Android 8 which firmware supports. When will the new firmware for Samsung Galaxy be released? How to update Android OS using a computer

Android 8.0 was named after the Oreo cookie. Google has maintained its "confectionery" tradition when choosing names for the operating system. The presentation of the new OS was also timed to coincide with a solar eclipse in the United States. If you want, you can see the similarity between Oreo cookies and the solar disk covered by the Moon.

The Android 8.0 update is now available for Pixel phones and tablets, as well as Nexus devices, including the player. Also based on Android 8.0, the second generation of Pixel smartphones will be released, which is expected in October 2017.

The rest will have to wait for the Oreo update. As usual, it will take time for manufacturers to adapt Google's OS to their firmware.

What new does Google offer in Android 8.0 Oreo?

Android 8 – what's new?

There are not as many innovations in the next version of Android as we would like. All the most interesting things have already been invented and implemented. That said, let's go through the main list.

Accelerating updates

The most important change in Android 8.0 is the release of Treble, a new update system. It's not particularly noticeable to users, but it can have serious implications for Google's entire system.

As you know, one of the main problems of Android is the segmentation of the OS, as well as the slow implementation of the latest versions of the system. Many manufacturers do not update their phones, and if they do, they have to wait six months for new versions of Android. As a result, by the time Android 8.0 is released, the previous version of Android 7.0 is still not dominant in the market.

Treble changes the structure of the OS. It is now becoming modular. According to Google engineers, this should speed up the release of updates by manufacturers, as well as increase the life cycle of smartphones. They will be updated more times than before.

Other changes in Oreo are just on the surface and noticeable to the user.

The design has changed little

The design of the system has changed little. Google continues to adhere to the framework set back in . Oreo has the same flat, minimalist design with clean colors as the previous three generations of the system.

The developers have “recolored” the notifications and quick settings panel, which opens when you swipe up on the screen. She turned light gray.

Also, the date and settings icon have moved to the bottom of the panel.

Settings grouped

In Android 8.0, Google changed the settings design. Now they are all grouped. Quick access to Wi-Fi or mobile data remains only in the quick settings panel. In the main settings you will have to go to the appropriate group.

Google engineers decided that Wi-Fi and mobile Internet, data transfer belong to the “Network and Internet” item, and other wireless interfaces like Bluetooth and NFC – to “Connected devices”.

Each group now, in addition to the name, also contains a brief explanation of what is in it.

Notifications: colors, channels and interactive icons

Google has tried to improve the update experience. Now they are separated by channel, for example, a like and a friend request on social networks are treated as different notifications. They are also configured separately accordingly. It looks like you will have to spend more time turning off annoying unnecessary notifications, or learn to ignore them.

One good thing to note is the ability for developers to highlight their application notifications in different colors. In theory, this will help sort out the chaos of unmuted notifications.

Icons have become interactive. They have been displaying the number of notifications for a given offer for a long time. Now, by long pressing on the dot, you can call up notification previews.

Picture in Picture

Android 8.0 Oreo introduced the ability to minimize a video and display it on top of another application using the picture-in-picture principle.

Previously, this feature was already implemented within the YouTube application. You could minimize the video while continuing to search for other videos. This feature is now available for YouTube and Chrome system-wide.

You can start a video in Chrome and then click on Home. The picture will decrease in size and move to the corner of the screen. The user can then launch another application.

The function should be supported in third-party applications in the future, which may be convenient when working with video chats.

Autofill for apps

The autofill password feature is now available in all applications. Android can remember the password and automatically enter it the next time you log into applications, as it currently works in Chrome. Not only is Android's own password store supported, but also third-party apps Dashlane, 1Password and Enpass.

Text selection

Android 8.0 has mastered smart text selection. Now, when the user selects a piece of text, the system itself suggests possible actions with it. For example, a set of numbers similar to a telephone number will be prompted to dial.

Smart storage

Smart storage is designed to improve the efficiency of smartphone storage space management. The function can be activated in the settings. If the owner of the device uses Google cloud storage for photos, the function will automatically delete photos synchronized with the cloud that are older than 90 days from the local storage.

Energy saving

Doze mode in Android 8.0 is active by default. It limits the functionality of apps running in the background to optimize power consumption. For example, they will not update location data.

The company also claims that OS loading times have been reduced. For Pixel it was twice as fast.

Adaptive icons and other goodies for developers

Google has made life easier for developers. Starting with Android 8.0, application icons have become adaptive. They change shape depending on the shell design of smartphone manufacturers. Previously, application developers had to create icons for each shell separately.

Applications also no longer need to embed all fonts. They can load them dynamically.

Android 8.0 now fully supports C/C++ languages ​​for writing applications.

Application Widgets

Long pressing an application icon now brings up a menu of widgets, which you can then drag to your home screen or folder. Adding widgets just got easier.

Google Play Protect

Google in Android 8.0 introduced its own tool to protect the system from external threats. Play Protect works like an antivirus and in some ways replicates what Microsoft did with Windows Defender in Windows 10.

Also, by default, Android 8.0 restricts the rights of applications installed from third-party sources. They cannot receive some data and perform certain actions. The setting can be disabled.

In addition, each application must obtain explicit permission from the user to download the APK installation file.

Emoji

Google has changed the design of emoticons and emoji. They are now closer to the latest fashion. The company also added 60 new emoji.

Android 8 release date

Google officially introduced Android 8.0 on August 23, 2017. Google Pixel and Nexus devices are already receiving updates.

Owners of smartphones from other brands will have to wait. The bulk of updates will be released in 2018. Manufacturers are still quite vague about the timing of updates.

HTC may update the U11 before the end of 2017, however, it is most likely that the smartphone will receive the new OS in 2018. In addition, according to preliminary information, the company also wants to update HTC U Ultra, HTC U Play, HTC Desire 10 Pro, HTC Desire 10 Lifestyle, HTC 10 Evo, HTC 10.

ASUS ZenFone 3 and 4 will receive a new system in the second half of 2018.

Huawei may install Android 8.0 Oreo on the Mate 10 phablet, which it will show in November 2017, but such information has not yet been confirmed. The remaining smartphones will receive Android 8.0 in 2018, including smartphones from Samsung.

Lenovo has not yet announced exact dates, but it is known that Moto will be updated earlier, back in 2017, than Lenovo devices themselves.

Conclusion

Overall, Android 8.0 Oreo was not a revolutionary system. The company has taken an important step towards speeding up the development process, especially updates by smartphone manufacturers. Perhaps this will help Google reduce segmentation in the Android ecosystem in the future.

It's likely that the next Android will feature a lot of changes. After all, the current Android design style has been in use for four years now.

Android 8.0 Oreo is officially launched. When we say "launched" we mean that it only applies to devices created by Google. Currently, essentially, only those who have Google Pixel, Google Nexus smartphones and a few tablets can easily access it.

It's a shame, because Android 8.0 brings a lot of new features, including an improved notification system, picture-in-picture support for any app, and better battery life management. If you want to install it on your device and play with the new operating system, there are some shortcuts you can take. However, your options will depend on the type of smartphone you have: this guide primarily applies to Pixel and Nexus users, but it includes general guidelines for other smartphones as well.

Why can't you easily access Android 8.0? Unfortunately, new updates may take a long time to reach any significant number of Android users. For example, at the time this article was written, Android 7.0 Nougat was installed on only 14% of devices worldwide. Its predecessor Android 6.0 Marshmallow reached 32% of Android users.

All this happens because manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Sony, Huawei, HTC and others add their own customizations and additions to stock Android before making them available on their smartphones. By the way, this is one of the reasons why Google has separated so many of its applications and features from the Android operating system. You can update everything from Gmail to the Google Play Store regardless of the Android operating system, so Google can distribute the latest versions of its apps even if the OS update lags.

Join beta

Do you have a Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X or Nexus 6P smartphone? If your device has not been updated by this time, it will be updated soon. Enter the Settings app and tap About Device, then go to Software Updates to see if the Android 8.0 Oreo update has arrived.

If the update is not yet available and you want to speed up the process, you can do so by signing up for the Android beta testing program launched by Google. This will give you quick access to new versions of the operating system, although the version you are testing may have some bugs. Once you sign up for the beta, the program will also give you a ready-made version of Oreo.

On the smartphone you want to update, go to the Android Beta program registration page. If you are on a compatible device, you can simply click the Register Device button. After a short delay, you will be prompted to download and install Android 8.0 Oreo on your smartphone. You can then start using all the features of the new operating system.

Don't forget the main rule: before you register, create backup copies of all important data.

Update manually

For Pixel and Nexus devices, there is another option: updating manually. It includes downloading the full Android 8.0 Oreo code that Google has published online. Unfortunately, this code is optimized for certain devices (specifically Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P), so you can't just install it on your Samsung Galaxy S8 or LG V30.

Manual updating requires technical know-how because you need to use tools designed for application developers. And if you make the wrong move, you risk turning your smartphone into a brick. In short, we only recommend this option if you enjoy tinkering with your device and have a backup smartphone you can switch to if the worst happens. Otherwise, just wait for the automatic update.

You can download publicly available operating system code, known as a System Image, from the Android Developers Portal. Find your smartphone make and model in the list, find the entry for Android 8.0 and click "Link" to start downloading. Then extract the files to a folder of your choice.

Once you have saved the system image files on your hard drive, the next step is to configure the developer tools. First, you need to unlock your device so you can install new software. Essentially, you'll disable the setting that forces your smartphone to wait for confirmation from your carrier. Next, download the Android SDK Platform Tools zip file and extract it to a folder of your choice on your hard drive. You may want to create a new folder for this specific purpose.

You also need to prepare your smartphone for action. Go to Settings to About Phone (About Device), tap the build number seven times and you will see a dialog box confirming that your smartphone is now ready for developer settings. Go back to Settings, find the new Developer Options menu, and make sure you enable USB debugging.

Once your smartphone is ready to use, connect it to your computer using the USB cable provided by the manufacturer.

After that, put your smartphone into fastboot mode using the ADB tool or a button combination (varies depending on the brand and model of the device).

Then open a command prompt or terminal window in the folder where you extracted Platform Tools. Then go to the Platform Tools folder, then press “ Shift" and right-click on the folder thumbnail and select “Open command window”.

Finally, after you have made sure that you have backed up your data, you are ready to run Oreo on your smartphone. Open a new Command Prompt window as described above in the folder where the Android 8.0 files were extracted, or navigate to it in an existing window. Then type "flash-all" to get the software on your smartphone. Installation may take a few minutes, so be patient.

For other devices: install the launcher

Unless you own a Nexus or Pixel, then you won't be able to force Samsung, HTC, or any other manufacturer to speed up the update, especially for a specific device. We have already mentioned the reasons for the delay and, unfortunately, we cannot offer you any secret method to install Android 8.0 on your smartphone.

However, you can make your smartphone look and feel like it's already running Android 8.0 by installing an Oreo-style launcher. Launchers are programs that are responsible for the entire appearance of an Android device, without touching the applications inside.

Before downloading the launcher, go to the “Security” page in the “Settings” section and turn on the “Install from unknown sources” switch. Then go to the Rootless Pixel Launcher page on your smartphone and download the first APK file listed there. When you open it, the installer will launch.

The next time you press the Home button on your Android device, you will get the option to use the default Launcher3 app. If you accept, your smartphone will behave as if it were running Android 8.0. This move, of course, will not replace the experience of using real Android 8.0, but for now it will keep you from making rash steps to automatically update your device.

Android 8.0 Oreo, released on August 21, is slowly starting to gain momentum in the market. Every year, the largest mobile operating systems (including iOS) receive updates that, albeit slightly, make the process of using a smartphone more comfortable. The release of Android 8.0 was indeed highly anticipated by many, although most of its features were leaked long before the official release. But there were disputes regarding the name until the very day of the presentation, but in the end we got the expected version of Oreo, named after the famous cookie. Today we'd like to discuss what's new in Android 8.0 and take a look at the list of devices that will receive the update.

Android 8.0 is more stable, safer and more energy efficient

At first glance, a person who is especially not interested in operating systems and technologies will not find any differences between Android Oreo. You just need to dig deeper. Nowadays there is nothing particularly surprising about the mobile OS - a couple of bright “chips” in the new version and that’s all. The developers have focused on improving security and optimizing systems so that the user can fully enjoy working with the OS.

To make Android 8.0 faster, Google was actively working to limit power-hungry programs that not only consume smartphone resources, but also significantly affect battery life. The new Doze and Doze technology is used, which intelligently approaches the work with background applications, limiting them. In addition, programs in Android 8.0 have become less likely to request access to other services, including geolocation. It's worth noting that Google apps that like to monitor their users will also be less likely to request your location information.

In general, in Android 8.0 the developers tried to implement as many ideas as possible that will make the version fast, efficient and with a minimum of errors. Naturally, time will pass, a couple of updates will be released before the new product is polished. As always.

Android 8.0 brings new icons and improved quick settings

For ordinary users who do not want to go into the details of each change, visual changes will look more interesting. Here it is worth highlighting adaptive dynamic icons. Familiar application icons, which until now were static in “pure” Android, have learned to move. Choose a visual effect and enjoy.

Even more interesting is the ability to change the shape of the icons. You decide what shape the application icon will be: square, round. Moreover, Android 8.0 introduces the ability to completely change the appearance of the icon, even of system tools. Google is getting closer to users every year, fulfilling our desires.

Here we note that the new version has more options for customizing the lock screen. Now you can not only change the background image, but also set the necessary buttons, as well as their position.

A few changes await us in the notification curtain (about the notifications themselves a little later) of Android 8.0, where the quick settings panel is located. However, you won't find any important innovations here. The developer simply tried to slightly improve what, in principle, was already well done.

New notification system in Android Oreo

The most interesting for many users will be. It actually gets tweaked every year - Google still won't come to a consensus. In Android 8.0, the user will have even more control over notifications. Special channels (classes) have been added that allow you to divide notifications from different applications into categories. The control panel will become cleaner, and it will become more comfortable to work with messages from various programs and games.

Be that as it may, we believe that notification channels in Android Oreo will not be fully usable right away. Initially, only Google services will be able to boast that they will be divided into categories; the rest of the application will probably find refuge in the “Miscellaneous” class for the first time.

A kind of silent mode has been added to Android 8.0, thanks to which you can snooze notifications from applications for a designated period of time (15, 30, 60 minutes). Naturally, you can completely disable notifications from specific applications.

It’s very interesting how we think the indicators for new notifications on application icons look. A counter has appeared next to the icons in Android 8.0, which will show the number of notifications from a specific program. The innovation turned out to be quite useful for many active users, who now only need to look at the application to understand how many new messages have arrived.

Changed settings menu and picture-in-picture in Android 8.0

The settings menu in the new version of Android has been completely redesigned. By the way, Google makes noticeable changes to the settings interface every year. Perhaps we will finally get the perfect option. In Android 8.0, the settings menu has become more organized, clear and convenient. For each function or characteristic of the device, a separate general category has appeared, within which several smaller subcategories are hidden. Everything looks good, although at first it won’t be very comfortable.

We haven’t forgotten about picture-in-picture (PiP) technology, which appeared in Android 8.0 Oreo. Initially it was used in television, but moved to smartphones as the screen diagonal grew. Picture-in-picture technology is a mode when (in the case of televisions) two TV channels are displayed simultaneously (the second in the form of a small window in the corner). On smartphones with Android 8.0, using the technology, it will be possible to work simultaneously with two applications, which will increase productivity. Somewhat reminiscent of the split-screen mode that appeared in Android Nougat.

Other changes in Android 8.0

But this is not all the innovations of Android Oreo. What else did the developers present in the new version of the OS:

• Autocomplete. Do you hate entering your username and password? Android 8.0 introduced support for autofilling forms throughout the system.
• Fingerprint scanner capabilities. In the new version, they seriously worked on expanding the number of gestures that can be used with the fingerprint scanner.
• Kotlin support. A new programming language that is distinguished by conciseness and security, which Java cannot boast to the same extent. This innovation of Android 8.0 will be especially interesting to developers.
• New emoji.

List of devices that will receive the update to Android 8.0 Oreo

Already in September-October 2017 they will receive the long-awaited Android 8.0 firmware. It is clear that among them will be the flagships of Google itself, as well as large companies that are actively collaborating with the developer of the operating system.

Pixel and Nexus

So, in the forefront are the Nexus and . Nexus 5X and 6P will definitely receive an update to Android 8.0. For them it will be the last - the life cycle of these devices is coming to an end. The entire Pixel line will receive a new version (Google is expected to introduce the second generation Pixel in October, which will immediately launch with Android 8.0).

Samsung

At the end of 2017 (early 2018), owners of flagship smartphones will be able to download Android 8.0. The Galaxy S7, S8, Note 8, a line of mid-range devices introduced in 2017 (A, J, C) will receive an update. Most likely, the Samsung Galaxy S6, as well as mid-budget smartphones of previous years, will not be updated to Android Oreo.

LG

This Korean company will likely begin updating its smartphones in the fall of 2017. Naturally, flagships are in line for the update, taking first place. Its simplified versions (Q6, Q6a) will also receive a new version of Android; the V line, as well as last year’s flagship G5, will not be left without an update.

HTC

The manufacturer assured that by the end of 2017 it will update the latest flagship HTC U11 to Android 8.0 Oreo. Already at the beginning of 2018, you should expect a new version on U Ultra, U Play, Desire 10, HTC 10 and some other smartphones. HTC will probably be one of the first companies whose smartphones will receive the coveted G8.

Nokia

HMD, which now owns the Nokia brand, has long announced its close cooperation with Google, which ensured that its smartphones were one of the first to receive operating system updates. Any Nokia owner can download Android 8.0 Oreo. System updates should be expected at the end of 2017 (beginning of 2018).

OnePlus

So far it cannot boast of a large number of released smartphones, but each of them regularly receives system updates. Android 8.0 will be available on OnePlus 3/3T and OnePlus 5 at the beginning of 2018. For the first two, this will probably be the last OS update.

Sony and Motorola

Closer to 2018, devices from these two companies will begin to receive updates to Android 8.0. Among the first are the latest flagships.

Huawei

Many Huawei smartphones will begin receiving updates to Android 8.0 this winter. The company announced a few months ago that it was working on optimizing its own shell for the new version of the OS. The list of devices is quite extensive. Naturally, it includes the latest flagships / P10 Lite / P10 Plus, as well as Mate 9. Most likely, Honor 8/9 will be updated, as well as Nova 2. The latest from the budget lines Y3, Y5 and Y7 will also receive a version.

Xiaomi

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones will most likely not see the update until early 2018. Perhaps the new version will feature new products for the fall, but it’s hard to believe. Mi 6 will be updated, possibly Mi 5S. The Max line of phablets, as well as the flagship Mi Note 2, will not be left without Android 8.0. We hope that the Redmi line will also get Android Oreo in 2018.

The list is regularly updated with other companies. We can say with confidence that there will be no updates for older smartphones and budget-level solutions. There will probably be no updates for little-known device models. Here we can only hope for custom Android 8.0 firmware, which will begin to appear in the next month or two. We wait.

Conclusion

Android 8.0 looks quite interesting, although this version did not make a splash in the mobile OS market. Google simply corrects the shortcomings of previous versions, adding useful features that the user expects. Oreo is just starting to spread, so it’s too early to make a final verdict. Let's see how the new version of the system performs on at least a couple of devices.

While many users are only dreaming about Android 7.0 Nougat, Google is in the final stages of testing the next version of Android 8.0 O. The release of the G8 is scheduled for early August, that is, there are less than two months left to wait. The “sweet” name of Android 8.0 is still not known for certain. Previously, there were rumors that the update would be called Oreo, after the popular cookie. Recently, information appeared on the Internet that the name “Oatmeal Cookie” was found in the system code. In any case, no matter what the update is called, millions of owners of devices with a green robot around the world are waiting for it. We have made a list of devices from major manufacturers that are sure to receive Android 8.0.

Google Pixel and Nexus

Until recently, Google's Nexus line was the first to receive the latest Android updates. After changes in names, such devices became Google Pixel. It’s safe to say that all the devices listed below will see Android 8.0, since the system is being tested on them, and if you are the owner of one of these devices, then you can download the test beta build.

• Nexus 5X


• Nexus 6P


• Nexus Player


• Pixel C


• Pixel


• Pixel XL

It’s also worth saying that the mandatory update period for Nexus devices is coming to an end, and Android 8.0 will be the last for these devices.

Samsung

All other manufacturers will release the Android 8.0 update for their devices much later. This is due to the fact that they need to adapt the system to their hardware and optimize all the software that comes out of the box for Android 8.0. The approximate release date for the update is the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018. Also, don't expect the unannounced Galaxy Note 8 to get Android 8.0. It will also be updated towards the end of the year.

• Galaxy S8/S8+


• Galaxy S7/S7 Edge/S7 Active


• Galaxy A3/A5/A7 (2017)


• Galaxy A3/A5/A7/A9 (2016) - unlikely


• Galaxy J5/J7/J7 Prime (2017)


• Galaxy C9/C9 Pro


• Galaxy Note 7 Fandom Edition


• Galaxy Note 8


• Galaxy Tab S3

Nokia

Nokia has entered the Android smartphone market seriously and for a long time, so all the company’s modern smartphones will receive Android 8.0. This was recently stated by an official representative of the company.

• Nokia 3


• Nokia 5


• Nokia 6


• Nokia 9 (not yet presented)

Xiaomi

Xiaomi has achieved its popularity through its proprietary MIUI shell for Android. Moreover, the functionality of MIUI significantly expands the capabilities of Android. The update of the proprietary system is not strictly tied to the version of the “green robot”; for this reason, Xiaomi plans to release MIUI 9 based on the existing version of Android 7.1. Of course, Android 8.0 will be released for popular and modern Xiaomi smartphones, but this will most likely happen only at the beginning of next year.

• Mi 6 / Mi 6 Plus.


• Mi 5S / Mi 5S Plus


• Redmi Note 4X


• Mi Max / Mi Max 2


• Mi Note 2


• Mi Mix

Sony

• Xperia X


• Xperia X Performance


• Xperia X Compact


• Xperia XZs


• Xperia XZ Premium


• Xperia XA1/XA1 Ultra

The release of an update for other Sony Xperia models is unlikely due to the fact that they were released 2 years ago or earlier.

LG

• G6 / G6+


• Q6 / Q6α / Q6+



• V10 / V20 / V30

The approximate release date for the update is late autumn/winter 2017.

Motorola

• Moto Z


• Moto Z Play


• Moto Z Droid/Droid Force


• Moto Z2 Play


• Moto G5/G5 Plus


• Moto G4/G4 Plus


• Moto E4/E4 Plus

Huawei

• Huawei P10/P10 Lite/P10 Plus


• Huawei Mate 8 (unlikely)


• Huawei Mate 9 / Mate 9 Pro / Mate 9 Porsche Design


• Honor 8 / 8 Pro


• Honor 9 / 9 Pro


• Huawei Nova/Nova Plus (unlikely)


• Huawei Nova 2 / Nova 2 Plus


• Huawei Y3/Y5/Y7

HTC

• HTC U11
• HTC U Ultra
• HTC U Play
• HTC Desire 10 Pro
• HTC Desire 10 Lifestyle
• HTC 10/10 Evo

OnePlus

The Chinese company OnePlus has only a few smartphones in its lineup. However, it is safe to say that three generations of smartphones (OnePlus 3 / 3T / 5) will receive Android 8.0.

ZTE

• ZTE Axon 7 / Axon 7 mini / Axon 7S


• ZTE Blade V7 / V7 Lite / V8


• ZTE Axon Pro / Axon Elite / Axon mini


• Nubia Z11


• Nubia Z17

It is worth understanding that this list can be considered conditional, and not all manufacturers have officially confirmed which of their smartphones will be updated to Android 8.0. That is, if your smartphone is on this list, you shouldn’t be too happy. Also, on the contrary, if you did not find your smartphone in this list, do not get upset ahead of time. The update dates should also be considered approximate, since they may be postponed indefinitely. The latest generation flagships will be the first to receive the update, after which Android 8.0 will gradually reach older and budget models.

The first release of Android Oreo for Samsung Galaxy smartphones has finally hit the market, and today we want to tell you everything we know and think we know about Samsung's plans for the Galaxy S6 and other Galaxy phones and tablets.

Despite the release of the update for the first Galaxy phones, Samsung is still not talking about its plans for smartphones and tablets in the series. However, we can fill in a few blanks about Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

In this review, you will get acquainted with important things regarding the update from Samsung and the release of Oreo on popular mid-range smartphones and tablets.

We'll update this article as we continue to hear new information about Samsung's Android Oreo plans, so bookmark this page and check back often for updates.

UpdateOreo onSamsungGalaxyOreo: What's new?

Let's start with some things you should know about Android 8.0 Oreo and Samsung's new Experience 9.0 interface.

Samsung's version of Android Oreo isn't identical to Google's version running on Pixel and Nexus devices, but the two systems have a lot in common.

Google's Android 8.0 Oreo operating system is packed to the brim with new features, settings and all sorts of improvements. The system comes with over 60 new and redesigned emoji, updated notifications, improved loading speeds, deep colors, auto-fill, and several new security features.

Another notable change: Galaxy and Android Oreo users will no longer be able to store fingerprint, iris, or face data unless they have screen lock protection such as a pattern, PIN, or password.

On our website you will find a comparison guide between Android Oreo and Android Nougat. This is a useful article for those who want to study the changes before Samsung releases these updates.

As for Samsung's Android Oreo version, here's what we know so far.

The new Samsung Experience 9.0 user interface is full of new features, improvements and tweaks. Here are some of these features:

Updated home screen and quick settings panel;

Samsung keyboard update;

New Edge features;

Custom color folders;

Improved photo gallery privacy;

Clock improvement;

New emoji;

New and improved keyboardSamsung.

Fast and smart "Search".

New keyboards for fast typing;

New smiles, emojis,GIFs and stickers;

Color filters;

Galaxy S7 Active

Galaxy A8 (2016)

Galaxy A8 (2018)

Galaxy A8+ (2018)

Galaxy A7 (2017)

Galaxy A5 (2017)

Galaxy A3 (2017)

Galaxy J7 (2017)

Galaxy J5 (2017)

These devices appear in an unofficial list of Android 8.0 updates for the Galaxy on China's Weibo, supported by an unofficial list of updates from the XDA-Developer forum, and some of them have appeared in the list of software updates from US mobile phone providers.

T-Mobile has confirmed several other Android 8.0 Oreo updates ahead of Samsung's announcements.

The US service provider has pointed out that the Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy J7 Prime, Galaxy Tab E 8, Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge have been updated to Android 8.0.

It also promises an Android Oreo update for the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge and Galaxy Note 5. The information seems to confirm an update for these devices. The remaining smartphones and update status are in the “Manufacturer Development” phase.

Several reports claim that Samsung is focusing on developing the Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy A5, Galaxy A3 and Galaxay Tab S3.

In fact, the Oreo update for the Galaxy S7 just recently leaked online from Vietnam.

The US is also testing the Oreo update on the Galaxy S8 Active. The Galaxy S8 Active is the rugged version of the Samsung Galaxy S8. Unlike its predecessors, the smartphone model is less exclusive.

The following devicesGalaxy may not receiveAndroid 8.0Oreo

If you have a device that is two years old or a device that has already received two major Android updates, the chances of getting Android Oreo are extremely slim.

This means that popular devices like the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5 are beyond the update age, regardless.

Along with the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy Note 5, here are a few other devices that may be limited to Android Nougat:

Galaxy S6 Active

Galaxy A7 (2016)

Galaxy A5 (2016)

Galaxy A3 (2016)

Galaxy J3 (2016)

Galaxy J2 (2016)

This is not an official list, and we might see some models dropped and added to the list before all is said and done.

Unofficial device listGalaxy updated toAndroidOreo.

Recently, a Samsung customer service representative claimed that the Android Oreo update for the Galaxy S6 would arrive in January or February, but we wouldn't expect anything like that.

If these devices remain on Android Nougat, this does not mean that support for the software will end. Samsung and manufacturing partners support devices with security updates and various bug fixes well beyond the two-year support period.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge, two smartphones that remain on Marshmallow, however, recently received an update with the latest security patches from the company.

UpdateSamsung in February

And while your mind is stuck on Android 7.1.1 Nougat and Android 8.0, your next update will probably be neither.

Samsung continues to release monthly security updates that provide fixes (from Google and Samsung) for potential problem areas and, in some cases, bug fixes for Nougat.

The company recently released its latest January security update and provided fixes for several critical security flaws. The update applies to Galaxy S8, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S6 and others.

Google recently rolled out the February security patches, and we expect Samsung to release its own version of the February update soon. Android Oreo for the Galaxy S8 arrives with the February update.

The company is reportedly working on a February update for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 without Android 8.0, so there's a chance the Note 8 will receive these fixes before it gets Oreo.