Android Oreo Officially Google’s Latest Software Update

Android Oreo officially arrives, but it isn’t on phones just yet.

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twZggnNbFqo

After months of waiting Google finally announced today next version of Android — previously known as Android O — will officially be going by the name of Android Oreo.

The use of an existing brand makes sense for Google here — there aren’t a ton of good “O” dessert foods out there, and Oreos are pretty much as universally beloved as a cookie can be. There’s also precedent for the partnership, as Google had previously teamed up with Nestlé and Hershey’s to call Android 4.4 KitKat.

Google also today showed off the official statue for the new Android OS, as it does with every new version. At a press event in New York City, which coincided with the total solar eclipse in the United States, Google unveiled a superhero-themed statue of an Android Oreo mascot with capes.

Android Oreo Features

Remember as was promised from Google I/O, Android Oreo brings feature updates including notification dots on app icons, picture-in-picture mode, Android Instant App compatibility, and an autofill tool to help quickly and securely enter passwords and other personal information. The OS will also limit background apps from overusing your device’s battery to help extend charge. But most controversially (in my opinion, anyway), the official arrival of Android Oreo marks the death of the blob emoji, with more than 60 redesigned versions replacing the flat-designed blob faces and animal emoji.

Android O also ships with more security features, including remote location, locking and wiping with Find My Device, and Google Play Protect, which scans for, detects and automatically deletes malicious apps on a daily basis.

The final version of Android Oreo will also roll out to those in the beta program today. For more information on how to download it to your device, check out Google’s blog for instructions. For everyone else waiting to receive OTA updates on their non-Google phones, get comfortable. The wait for wider rollouts begins.