Android 8.1 Oreo Changes and Release Date Speculation

Like most operating systems, Android likes to launch small updates after they release an important OS version. Google did this with Android 7.0 and it brought some small improvements with Android 7.1. That version came with some minor changes like tabbed view for the settings menu, app shortcuts, etc. These small features made Android 7.0 more stable. Now Google plans to do the same thing with Android 8.0 Oreo. While this is not something unexpected now we have some actual proof for it.

The number of the upcoming version

9to5Google discovered the name of the future Android update. It was found in the Google beta app, version 7.11. The string also reveals that the upcoming Android will come with enough changes to warrant a new software development kit number since the SDK version will come with a bump. 9to5Google also announced that Android 8.1 will be available for the new Pixels.

This is the string that made the version number public: platformBuildVersionCode=”27″ platformBuildVersionName=”8.1.0″

Release date

We do not know for sure when Android 8.0 Oreo will be released. However, it may take a bit since Android Oreo was launched just a few weeks ago, on August 21. Also, Oreo is not yet available for every device, and most phones are still waiting for it. We can expect Android 8.1 sometime in October.

Other changes

Some other changes have been revealed. There is an indication that the Bisto headphones are coming soon. A notification messages for the battery level of the headphones has been found, which confirms that the Bistro project is a reality and not just a rumor.

And there is also a brand new icon for the search feature of Google Lens. Some minor updates for the screenshot functionality have been spotted as well.