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Samsung resumes Android O update for Galaxy S8
Well, that didn't take long. After pausing the Android Oreo rollout on Galaxy S8s over a reboot glitch, Samsung has restarted the process in Europe. As SamMobile reports, it's an altogether different firmware version. The rollout has resumed in Germany and it shouldn't be long before the update starts appearing domestically -- just in time for Samsung to reveal the Galaxy S9 at Mobile World Congress in Spain this week! Curious if you've already gotten it? Look for firmware versions G950FXXU1CRB7 or G955XXU1CRB7 on your S8 or S8+.
Oreo is officially the next name for Android
Google loves to make a big splash when it reveals the name for the latest version of Android. But the company is going all out this year, using the solar eclipse as an opportunity to reveal that Android O will henceforth be referred to as Oreo. It makes at least a little sense to tie this reveal in to the eclipse -- those iconic photos of the solar event are a bit evocative of Oreos, after all.
Watch Google’s Android O event right here at 2:40PM ET
During today's solar eclipse, Google will be unveiling its latest OS, Android O. The release event and livestream will begin at 2:40 PM Eastern. "Watch the solar eclipse unveil the Android O superhero. Trust us, it'll be extra sweet," said Google.
Google countdown teases Android O reveal during solar eclipse
Google is capitalizing on the solar eclipse hype to tease out the latest version of Android. On Monday at 2:40 PM Eastern, the internet juggernaut says we'll "meet the next release of Android and all of its super (sweet) new powers." Given that the final beta shipped last month, this could mean a few possibilities: either the name will be revealed (my money is on Oreo), or we'll learn update's release day. After months of previews and non-final builds, at least we won't have much longer to wait for when we'll actually be able to download and install the new OS.
HTC's U11 will support Bluetooth 5.0 when Android O arrives
HTC's U11 surprised us when we reviewed it -- most of the company's phones have been hit-or-miss for a few years now. But the U11 is a solid Android option, and HTC just announced it'll be a little more future-proof now, as the device just received certification for Bluetooth 5.0. It's one of only a few phones on the market with the feature (including the Galaxy S8), so it's worth noting that the U11 will be able to take advantage of the much faster speeds the standard offers.
Google ships final Android O beta before official launch
You won't have to wait too much longer to get your hands on Android O. Google has posted its fourth Developer Preview for the mobile operating system, and it's the last beta you'll see -- after this, the next stop is the finished version that will reach everyday users. This release candidate is really just a dry run for the official launch, with all the features and behavior intact.
Android exploit adds secret, thieving layers to your phone
Researchers from UC Santa Barbara and Georgia Tech have discovered a fresh class of Android attacks, called Cloak and Dagger, that can operate secretly on a phone, allowing hackers to log keystrokes, install software and otherwise control a device without alerting its owner. Cloak and Dagger exploits take advantage of the Android UI, and they require just two permissions to get rolling: SYSTEM ALERT WINDOW ("draw on top") and BIND ACCESSIBILITY SERVICE ("a11y").
Android Go could help make Android O a runaway success
Android O might not seem like the most thrilling software update at first, but it just might be one of the most important. Google has been on a quest to capture and delight billions of new Android users for years with various initiatives. So far, scaling hasn't been a problem -- there are now 2 billion monthly active devices, and with Android Go, Google's hell-bent on picking up even more in developing and underserved markets.
Android O has emoji you'll actually recognize
Ever since KitKat, Android's standard emoji have used minimalist blobs to represent people. They're unusual and cute, but that gumdrop look isn't usually what you associate with emoji -- just about everybody else uses circular shapes. And that can create real problems if you send an emoji that doesn't convey the same meaning on your friend's phone. Thankfully, Google has seen the light. Android O will include more conventional (not to mention more recognizable) emoji, complete with gradients and a wider range of colors. They're not as distinctive, but they make considerably more sense.
Watch Google's I/O 2017 keynote in 16 minutes
If you missed out on Google's I/O 2017 keynote earlier today, don't fret. We've cut down all of the noteworthy news on Google Lens, AI, Google Assistant, Google Home, Daydream, Android O and more into a roughly 15-minute clip. Just sit back, relax and catch up on all of the news in way less time than we spend taking in the two-hour presentation this afternoon. For all the latest news and updates from Google I/O 2017, follow along here.
Android’s built-in AI knows what you need to copy and paste
Late last month Google previewed a way of using AI to copy and paste without actually having to copy and paste on a mobile device. The feature was teased as a way Android will use context to take what you've been researching in Chrome and apply it to other apps. Well, there's a bit more to it than that.
Android O focuses on reducing boot time and battery drain
In an effort to make apps run better and with greater security on Android O, Google has unveiled Vitals during its Google I/O keynote. One key aspect called Google Play Protect provides "comprehensive security services for Android," as we've detailed in a separate post. The other part is around OS optimizations, a new effort to keep your apps running more smoothly and prevent them from excessively draining your battery.
Android O beta is available to download today
It wouldn't be Google I/O, the company's annual developer conference, without the birth of a new version of Android, would it? 2017 sees the arrival of Android O, an operating system that's not really about flashy, attention-grabbing features. Instead, the software is all about making the user experience much faster and easier, thanks to weirdly named concepts like Fluid Experiences and Vitals.
Android O adds Notification Dots to your app icons
If you have an Android phone, you probably live through the notification panel. The bite-size alerts become a to-do list of sorts, summarizing which apps and messages require your attention. With Android O, Google is giving the experience a bit of a revamp. "Notification Dots" are small, circular blobs that sit on top of your app icons. They'll only appear when you have an unread notification -- long-tap and you'll get a quick preview in the form of speech-like bubbles. You can either tap them to jump right in or drag down from the top of the screen (as normal) to get a better look.
Watch the Google I/O 2017 keynote right here!
Last week we heard the latest Windows plans from Microsoft at Build and now it's Google's turn. The company kicks off its annual Google I/O developers conference today at 1PM ET and we'll bring you all the news as it's announced from the stage. As always, you can complement your livestream experience with witty commentary and real-time analysis via our liveblog starting at the aforementioned time. For your convenience though, we've embedded the YouTube livestream down below so you don't have to go looking for it yourself. Until then, familiarize yourself with what we expect to hear more about in our Google I/O 2017 preview.
What to expect at Google I/O 2017
For the second year running, Google's massive I/O developer event will take place at the storied Shoreline Amphitheater, right around the corner from the company's Mountain View headquarters. Last year's conference had a host of major announcements worthy of such a high-profile venue -- it's where Google Home, the Google Assistant and the Daydream VR headset were all introduced. But this year, things seem like they'll be a little quieter, at least in terms of big consumer-facing hardware. It'll probably be a year of refinement, where big initiatives continue to be polished. We'll be there all three days this year, bringing you breaking news, analysis, interviews, videos and more. Without the benefit of a crystal ball, here's what we think we'll be talking about this week.
Google expedites Android updates with Project Treble
We're about a week away from Google probably revealing the next version of its mobile OS, but as most Android users already know, actually receiving an update might take forever. The company is aware of this, and has unveiled a new system called Project Treble that could eliminate some major delays in pushing updates to existing devices. Project Treble will come to all new devices launched with Android O and beyond, and is already running on the developer preview for Pixel phones.
Google's next trick for Android is 'copyless pasting'
Google's recognition for context goes beyond conversing with Assistant, it would seem. The search juggernaut is working on a feature that "thinks" of what you were looking at in Chrome and makes it available in other apps. It's called "Copyless Paste" for now and a glimpse at the code documentation should give a few clues as to how it works:
Sony gives Android O a sound quality boost
If you pick up some future Android O phone and notice that your wireless headphones sound much better afterward, you'll have Sony to thank for it. Google has revealed that Sony is contributing a whole slew of upgrades and fixes to the upcoming mobile operating system, most notably support for its LDAC wireless audio encoding format. The technology sends three times more data through Bluetooth than typical formats, letting you listen to high-resolution audio without the usual downgrade. In other words, you won't necessarily have to cling to wired headphones just to get pristine-sounding music.
Android O teases big changes to save your battery
Google I/O is only a few months away -- but just like last year, we won't have to wait until then to get our first taste of what's coming to Android. Today, Google is releasing a developer preview of Android O, just over one year after first dropping details on Android 7.0 Nougat. Just like last year, the company is highlighting a handful of major features and letting developers know how they can try it out. But as is often the case with preview releases, Android O is not ready for regular users and not for the faint of heart.
