Google Continues its Sweet Tradition: Android Oreo Unveiled

After months of speculation and rumors, Google finally unveiled name of newest version of Android. Android O is now officially Android Oreo. Continuing its tradition of naming the operating system in an alphabetical order after a popular candy or sweet, Oreo seems to be a natural choice. This highly anticipated update is a topic of discussion in the Android community, namely Android developers and Android app development companies.

Video Courtesy: Android

Just like in past Google had teamed up with Nestlé and Hershey’s for Android 4.4 KitKat, Google partnered with Oreo’s maker, Mondelez. Terming this as a “pure co-branding partnership,” Google did not pay the famous cookie’s maker, Mondelēz money to use the name, said company spokesperson. Mondelez mentioned in a news release that it will partner with Google on a “variety of global initiatives designed to create innovative, playful experiences for both OREO and Android fans.”

On the launch of Android Oreo, Google unveiled a statue of the newest dessert-themed update in Manhattan on Monday, just as the eclipse’s high point started trailing off. For the first time Google revealed the next Android statue in location other than its Mountain View, California, headquarters. The unveiling was across the street from the Chelsea Market, where the original Nabisco factory was located. That’s where the first Oreo was invented.

Even with the launch of Oreo, Android “fragmentation” continues to be one of the biggest problems that continues to plaque Android developers. The operating system comes with hardware and carrier partners and getting everyone to stay updated to the most current version is a daunting task for Google.

Here is a quick run through Android Oreo Functionality

Enhanced Speed and Security:

Android Oreo mainly focuses on battery life, speed and security providing greater control of apps. Slowly following the footsteps of arch-rival Apple’s iOS, Android Oreo provides greater restrictions to what apps can do in the background. These restrictions have significantly improved battery life under the doze feature that puts unused apps to sleep when phone is not being used, waking them up only when there is a demand. The focus is all about a longer battery life without the need to uninstall apps or change usage behaviour, with Android automatically preventing apps from draining the phone’s battery in the background.

Picture-in-picture

With Android Oreo you can continue a video call from Duo or watch a video started in Chrome with the picture-in-picture mode. It is extremely simple and easy-to-use by just tapping on the home button when the video is playing and Oreo takes care of the rest. Picture-in-picture display – also known as PIP – is coming to phones and tablets, so you can continue watching a video while, for instance, answering a chat in another app.

Smart Text Select

Now there is no need to fiddle with text selection tools. Google is adding smart text select to Android Oreo. Basically, Oreo will identify information like addresses or phone numbers on its own. Double-tap the text to auto-highlight text to be copied or simply use the new app shortcut next to the Copy button to speed up the interaction.

Scanning Apps for Safety

Google is taking giant steps to increase security measures throughout Android Oreo. Google has decided with Android Oreo to keep your phone secure more visible. In the apps and games screen, a small card appears to let you know that it’s scanning all your apps to ensure apps don’t harm your device. Scanning over 50 billion apps per day, even the ones not yet installed to keep your device and data safe.

Autofill

Android Oreo brings the ability to have apps auto-fill user information like user names, passwords and addresses. Apps can now implement the Autofill API so the interaction should be much more seamless.

Conclusion

Android Oreo update will be available by year end on devices from handset makers including Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Essential, General Mobile, Huawei, HTC, Kyocera, LG, and Motorola. For Google devices like the Pixel phone, Nexus 5X and 6P, the update will start rolling out in phases “soon.” Google is pushing Android Oreo out of developer preview/public beta and to its Open Source Project.

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Albert Smith

Albert Smith, Marketing Manager at Hidden Brains, drives brand growth with innovative strategies in web, mobile app, and software development.