Background information
Android O, virtual reality (VR) goggles and more: all the news from Google I/O
by Philipp Rüegg
Here's what's behind the beta version of Android O
31.5.2017
Translation: machine translated
Google has released the new Android version to beta testers. We didn't waste any time in putting it under the microscope.
Android O is, officially, not available until late summer, but I couldn't wait that long. Fortunately, Google has released a freely accessible beta version. So without further ado I installed it on my Pixel XL. In the video (in German), you can see how the eighth version of Android fares.
I've already outlined many of the new features in my article on the Google I/O developer conference.
Some new features are not yet integrated into the current beta version. On my device, the beta works relatively well. However, battery usage has greatly increased. Some users have noticed the opposite effect. So it's right that the version carries the beta title.
Here's another look at the most important points.
- Notification dots: little dots appear on app icons when you have notifications. A similar principle to the one the iPhone already has in the form of numbers. A long click on the application provides additional information without having to launch the application. The function can also be deactivated.
- Picture in Picture mode: allows you to scroll freely through open applications on the screen. Currently only works with the premium version of YouTube, YouTube Red, and the Duo video chat app.
- New emojis: the pretty blob emojis are disappearing, making way for new emojis similar to those on WhatsApp. You'll no longer have to update the system to get fun new faces on your mobile, as was the case until now.
- Google Assistant: is complete with Google Lens. An Augmented Reality function that allows the camera to analyse the environment and Google then delivers information relating to it. What's more, Assistant can, as of now, be controlled via the keyboard.
- Autofill: inserts passwords and login credentials not only in the browser, but also in any application.
- Settings: have been pared down and organised more clearly.
- Smart text selection: double-click on text, and Google recognises related words such as email addresses, restaurant names or phone numbers. Google automatically selects the correct passages.
- Navigations-Leiste: the three symbols home, back and tabs, at the bottom edge of the screen can now be adapted. Compact, right or left or including an additional button.
- Lock screen: notifications on the lock screen are in colour when Ambient Display is enabled. If you don't have text notifications, only small icons appear, referring to installed updates, tweets, etc.
- Pixel Launcher: can change the shape of app icons, and a long click on apps takes you directly to the widget shortcut.
- Themes: the stock Android interface can now receive themes. The corresponding option can be found in the current beta version. As with many other devices, this one lets you change the screen design at the touch of a button.
- Google Play Protect: has long protected the operating system from malicious apps and has made a splash. In addition, the system has benefited from new technologies and will be available on all devices with Play services
- The startup time is half as fast with Android O as with Android N on the Google Pixel (benchmark) and apps also start up significantly faster
- Battery life: once again, using various techniques, named "wise limits" in Android O, battery life should be extended.
Those who want to test the beta version are warned. You can sign up here if you have the right device: Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X.
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Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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