation Pixel, which will be released immediately with Android 8.0).

Samsung

At the end of 2017 (beginning of 2018), owners of flagship smartphones will be able to download Android 8.0. Will receive Galaxy update S7, S8, Note 8, mid-range devices introduced in 2017 (A, J, C). Most likely won't upgrade to Android Oreo Samsung Galaxy S6, as well as mid-budget smartphones of yesteryear.

Lg

This Korean company will likely start updating its smartphones as early as fall 2017. Of course, the flagships are in the queue for the update, taking the first places. Similarly, the new version of Android will receive its simplified versions (Q6, Q6a), the V line will not remain without an update, as well as last year's flagship G5.

Htc

The manufacturer has assured that the latest flagship HTC U11 will be updated to Android 8.0 Oreo by the end of 2017. Already at the beginning of 2018, we should expect a new version on U Ultra, U Play, Desire 10, HTC 10 and some other smartphones. Probably, HTC will be one of the first companies, whose smartphones will receive the coveted G8.

Nokia

HMD, which now owns the Nokia brand, has long since announced a close partnership with Google, which has made its smartphones one of the first to update the operating system. Any Nokia owner can download Android 8.0 Oreo. System updates should be expected in late 2017 (early 2018).

Oneplus

Can't brag yet a large number released smartphones, however, each of them regularly receives system updates. Android 8.0 in early 2018 will be able to boast OnePlus 3 / 3T, as well as OnePlus 5. For the first two, probably Last update OS.

Sony and Motorola

Closer to 2018, the devices of these two companies will start receiving updates to Android 8.0. Among the first are the flagships of recent times.

Huawei

A lot Huawei smartphones in winter they will start receiving updates to Android 8.0. The company announced a few months ago that it was working on optimizing its own shell for the new version of the OS. The list of devices is quite extensive. Naturally, it includes the latest flagships / P10 Lite / P10 Plus, as well as the Mate 9. Most likely, the Honor 8/9 will be updated, as well as the Nova 2. The latest from the budget lines Y3, Y5 and Y7 will also receive a version.

Xiaomi

Owners smartphones Xiaomi not to see an update, most likely until the beginning of 2018. Perhaps, the new version will present the new items of the fall, but it's hard to believe in it. The update will be Mi 6, possibly Mi 5S. Android 8.0 will not be left without the Max line of phablets, as well as the flagship Mi Note 2. We hope that the Redmi line will also get Android Oreo in 2018.

The list is regularly updated by other companies as well. We can say with confidence that there will be no updates for old smartphones and budget-level solutions. There will probably be no updates for little-known device models. Here we can only hope for custom Android firmware 8.0, which will begin to appear in the next month or two. We wait.

Conclusion

Android 8.0 looks pretty interesting, although this version did not make a splash in the mobile OS market. Google simply fixes the shortcomings of previous versions by adding useful functions that the user is waiting for. Oreo is just beginning to spread, so it's too early to make a final verdict. Let's see how the new version of the system will show itself at least on a couple of devices.

Oreo is the official name of the Android 8.0 mobile operating system, the official release of which took place on August 21, the day. As you know, Google names each successive large-scale Android update in honor of some sweetness, and does it strictly in alphabetical order. For example, the previous version, Android 7.x, was called Nougat. True, in most cases, marketers used common names, while Oreo is a brand of cookies with a cream filling, the rights to which belong to the confectionery factory Nabisco. But this approach is not new, just remember Android 4.4 KitKat, whose name was borrowed from a chocolate bar manufactured by Nestle.

Android 8.0 Oreo sources are already available in Android's Open Source Platform (AOSP), as for the Pixel and Nexus 5X / 6P smartphones, as well as the Pixel C tablet and the Nexus Player, the new firmware for them is in the final stage of testing and will be released soon time. The timing of updates for devices from other manufacturers, as usual, will largely depend on the promptness of the manufacturers themselves.

What new will the owners of smartphones and tablets see after their gadgets receive Android 8.0 Oreo? One of the most notable innovations is Notification Dots, or notification dots. Its essence boils down to the fact that to read the notifications of an application without launching it, just hold your finger on its shortcut.

If during the video playback it was necessary to perform any other actions on the smartphone, then it is not necessary to interrupt the viewing. You can use the Picture-in-Picture function, which reduces the size of an image and fits it in the corner of the screen. Currently, only a few programs can work in this mode, but in the future it will probably be supported by all players and instant messengers with video chats.

Speaking of chats: for lovers of non-verbal communication in the virtual space in Android 8.0 Oreo, all existing emojis were redrawn and 60 new ones were added. Another change concerning the interface is a simpler structure of the settings menu, in which it became faster to find the desired items.

The phone itself loads faster - according to the developers, the launch speed on the Pixel smartphone has doubled. At the same time, the background activity of applications was limited, which should positively affect the duration autonomous work devices.

We also worked on security: the function appeared Google play Protect, which automatically scans applications and the rest of the system. Plus, Google Play Protect helps you find your device if it's lost.

Other innovations include autofilling usernames and passwords for applications, enabled by default support for Instant Apps (the ability to run programs without installing them), adaptive shortcuts and Smart Text Selection, which can distinguish between phone numbers, email addresses, etc. ...

At the Google I / O 2017 event, Good Corporation revealed details about the upcoming update of the Android operating system. The new Android O (which is supposed to be version 8.0) will be a significant update for every user in many ways. Android O will fix many of the shortcomings of the G7 and previous versions of the Green Robot.

Picture-in-picture and minor improvements

The Android O operating system will finally fulfill the desire of many fans to watch videos on YouTube - a full-fledged picture-in-picture mode will appear. With it, the video can be minimized into a small window that appears on top of all other programs. The mode is relevant for applications other than YouTube. Most likely, everything related to watching a video can be minimized, but the developers will have to add support for this feature to the application. To close the video window, just swipe it off the desktop.

Icon notifications- a familiar feature for most mobile operating systems. It has even been implemented in many Android launchers. But only in the eighth version of its platform Google decided to add them to the standard version of the OS. The small dot in the upper right corner of the desktop icon is colored in accordance with the icon, but does not show the number of notifications. By long pressing the icon, you can view the notification itself. When you swipe from the notification panel, the dot automatically disappears from the icon.

Google AutoFill- an advanced system for remembering passwords. At the presentation, a company representative showed how the system remembered the data account Twitter from the browser and moved this to the application - the username and password can be entered much less often.

Android O employs machine learning and advanced artificial intelligence to help be productive with text v e-mail and on web pages. For example, such a system recognizes addresses and completely selects them by double tap, and also immediately offers to go to Google maps... The same is true for names of people, names of organizations, phone numbers, and more. All of this is integrated with system applications.

Faster, stronger, more powerful

As in the case of Android 7.0, in the new version of the OS, the developers have done a lot of cleaning "under the hood". Performance and overall speed have been significantly improved again. The official presentation says that Android O loads twice as fast as Android 7.0.

It will be easier for app developers to recognize what is consuming the most battery in their creation. Thus, Google hopes that many people will better optimize their programs and the total runtime in Android O will increase significantly. Also, the system debuts a special algorithm for limiting the operation of applications in the background. It is similar to iOS, where the operating system tries to prevent "zhor" random access memory and processor performance.

Android 7.0 vs Android O performance comparison
based on benchmarks with real use cases

The overall smoothness and speed of application execution are greatly improved. All thanks to the big transformations in the code.

New emoji style

The appearance of the emoji in pure Android was not the most beautiful. These droplets with faces are already very fed up, so Google decided to update the style. Now emojis in Android O are more like emojis in iOS, but without the glossy touch.

Also, this emoji style is more like emoji in social networks, so Google has come to some kind of unity.

Interface changes

Android O brings several minor interface changes. This is how they look:

Quick settings panel in the upper "curtain" received a gray background. Some icons have been moved to another location. For example, the name cellular operator is now on the top left, the settings button is on the bottom right, and the current date is on the bottom left.

Pixel Launcher got the opportunity change the shape of icons... They can be made not only round, but also square or rounded with straight sides, as well as in the form of “droplets” from MeeGo and Symbian.

By long pressing on the icon, you can get access to widgets and quickly place them on your desktop.

Many new software features battery management... In the "Battery" column of the settings menu, there are now directly related items: adaptive brightness control, screen sleep time, charge percentage display and power saving mode. The column with the list of the most gluttonous applications indicates the time during which the programs consumed a certain percentage of the charge. Background limiter and battery optimizer can be activated for each program.

On August 21, 2017, the long-awaited presentation of the new operating system from Google took place. The platform got a catchy name - Android 8.0 Oreo. The event took place on the day of the solar eclipse, which is quite symbolic. You can download the new version right now, but first let's talk about what innovations users will see by installing the latest Android.

What's new?

Some sources are inclined to believe that it would be more appropriate to call the Android 7.5 update, they say, there are not so many innovations. However, we will list the main points that can please smartphone owners. So, briefly about the main thing:

increased speed of work in comparison with predecessors;
higher degree of protection reliability;
improved technologies using artificial intelligence - Google Assistant;
improvement of technologies virtual reality;
extended spectrum in colors;
classic Android apps are optimized;
the developer has added BluetoothCodec - LDAC, created by Sony, so that the audio is reproduced in the best quality.

Key features

And now for a more detailed one Android overview 8.0 Oreo. From now on, applications that previously "hung" in the background discharging the smartphone will be suppressed. Google Developers intend to eradicate this obsessive problem. We are talking about broadcasts, help services and navigation system that updates the location of the device.

The "shutter" of the quick settings panel slightly changes its appearance. At the very beginning, smartphone users will see interface icons that are of paramount importance. Turn on Wi-Fi, mobile data, flashlight, Bluetooth connection, mute the system, followed by additional elements. Here we note that in Android 8 users can customize the notification category, enable quiet mode for 15, 30 or 60 minutes.

The PiP mode appears - this means picture in picture. Thanks to this feature, it becomes possible to run several applications at the same time - send emails by e-mail and watch a movie, chat and read articles in the browser at the same time.

By setting new firmware Android 8.0 Oreo, you will notice that the fingerprint scanner has begun to recognize different touches. For example, the sensor now recognizes swipes vertically and horizontally, at the same time a long or short tap works perfectly. This technology was originally supported by the Google Pixel and Pixel XL phones.

Smartphone on Android system 8 boots up to 2 times faster than devices on the lower generation OS. However, overall productivity is improving. This is especially noticeable for those who often come across an application such as Google Sheets. This program works twice as efficiently.

You can customize shortcuts on the lock screen, especially when you need to quickly open desired application... The setting is done manually. Thanks to the AdobeRGB and ProPhoto profiles on Pixel smartphones with Amoled matrices, you can achieve a better color gamut display with Android 8.0.

List of devices that will receive Android 8.0 Oreo

First of all, Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones will be updated to Oreo, and with them the flagship tablets Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X. Asus has already confirmed that its ZenFone 4 and ZenFone 3 smartphones will receive a system update in Q3 2018.

The BlackBerry maker has yet to announce when Android 8 will be installed on its smartphones, but it can be assumed that in 2018 the KeyOne model will be able to update to latest version OS. By the fourth quarter of 2017 and the beginning of 2018, the HTC U Ultra, HTC U Play and HTC 10 models, as well as other advanced models, are expected to be updated.

Chinese Meizu voiced only three representatives of their lineup- MeizuMx 5, Meizu M3 and Meizu M2 Note - these phones will support Android 8. HMD Global intends to bring to the latest OS Nokia models 8, 6, 5 and 3.

The Chinese Xiaomi have distributed their smartphones across the Russian Federation and the CIS, therefore, our reader may be interested in which smartphone models will support the Oreo update. So, this is Xiaomi Mi 6, Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 (Upcoming), Xiaomi Redmi Pro 2 (Upcoming), Xiaomi Mi 5s, Xiaomi Redmi Note 4, Xiaomi Mi Max, Xiaomi Mi 5s Plus, Xiaomi Mi Note 2 and Xiaomi Mi Mix.

Of course, one cannot fail to note Samsung, because these are the foremost Android-based ones. The update is expected to be available for flagship Galaxy devices S8, S8 + and Note 8, as well as the previous generation S7. Together with them, the A7, A5, A3, J7, J5 models of 2017 will also be updated.

How to install?

Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, along with relatively new models of Nexus tablets, will be able to update without fail. But how do you install the firmware on a third-party device? Let's figure it out!

We recommend visiting the XDA-Dev forum, where the list of unofficial Android 8.0 firmware is regularly updated. Already, you can install the new OS on smartphones OnePlus, Sony, Google, Samsung, Lenovo, HTC, Asus, Motorola and other manufacturers. For each model, instructions for installing a new generation system open, features and possible complications that the downloaded file can cause are described.

We warn you that the unofficial assembly of Android 8.0 may work with deviations, or it will not want to be installed at all, which will entail irreversible consequences. If you already have experience self installation Android systems without an official update, you can try.

If it takes too long to wait for an update over the air via Wi-Fi, then test new system Android Oreo is available in beta via the Developer Preview. Advanced fans of the Android platform who are able to roll back the system if “something goes wrong” can try installing a new firmware via the Preview tool. Not a Pixel or Nexus user? Then we recommend the Android Studio tool for installation. Happy testing!

Installing Android 8.0 Firmware

Now it's even easier to update and install your smartphone or tablet operating system to the latest version. Now, to install a new firmware, just download Android 8.0 from our website, follow the instructions from the downloaded archive, download and install the application on your smartphone or tablet with the Android operating system.

Like last year, Google has released a preview of the new Android O in public access so that Android developers can familiarize themselves with the new features of the firmware. This year, the preview came out on March 21, a full two weeks later than last year. At the time of the announcement, the firmware is available for the following devices: Google pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X and Nexus Player. In this article, we have collected the main features, improvements and all the new features that are available in the new Android 8.

Android O release schedule

The final release of Android O is scheduled for the third quarter of 2017. Google has already shared a roadmap for the release of the following preview versions:

the second in the middle of May
third in mid-June
fourth in mid-July
final version - autumn 2017

The public version of Android 8.0 will be available for supported Pixel, Nexus and Android One devices sometime in Q3, most likely in late August or early September.

Notification shade

When you swipe down on the screen, you will be taken to the familiar notification shade and will see the first visual changes in Android O. The row of six toggles at the top now takes up a little more screen space, and there is a slight change in the order of the toggle switches, compared to Android N. The new, laconic font for the date and time allows this information to take up less space, which is very convenient, since more labels are now visible in the status bar.

As for the notifications themselves, they look exactly the same as in Android Nougat, the quick view and response are also still there. If you have several notifications in the curtain, then when you minimize it, you will notice how large notification labels turn into small ones and line up in a horizontal line. When you open the curtain again, the small labels will again unfold into large labels of standard sizes.

Working with notifications

When it comes to handling notifications, there are some familiar things and new options. If you click on a notification a few times, you will see a special toggle that allows you to turn off all notifications from that app. It is convenient, you can immediately get rid of annoying updates. Swiping on the notification to the side opens two points for us: go to the settings of all notifications and postpone this notification for a few minutes - 15, 30, 60.

Quick settings

When you open the quick settings screen in the Android O shade, you will see the same color scheme as Google android Nougat. Looking at the quick menu google settings changed some basic things. In Android O, quick settings like Wi-Fi, LTE, Bluetooth, Do Not Disturb Mode have a double function, depending on the tap. If you just click on the icon, you just activate the function. A long tap on it will open additional mini settings menu. As in the past, Android, you can edit the list of quick settings, for example, add a flashlight and other useful functions to the notification shade.

Counters on app shortcuts in Android O

Finally, Android O adds built-in support for counters for app icons. This is a small shortcut that shows missed letters or calls right on the application icon of almost any phone. Apparently this google solution borrowed from iOS. Of course, you can completely control them with a toggle switch in the notification settings of individual apps.

New settings menu

In the "Settings" menu in operating system Android O has a lot of visual changes. For starters, it's worth noting the new color scheme: both Pixel and Nexus devices get a black and white color scheme, albeit with slightly different shades. The settings menu itself has also been slightly rethought. How it looks now in Android 8 - see the screenshot below. The hamburger menu dropdown navigation icon for has been removed in this developer preview.

The main change in Android O is that the Settings menu is much shorter than in Android N and no longer has categories like “ wireless networks and networks ”,“ device ”,“ personal settings ”and“ system ”. Instead, Android O has more detailed sections that cover a wider range of topics such as "networks and the Internet", "connected devices", "apps and notifications", and "protecting and locking the screen." The menu has become more logical and understandable in our humble opinion.

Most of the subsections in the Settings menu have also been redesigned visually. A whole bunch of things have now moved to the "System" subsection, including languages and input, date and time, updates, about the phone, and settings Reserve copy... Basically, all the settings from the original Nougat are still here, but you'll have to look around a bit.

System UI-Tuner

As with Nougat, you can enable System UI Tuner to customize some things in Android 8 according to your personal preferences. To enable UI Tuner, swipe to the notification screen or quick settings and long-tap the settings gear icon. You will see how it rotates and feel vibration, then the option will be added to the Settings menu.

Updated status bar

In Android O, System UI Tuner is now located in the following path under Settings> System. It contains four areas (on this moment): status bar, do not disturb, navigation bar and lock screen. The status bar still contains a list of toggles for enabling or disabling the shortcuts you see in the status bar, so you can remove the Bluetooth or hotspot icons from there if desired.

But the option to display the battery percentage inside the battery icon, which was in the System UI Tuner in Nougat, is no longer available. Activating the Always Show Percentage feature in Android O will constantly show the battery percentage in the status bar, but it will be located next to the battery icon, just like in quick settings. Not inside.

Do Not Disturb Mode

The Do Not Disturb feature simply offers two toggles: one to enable Do Not Disturb mode under the volume slider, and the other to add a volume button shortcut. To activate this mode when you press the volume down button.

Navigation bar

The next update is the navigation bar, which adds a bunch of interesting options to Android O. There is a display pattern option that allows you to choose between normal, compact, left or right fade shortcuts to the edge (useful for devices with large screens).

You can also add additional buttons to the left and right of the traditional on-screen navigation buttons. You can choose for example the clipboard or keyboard switcher. The "Clipboard" button allows you to save something to the clipboard and then simply drag it from the button in the navigation bar anywhere you want. This is a very handy feature for working with text, copying phone numbers and other frequently copied pasted elements.

Lock screen

The lock screen in Android 8 looks the same as in Android 7, but with the System UI Tuner you can tweak and customize it a bit. Instead of labels in the bottom left and right corners ( voice assistant and camera), you can change them to whatever you want. This is a cool feature and one of the most useful in Android O. The Ambient Display has also been overhauled. Now, in addition to the clock on a dimmed screen, you can surprise with more information from applications.

Easter eggs and minor changes in Android O

Tapu game on Android version - still the same as in Android Nougat
The Downloads app is gone, now it's just called Files
The "Memory" section is now included in the developer's included
If you are registered in the beta program, you will constantly receive an update notification to return to the stable version of Android N

Picture-in-picture function

Like Android TV, Android O will provide full support picture-in-picture mode. Something similar has long been implemented in Android YouTube app... When the firmware is released officially, developers of other applications will be able to give the opportunity to also play videos in their programs in a small window. Android O will support custom controls such as pause and play, and developers will be able to set their preferred aspect ratio for this window.

Audio

Sony donated their LDAC codec to Google for inclusion in Android O. This means that if you have an LDAC equipped Bluetooth headphone, you will get much best quality sound from a smartphone on Android 8.0. But the fun isn't just limited to LDAC, Android O also has support for aptX and aptX HD, as well as SBC and AAC. There are also settings for audio sampling rate and bits per sample, plus the system adds its own AAudio API for applications requiring high fidelity audio.

Notification channels

They are not yet widespread in Android O, but notification channels are a way for an app to split its notifications into different themes, which you can allow or block individually. So instead of having to choose between receiving dozens of notifications from Twitter every day, or even removing them altogether, notification channels allow you to skip the fast message reply channel, but block likes and retweets.

You can manage them right on the fly by making a long tap on the application notification in the notification shade or via separate sections apps and notifications in the settings menu.

Installing applications from unknown sources

To install apps from any source before Google Play, you just had to configure your security settings and enable “ unknown sources". But in Android O, everything has changed. You must now also grant permission to the app you are using to download the APK.

For example, if you want to download APK apps through Chrome, you will first be prompted to grant Chrome permission to install other apps through “trusted apps from this source” to switch to a dedicated section for accessing apps and notifications settings. However, you only need to do this once for each application, and you can also check this at any time.

Limitations of background processes

Android O will severely restrict background processes to conserve battery power on your phone. Recently, Google has been increasingly optimizing Android and limiting battery and CPU usage. You, as advanced users, will be asked to choose which applications will run in the background and which will not.

Responsive icons

This is the feature we liked the most. Responsive icons are like this google way say that we are about to bring workers Android screens to a uniform style and appearance... Again, just like in iOS. Android O provides application developers with several form templates for each icon that adapt to the device it is displayed on. So if the default app icon shape for your phone is rounded, then this is what you will see with all other apps.

Autocomplete API

The autocomplete APIs in Android O simply help apps manage passwords and form data better than they do. previous versions Android. As Google notes on its blog, “Users will be able to select an autocomplete application, similar to how they select an application on a keyboard. The auto-complete application saves and protects user data such as addresses, usernames and even passwords. " We'll have to wait a bit until app developers are fully prepared to use the Autofill API in Android 8.0, but it's worth it.

Wide range of colors for applications

Android developers will now be able to take full advantage of devices with wide color gamut screens. Android O adds support for "wideband color for apps," which is very similar to HDR but actually provides an even wider gamut of supported colors for app developers.

As Google notes in a blog post, “Developers of Android imaging applications can now take advantage of new devices with wide color display AdobeRGB, Pro Photo RGB, DCI-P3, and more.

Other innovations

Android O also adds support for fonts, so application developers can define the style and "weight" of the font. The main thing is that it is used correctly in programs and that colorful fonts do not annoy users.

The Wi-Fi Awareness feature allows the device to either Android application O Interact with other devices and apps in the vicinity of Wi-Fi without requiring an actual internet connection. Also, the Android Run-Time (ART) responsible for handling your apps has some important points optimization.

conclusions

From what we see in the preview of Android O, one thing can be said - Android is evolving and developing. Compared to Android 7, new android 8 still brings more cosmetic improvements: this and new design settings menu and "adaptive shortcuts" of applications and more. I really liked the function of managing notifications, now you can really deal with them and customize everything to your needs and receive only important notifications. How do you like the update - was it successful or not? Tell us what you think of Androd O in the comment!

Based on materials from sites Android Authority and Android Central