Android Oreo launched: Here’s the new OS highlights

Google made it official that the new Android 8.0 will be nicknamed ‘Android Oreo’, months after negotiating with Nabisco who owns the brand.

This confirms earlier speculation and leaks that the mobile operating system (OS) would be named as such.

Before I go further on the highlight, check out the promotional video below which features a Superman like Oreo.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ANDROID OREO

There’s a few things to highlight when it comes to the new Android Oreo, and these are the ones I thought would make quite an impression.

Notification Dots

Notifications are handled in a different way with Android O as Google introduce Notification Dots.  Notification Dots allow users to always see which app has something new to show and a long tap on the app’s icon now brings up a menu with the last notification, shortcuts and a link to the app’s widgets and the app’s info screen in the Android settings.

Picture in Picture

Picture-in-picture mode allows you to minimize videos and continue watching them while performing other task on your phone or tablet. Quite cool eyh this feature, and it is probably one of the most notable for Android O.

Autofills

Autofill is a new feature that allows you to easily input classified information such as your credit card details to apps and web forms, from third-party password managers like Dashlane and LastPass.  I am a bit paranoid about this feature, and still prefer filling out details manually out of fear of hacking.

Emoji

The new Android O will support old and new emojis, hence allowing you to see most emojis which are sent to you.  Previously, some emojis tend to be a blank crossed out box because these emojis were supported. Looks like that’s going to be a thing of the past.

Security

Google is adding a number of new security features to Android. You’re not going to notice most of these in daily use, but they include Google Play Protect, which automatically scans apps and the rest of your system for security issues. That’s on top of hardened security, improved encryption support and other updates.