Although Google has been providing beta previews for Android 8.0 since Google I/O earlier this summer, it had yet to be given an official name aside from simply “Android O”. In typical Android fashion, Google revealed yet another dessert-related name today for Android O: Android Oreo.
Taking full advantage of the hype surrounding today’s eclipse, Google teased that something was “touching down to Earth, bringing some super (sweet) new powers” just after the eclipse. As expected, that something was Android Oreo (in a somewhat underwhelming livestream reveal, I might add, although the new statue looks neat).
Android Oreo marks the 8th major version of the mobile platform, and mostly involves quality-of-life updates including (but not limited to):
- Emoji redesign
- 2x faster boot-up speed
- Notification “Dots”
- Picture-in-Picture
- Improvements for camera performance
- Limited background app activity
- Battery improvements
- Minor tweaks for lock screen and notification menu – slight font changes, space conservation
- New “Teardrop” icon shape option
- Autofill
- Android Instant Apps
- Fluid experience – includes TensorFlow Lite, which brings TensorFlow AI features to mobile
- Intelligent text selection
- A focus on “Vitals” – security tools, OS optimizations, and tools for developers
- Font support for developers
- Revamped Settings menu
- Customizable navigation bar
- Google Play Protect – automatically scans for malware consistently
- Full details of Android O can be found here
It’s not yet clear whether Google with host any promotions with Oreo, but by using a brand name for this Android version, it very well might end up something like Android KitKat.
What are your thoughts on the new officially named Android O? Did you predict that Oreo would be the name, or were you hoping/expecting something different?