Android Oreo Update For All Samsung Galaxy S8, Note 8 Finally Coming

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Samsung made an official announcement on its community site that all the variants of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 would get the Android 8.0 (Android Oreo) within three weeks. A few variants of the handsets already got the Oreo update last year, but not all the carriers and countries have gotten the update until now.

Samsung launched its Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus flagships with Android Oreo earlier this month. However, users with unlocked Samsung phones have long been waiting for the updated version. Android Oreo was released in August 2017, meaning it took another seven months to launch the same for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8.

“We understand that many of you have Unlocked Galaxy S8/+ and Note 8 devices and may be wondering why those with Carrier models are seeing the updates first,” Samsung said. Explaining the reason for the late arrival, the Korean firm said that unlocked devices go through rigorous testing to ensure proper network functionality across all the supported networks.

“With this being said, we’re working with our Carriers to get Oreo out to ALL eligible Galaxy S8/+ and Note 8 devices within the next 2-3 weeks,” it said. Initially, Samsung started rolling out an Oreo update last month, but it had a flaw, and hence, was pulled.

In the United States, users on AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon would start getting notifications asking to update to the newest version. In fact, some users had already got the notifications about the update last weekend.

Google claims Android Oreo is a “smarter, faster” version of Android. For the Samsung users, the new version would come with the new Samsung Experience 9.0 package, adding a few keyboard shortcuts and improved search interface along with the Bixby updates. Other additions include biometrics, updates to the Quick panel and the home screen. Further, after the update, the smartphones would give better performance along with improved battery life.

“To improve your security, features that use biometrics (face, fingerprints, and irises) are only available when you use a secure screen lock type (pattern, PIN, or password),” the Korean firm says in its release notes. In case the user decides to go for non-secure lock types such as Swipe or None, biometric authentication would not be permitted for unlocking and for the verification of apps like Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass.

In addition, the Android 8.0 update would enable high-quality audio codecs, including AAC and Sony LDAC. Additionally, the video player would get the auto repeat and 2x speed option. Once the user updates to the new version, the video recorder would start offering smart tips to block calls while recording. On the health front, Samsung health’s new sticky notification would allow a user to see the step count at a glance. The clock, on the other hand, would include landscape mode and timer sound options. Also, Samsung Pass gets the ability to manage usernames and passwords in third-party apps.

According to the tech giant, specific Samsung apps such as Pay, Email, Internet and Notes should be updated separately before updating the operating system. Also, users are advised to make a back-up before starting the update.

With the update, users would also get Dual Messenger. The second copy of the messaging app had to be installed so that two accounts could be used at the same time. To install the second messaging app, a user would need to touch and hold a messaging app on the Home or Apps screen. It could also be done through the Settings – Advanced features – Dual Messenger.

Various other Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+ features that would get rejuvenated after the update include Picture in Picture mode, notifications channels, app shortcuts, faster boot-up time, a new range of emojis, updated stickers, support for dual apps, better AoD widgets and more Edge lighting themes. For better Edge panel visibility, the update improves font size, color, and other settings.

Leaving the delay in the Android Oreo update aside, Samsung is doing a good job in offering the Android security update to its devices, almost within a few weeks of the release for its monthly update. The South Korean company understands that the security updates are a must for enterprise adoption, and therefore, it makes sure to make them available in a timely manner.

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