Android 8.1 Release Date Confirmed With Developer Preview Availability

Google has made available its developer preview for Android 8.1 Oreo and has also announced that the update will officially release to the public in December. Those registered for the Android beta program can access the Android 8.1 system images and OTA files, but a wireless update will soon hit compatible devices, including the Pixel 2 smartphones, the original Pixel smartphones, the Pixel C, the Nexus 5X and the Nexus 6P.

The system build for the Android 8.1 developer preview is OPP5.170921.005 for all devices. Google has detailed in a blog, the many new and improved features in the update. The preview introduces Google’s Neural Networks API and Wallpaper Colors API. It also brings updates to the autofill framework, fingerprint features, and notifications, among others.

Android blogs have also highlighted other features, including the Pixel 2 settings search bar being introduced to other devices, a bug report button, an update to the Oreo Easter Egg and Bluetooth battery level indicator, among others.

Users that plan to install the Android 8.1 Oreo developer preview should keep in mind that the developer preview is an unstable update and is subject to bugs. Users should back up their device before attempting to flash the update.

Those interested in testing out the update can enroll into the Android Beta program if they have not already registered.