Google has released a brand new March Android 8.1 Oreo update for Nexus and Pixel devices. And these monthly updates are usually all about securityThis month Google added major bug fixes for Pixel and Pixel 2. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know and which devices should get it first.
These updates usually come at the beginning of each month with the latest security patches straight from Google and all the bug fixes for the latest version of Android. Your smartphone, tablet or media device will receive Android 8.1 Oreo with the March 5 security patch.
This March Android 8.1 update is available for Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Pixel C Tablet. As with last month, nothing for the Nexus Player. Note that this is an important update that may affect your device and its performance. It’s available from March 5th, especially if you own a Pixel 2, and here’s what you need to know.
Google updates all its devices every month. These updates offer the latest security patches, bug fixes, and new features from time to time. For March, we’re seeing new security patches, tons of critical patches, and three real bug fixes for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. As with functional changes, not just patches or improvements.
So although this update is important for all Nexus and Pixel devices, those who own Pixel 2 should be very careful.
Nexus and Pixel March Android Oreo Update Details
Starting Monday, March 5th, Google started sending out the update, but you probably haven’t received it yet. If not, go ahead and tap the “check for updates” button in settings. This is working now and will pull the latest software. Google just updated Android security bulletinthen published a secondary Pixel security bulletin with more information. You can take factory images and manually install additionally.
We do not recommend manually installing the March Android 8.1 update. Instead, wait for it to hit your device. This is a free and painless software update for all eligible devices and is available directly from Google or Pixel on Verizon. It should only take five minutes to download, install, reboot and finish.
Typically these updates contain 20-30 changes, mostly in the form of security patches, but sometimes other bugs or glitches are also fixed. That’s exactly what happened here, and Google has added three major bug fixes for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.
This means you shouldn’t expect any major changes, at least visually, but it’s still an important update that we recommend everyone download and install. Especially if you have Pixel 2 crashing, fingerprint issues or trouble recording.
March Oreo Update Fixes and Patches
Back in November, Google released a set of fixes for Bluetooth for all Android. So the update wasn’t just for Nexus and Pixel users. We saw more in February, and now we’ve seen a few more in the March Oreo update. However, these only apply to Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.
However, significant changes come in the form of bug fixes. If you’ve had any issues with your Pixel 2 after the Android 8.1 update in December, here’s the issue the company fixed.
As you can see, the Pixel Android 8.1 Oreo update from March is worth the download. The company has improved screen wake up and fingerprint performance, audio performance when recording video, and the crash and reboot issues we keep hearing about.
Additionally, Google’s March Android Oreo update introduces major security patches throughout. As usual, we’re seeing around 37 “Critical or High Severity” privacy patches with this release, with a few minor changes added to them.
Also, Google’s other bulletin states that there is a fix for reboots and freezes for the original Pixel and Pixel XL, which we encountered frequently. Don’t wait until closing, get this update now.
When will he come?
For most users, this is an important update that you’ll want to accept as soon as it arrives. And yes, while the latest security is important, you’ll also want bug fixes. On March 5, when Google made the announcement, we saw that some updates reached the devices. However, it usually takes 24-72 hours for these to hit all phones and tablets. Some with carrier branded phones may have to wait a few more days. Remember, this is a over-the-air software update or factory images.
Some users may choose to manually download the files and update to their March Oreo version. However, we recommend waiting for Google’s over-the-air update notification to reach your device. I went and bought it right away, you can have it too.
Note that if you have a Pixel or Pixel 2 on Verizon, this may take another day or two. Either way, expect it to arrive before the weekend.
Other details
In closing, expect an update on your Nexus or Pixel device in the coming days. You won’t notice anything new, but the phone will be more secure and better prepared for the future. Again, this update is only available on Nexus and Pixel phones and tablets. This means that those who own Samsung, HTC, Motorola or other devices should wait for updates from the manufacturer in question. Google is reposting Android 8.1, most other phones don’t even have the original Android 8.0 Oreo update.
What’s next? After this Android Oreo update in March, we expect the first public release and beta for Android P before the end of the month. Here’s what we know about Android P so far.
Those experiencing problems should check out this post for more help. Stay tuned for more details and leave a comment below for any questions or concerns you have about the March Nexus and Pixel Android Oreo software.
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