Android Oreo: The New Cookie In Town

The official name of the latest Android system update has been announced as Android Oreo and was launched on August 21st along with the solar eclipse! This newest version of Google’s mobile operating system will arrive on devices by the end of the year. The name sticks with the tradition of naming each different version of Android after a treat and follows Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow and Nougat.

The vice president of Product Management, Sameer Samat has described the operating system as “smarter, faster and more powerful than ever.” The beta program participants will receive the update first followed by the Google Pixel and Nexus handsets. The final version of Android 8 Oreo has already been pushed out to the Android Open Source Project.

The Oreo update will introduce brand new functionality and ‘vitals’ to Android smartphones and tablets. Along with battery improvements, the new OS will also include security improvements such as Google Play Protect which is an anti malware feature that alerts the users of the presence of malicious apps on the phone. It also includes improvements like background limits for apps, Bluetooth audio improvements and other important changes in vital system behavior for apps built for Oreo.

The update will also feature user facing additions such as a new “picture-in-picture” mode that lets some apps run in a small corner of the screen.

One of the biggest updates in the new OS will be the addition of notification dots which neatly bundle certain alerts together depending on subject matter. Along with the redesigned Android emoji, Google has introduced 60 new emojis, a new look for media notifications and the quick settings menu, a redesigned settings menu, adaptive icons, notification channels and the Octopus Easter egg.

The final version of Android 8 is a much more stable version of the four developer previews launched throughout the year. The Android superhero themed statue of an Android Oreo mascot wearing a cape was unveiled across the street from the Chelsea Market. The original Nabisco factory was located here where the first Oreo was invented. Android has previously teamed up with Nestle and Hershey’s for their 4.4 KitKat upgrade making this their second collaboration!