Android O Version: What You Need to Know

just now Google officially announced Android O, the next version of Android is coming this year. While Google’s latest Android Nougat update is still coming slowly for most, some are ready for the next step. After rumors earlier this month, it’s now available to a select few as a very limited early developer preview or beta. Here’s what’s new, where to buy it now, and everything you need to know.

Annual Google I/O developer event it comes quickly, and Android O will most likely come to the fore. Over the past few years, Google has even used it to showcase new versions of Android, and we can expect the same this year. Android O will be approaching its second beta by then.

Android N was announced last year and released as a limited preview in March. In front of Google I/O. As expected, the same thing happened for Android O. It comes with some new changes to icons, notifications, battery life and much more. Read on for the current changelog, what’s new and how to get at the moment.

After that rumors Earlier this week, Google made it official. Android O is here, albeit a very early preview not meant for everyday use. We know that the next version of Android will first be named Android O, then get a name. Google names each version in alphabetical order and after the tasty treats. Like Android 4.4 KitKat, Android 5.0 Lollipop, Marshmallow and now Android 7.0 Nougat.

Android O is next, and even some Googlers started to mock It will be called Oreo. We’ll have to wait and see. That’s not important though. Changes, improvements and new features that you will most likely appreciate. I’m looking forward to Android 9.0 Pistachio or Peanut Brittle.

Android O Developer Preview Available

First of all, when can you get Android O? Well, apparently right now. As long as you have a Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Google Pixel, Pixel XL or Pixel C tablet. Older devices are no longer allowed in the beta version. As always, Google is giving developers or those who dare to try it the option to pick it up today. Just click below to get started.

Google (more than ever) states that this is an extremely early first release preview and not stable enough for everyday use. There are bugs, problems and battery life could be worse. Although the latest version of Android O will seriously improve battery life with a new restrictive app mode.

Those with eligible devices can download factory images and flash Android O Developer Preview starting today. However, it is not part of the current Android Beta program, so over-the-air updates will not be possible. At least not yet. So anyone interested will have to wipe their device completely and start fresh with O.

What’s New in Android O

Considering this is a very early developer preview and nowhere near final release, nothing is final. Similar to 2016 with Android N, things might change, improve or be removed altogether when it’s actually released to the public.

That said, here are some of the changes we’re already seeing.

This is just a small list of some of the notable changes coming with Android O. We can expect much more in the near future. There are also Java 8 APIs, web view improvements, WiFi NAN, phone frame tweaks and other stuff. Stay tuned for more details. All this is just evolving.

Android O Feature Rumors

Android O Release Date and Updates

So when will Android O be released? Well, that’s anyone’s guess at this point. Last year, Google announced N as a developer preview in March, and it wasn’t officially released until the end of August. According to today’s official announcement, four Android O developer preview betas will be released.

Preview 2 will arrive in late May (around Google IO), then we can expect a third release in June. Then, possibly the last and fourth, in August before the global and official release date for all. According to Google this should be in Q3.

All told, Google I/O will take place from May 17 to May 19 this year. Giving developers and Android users three days of information. We may not see or hear anything else in Android O until the second beta is released during or just before Google IO. Then expect more features and other changes.

But keep in mind that this is a beta for select developers and early adopters only. The global release for all devices and manufacturers won’t be until later in the year. Google said Quarter 3, but it will likely be around September. Then companies like Samsung will start working on the updates, which will likely arrive in early 2018.

We’ll update it with all the details as soon as we know more. While you’re here, see what’s changed with Android N, then compare Android O with some of the changes mentioned above.

Which Devices Will Get Android O?

Any device released within the last two years should technically be capable of receiving the Android O update when it’s released. Manufacturers must support a device for at least 18 months from the day it is released to the public. Like the Galaxy S6 up to the latest LG G6.

However, it is important which devices to buy first. Google does what is called a Developer Preview or a beta where millions have early access. It’s limited to the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel, Pixel XL, and Pixel C tablet for now. There is no Nexus 5 or Nexus 5 because that’s the end of the road for them. They’ll likely stay in Nougat, but still receive security patches.

Additionally, most other device owners will have to wait for beta versions from these companies or the global release date next year.

final thoughts

In closing, that’s all we know so far. Google has literally announced the Android O beta, and things will change a lot in the coming months. Some features in the beta version may not be in the final version and others will change. We saw this last year and look forward to it again.

However, it’s good to know that we can expect three updates on Android O and a total of four developer preview betas. Then, later this year, the new operating system will be ready for a global release for all smartphones. Expect it to launch on the new Google Pixel 2 or something like the LG V30.