Top 9 Android 8.0 Oreo Features
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Continuing the legacy of naming Android versions alphabetically and with a dessert's name, Google revealed that Android 8.0 will be called Android Oreo. Though the name is not surprising, recent 'reveals' mentioning that another name, Oatmeal Cookie, is also being discussed, created a hype around the name launch. Now that we know its name, let's jump into it and have a look at the new features it offers.
While nothing much has changed in terms of looks, there are many subtle yet useful changes under the hood. So, here are the best features, in no particular order.
Top Android 8.0 Oreo Features
Revamped Settings
Almost all Android OEMs have struggled to organize the Settings app. Since the last couple of years, they've been trying to change and make it more organized, and finally it looks like the best arrangement so far. For e.g, all the connectivity features like Bluetooth, NFC, Cast, Printing etc. comes directly under Connected Devices.
Snooze Individual App Notifications
Now, you can snooze the notifications from individual applications. If you are receiving a ton of notifications from one particular app, there's no need to turn on the DND mode or block the notifications of that app entirely. With Snooze option, you can block the notifications for a fixed amount of time, like 15 or 30 minutes. All you have to do is swipe the notification halfway across the screen, and select the snooze option. Talking about notifications, let's look at the next feature - Notification Dots.
Notification Dots
This is not exactly new, since many manufacturers have tried notification badges on their UI, but it's a welcome addition on Android. If you have any unread notifications, the app icon will display a tiny dot at the top corner. There's no number, meaning it'll look the same no matter how many new notifications your receive.
Picture in Picture
Again something which is not entirely new, Picture-in-Picture lets you use two different apps at a time. For e.g, if you are watching a video or speaking to someone on Duo, hitting the home button will take you to the home screen with a small floating window showing the video/video call, so that you can continue browsing through your phone without actually minimizing the app.
Smart Text Selection
Google has been making huge in-roads with their AI and machine learning. The ability of Android to realize the context is the highlight of this feature. If you select text like you do for copying it, depending on what the selected text is, Android will provide you contextual options. If you select a number, it will give you the option to dial it immediately. Similarly, if it's an address, an option to locate it on the Google Maps will be available.
Navigation button
The navigation buttons at the bottom can now be customized from the System UI Tuner. There are options to make it compact, left-leaning or right-leaning. There's even an option to add extra buttons to the left and right of the existing three navigation keys.
Lock Screen Shortcuts
This resides under the System UI Tuner. The voice control and camera application are the default ones that can be launched by swiping from the left and right respectively. Now you can set the application of your choice, like Chrome or Twitter or Instagram, whichever app you want to open directly without having to unlock the phone first and then launch the app.
Autofill framework
Android is making it easier for people who have multiple accounts with different passwords. the autofill option which is popular on browsers will be available across the OS, with any application, thereby reducing the hassle of typing in the ID and password on applications.
Adaptive Icons
A subtle visual change, but one that goes long way in maintaining consistency across the UI. App icons are usually of different sizes, and with Adaptive Icons, one can make all the icons look similar with options to make them square or circular.
Other than these, there are usual improvements in security, better battery management, support for new set of emojis and better animations. Which of these features are your personal favorites? Were you expecting more from Android 8.0? Let us know in the comments section below.
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