Android 8.0/8.1 Oreo

Overview:

Android 8.0, codenamed “Oreo,” was unveiled in August 2017. With Oreo, Google aimed to further refine the Android experience, introducing features that enhanced speed, efficiency, and user control. Oreo was designed to be smarter, faster, and more powerful than ever.

History:

Following the productivity and efficiency enhancements of Nougat, Google’s focus with Oreo was to further optimize the platform, ensuring faster boot times, limiting background activity, and offering users more control over notifications.

Changes:

Oreo introduced a variety of new features and improvements. Notably, the platform emphasized limiting background app activity to improve battery life and system performance. It also introduced adaptive icons and a more versatile picture-in-picture mode.

First devices to receive the update:

Google’s Pixel and Nexus devices were among the first to receive the Oreo update. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, launched later in 2017, also prominently featured Android Oreo.

Features:

Android 8.0/8.1 Oreo brought several key features:

Background Limits: Oreo placed limits on background app activity, aiming to improve battery life and system performance.
Picture-in-Picture Mode: Users could view videos in a small window while using other apps.
Notification Dots: App icons displayed dots to indicate pending notifications, offering a quick visual cue.
Adaptive Icons: Icons could adapt to different device themes and styles.
Autofill Framework: Oreo made it easier for password managers to auto-fill app logins.
Smart Text Selection: The platform could recognize entities like addresses and phone numbers, offering relevant actions.
Rescue Party: A feature designed to help recover devices stuck in boot loops.

User Experience:

Oreo aimed to provide a more streamlined and efficient user experience. Features like picture-in-picture mode and smart text selection added layers of convenience, while background limits ensured that devices remained snappy and battery-efficient.

Platform:

Building on the Linux kernel, Oreo continued Android’s open-source tradition. The platform was designed with versatility in mind, ensuring a consistent experience across a wide range of devices.

Security:

Oreo introduced several security enhancements. Google Play Protect was integrated, offering regular app scans to ensure device safety. The platform also introduced a more robust sandboxing system and enhanced web browsing security with the WebView feature running in multi-process mode.

Reception:

Android 8.0/8.1 Oreo was generally well-received. The focus on background limits and system optimization was particularly praised, addressing user concerns about battery life and device performance. Oreo showcased Android’s commitment to offering a modern, efficient, and user-friendly platform.