Android Oreo 8.0 (Android O) was officially released to the public on August 21, 2017. It is hailed to be much smarter, faster and efficient than its predecessors.
Most flagship Android phones released in 2018 will come with Android Oreo 8.0/8.1 pre-installed.
In addition to its revamped user interface (UI), Android Oreo 8.0 introduces many new features and improvements for all-level users.
This Android Oreo guide explains the top 10 new features of Android Oreo 8.0: PIP mode, notification dots, notification channels, notification snoozing, adaptive icons, performance improvements and battery usage optimization, smart text selection, refined Settings menu, auto-fill, new Easter egg and new emojis.
For new features in Android Oreo 8.1, please check this post.
New Features of Android Oreo 8.0 #1: Picture-in-Picture mode (PIP)
PIP is one of Android 8.0’s most prominent features.
PIP is a special multi-window mode mostly used for video playback. This is similar to pop-up view in Samsung’s multiwindow mode.
Picture-in-Picture mode was previously introduced to Android TV with stock Android, but not on mobile.
Unlike the split screen mode in Android Nougat, PIP allows you to continue watching videos in a separate small floating window while using other apps at the same time. In other words, you can watch videos and use other apps at the same time. More apps will support this feature.
To use PIP mode, you need to start by playing a video in a video player or on Youtube. Then, press the home button on the navigation bar. The video would appear as a small floating window. You can relocate the video window and further adjust the size of the floating window according to your preference.
You may check this How to use picture-in-picture (PIP) mode in Android Oreo 8.0 and 8.1? guide, if you want to know how to use PIP mode in detail.
New Features of Android Oreo 8.0 #2: Notification Dots
Notification dots will appear on the top right corner app icons whenever you receive a notification from the app. Notification dots remain there until you read it or dismiss the notifications.
You can tap the notification dots to quickly see the notifications waiting for your action.
This Android Oreo feature is similar to number badges feature in Samsung phones. Unlike the number badge in Samsung, notification dots do not show the exact number of notification.
If you want to know about notification dots or want to use it, please check How to use notification dots (notification badges) in Android Oreo page.
New Features of Android Oreo 8.0 #3: Notification Channel
Android Ore0 can group notifications through notification channels. You can turn on or turn off certain notification channels in specific time.
You can even customize each notification channel.
App developers can define notification channels in their apps (targeted for Android Oreo). You can manage these channels based your needs and situations.
The usage of notification channels is explained in How to use and manage notification channels in Android Oreo page.
New Features of Android Oreo 8.0 #4: Notification Snooze
Android Oreo 8.0 allows you to snooze notifications, instead of just dismissing or ignore them.
To snooze a notification, you need to partially slide a notification away. You can choose the duration of snoozing.
You may check this guide on how to use notification snooze in Android Oreo 8.0 and 8.1.
New Features of Android Oreo 8.0 #5: Adaptive icons
Adaptive icons in Android Oreo let you decide the shape you like best for app icons: system default, square, round, rounded square, squircle or teardrop.
Additionally, these adaptive icons support a range of various visual effects depending on OEM implementations.
New Features of Android Oreo 8.0 #6: Performance improvements and battery usage optimisation
As in all previous Android update, the performance of Android Oreo 8.0/8.1 is significantly improved. According to Google’s own test on Pixel phones, Android Oreo 8.0 was able to load apps and boot up two times faster than that in Android Nougat.
Another underhood new feature of Android Oreo 8.0 is battery usage optimization.
Android Oreo 8.0 can minimise, reduce and limit the amount of resources (memory, battery, network connections….) used by background processes. This would effectively improve battery life and make the phone more responsive.
New Features of Android Oreo 8.0 #7: Smart text selection
With smart text selection, Android Oreo is able to recognize text when you tap or select them. Then it recommends the next logical step via a suggested app.
Android Oreo 8.0 will not only predict the phrase you’re trying to highlight, but it will also suggest which app you’re likely to want to use next and put it at the front of the copy/paste menu.
This guide shows you how to use smart text selection in Android Oreo.
The Settings menu in Oreo 8.0 has been revamped. The hamburger menu was ditched.
Many setting items were re-categorized with a shorter list in the Settings page.
For example, Network and Internet now cover everything related: Wi-Fi, mobile network, data usage, hotspot and tethering, VPN and aeroplane mode.
New Features of Android Oreo 8.0 #9: Autofill
With your permission, Autofill in Android Oreo remembers your logins and would get you into your favourite apps immediately.
You need to allow Google’s Autofill to collect your passwords, credit card information and personal details. Android Oreo then offers autofill whenever possible.
All passwords and forms saved in Chrome browser can also be synchronized and used for autofill in Android Oreo 8.0/8.1.
New Features of Android Oreo 8.0 #10: New Android Easter Egg and emoji
Android Oreo 8.0 introduces the new circular emoji replacing previous blob emoji.
In addition, over 60 new emojis were added. You can share your feels with a fully redesigned emoji set.
As in all previous Android versions, a new easter egg was introduced in Android Oreo. You can play with an octopus.
What’s your thought on new features in Android Oreo 8.0?
If you have any questions on new features in Android Oreo 8.0, or if you want to share your thoughts on Android Oreo 8.0 new features, please let us know in the comment box below.
For questions on Android Oreo (Android 8.0 and 8.1), please check Android Oreo guides page.
For questions on Android Nougat (Android 7.0 and 7.1), please check Android Nougat guides page.
For questions on Android Marshmallow (Android 6.0), please check Android Marshmallow guide page.
For questions on Android Lollipop (Android 5.0 and 5.1), please check Android Lollipop guide page.
For other Android questions or problems, please check Android 101 page.
Please note, this is an owner-help-owner community. If you need official technical support or have warranty/sales related questions, please contact the vendor directly.
DMW says
Is there a way to revert back to a previous update?
I’m not satisfied with the latest update?
Thanks
simon says
Your probably should not revert back. You will miss all future security updates.
There are no simple ways to uninstall updates on Android. You need to flash the phone with the old ROM. You must make sure the ROM is for your phone. Also remember to back up your data and files.
Your should not do it unless you know what you are doing. You can visit local service center and ask them to do it for you.
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Larry W says
On Home screen, once you right justify (Or left Justify) icons, you are unable to “undo” this feature. Why not. What if I touch that by mistake. Should be able to undo anything you do without re-installing O/S software.
Need a way to “tuck” object in from the right or left edge of screen. That area does not seem to be as sensitive to touch, and want to have it more on the flat portion of my screen.
Thank You
L W
simon says
After justifying app icons, your can still manually move or relocate them. You cannot change the location of grid points (you can only change the layout, i.e., the number of icons). App icons are snapped to these points.
Not sure what your question is. What phone are you using?
Some third-party launchers may have own features.
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