How to Download and Install Android O Public Beta
The Beta Program provides you a possibility to try out the pre-release versions of Android 8.0 and give responses. Devices that you opt into the program will get an OTA update to the latest beta version of Android O. This process is similar to the regular OTA update that you get on your device.
Which Devices Support Android O Public Beta Program?
- Pixel
- Pixel XL
- Pixel C
- Nexus 6P
- Nexus 5X
- Nexus Player
What’s new in Android O?
Android O brings many changes to the existing features as well as some new features. Let’s know what is new in Android 8.0.
- How to Control Android with Face
- How to Save Data while Updating Android Apps
- How to Remote Control Android from another Android
1. Picture-in-Picture
Multitasking on Android has improved over the years. For the first time, Google introduced split-screen multitasking feature with Android Nougat. But, now you’ll see picture-in-picture mode on the Android O. Apps like YouTube, NetFlix can be used this feature to play videos in a free environment on your screen. Just press the home button while watching a YouTube video to activate the floating screen video. You can resize, move the video window like your computer.
2. Auto-fill with Google
The auto-fill feature has always been a part of Google Chrome browser. It auto fills the saved password on the login screen. But now this feature is not limited to the browser only. You can now do all these things with all apps. When you open an app for the first time, it’ll auto-fill the required information from the Chrome browser.
3. Smart Text Selection
Selecting texts has always been a pain for Android smartphones. But, now the time has been changed. With Android O, Google has introduced a new feature called Smart Text Selection. You can easily select an address or a phone number by double tapping on it.
4. Adaptive icons and badges
With Android O, Google has allowed the users to change the icon shape to Square, Round corner rect, Squircle, Cylinder, etc. Now the user can access an app’s widget by long pressing on its icon. Options can be given for different formed covers comprise the outside boundary (think squircles) and symbols can be animated. Flexible symbols will be reinforced in the launcher, strategies, Device Configurations, discussing dialogs, and the app summary screen.
5. Notification Dots
If you are a Pixel or Nexus owner, then you might have known that, the app icons shows you additional information when you long press on them. But, the Notification Dots bring a new possibility to this feature. A dot on an app icon shows the notifications that you get in that app, as well as shows additional information like widgets, app info, etc.
Should I install Android O?
If you are a techy person like me and you have a compatible device, you should try the new Android O on your device. But, keen in mind that, this is not a stable version. However, you don’t need to worry about that. If you don’t like the upgrade, then you can easily rollback to the latest stable version. But, you have to take a complete backup of your phone. Because the reversal process wipes all of your data.
How to Download and Install Android O Public Beta
Google has made the process simple to download and install Android O Public Beta. Any devices signed up to the program will get OTA updates to the latest Android operating systems where available. Follow the below steps to get it on your phone.
1) Open the default browser on your compatible Nexus or Pixel device and head to g.co/androidbeta
2) You will be asked to log in to your Google account that you are using on your device.
3) Scroll down the page, and you’ll find ‘Eligible devices‘ list. Locate the device you wish to enroll in the beta program and click the green ‘Enroll Device’ button beside it.
4) Tick the box to agree to the terms and conditions and then tap ‘Join Beta’ button.
5) A message will popup on the screen that,
[su_note note_color=”#ffffe3″ text_color=”#000000″]Device enrolled. Your device is now a part of the android beta program! a system update will soon be offered to your device. You can check to see if an update is pending by navigating to Settings > About > System updates.[/su_note]
This was the tutorial on how to download and install Android O public beta on Pixel and Nexus devices as an OTA update. Android 8 has some cool features. If you have a compatible device, then enroll this update now.