Essential previously announced that they would be skipping Android 8.0 for the Essential Phone and going straight to Android 8.1 Oreo.
Now the company has announced that it is releasing the Android 8.1 Oreo beta update for the handset. This update also includes Google’s security patch for Android for February.
We just started rolling out Oreo Beta 8.1 through OTA. This update includes February security patches, dynamic calendar and clock icons, a slow-scrolling jitter fix (beta), and more. 😍 #EssentialPhone
— Essential (@essential) February 14, 2018
Key Features of the Android 8.1 Oreo Beta Update
The Android 8.1 Oreo beta update brings several new features and improvements to the Essential Phone. One of the most notable additions is the dynamic calendar and clock icons, which update in real-time to reflect the current date and time. This small but significant change enhances the user experience by providing more relevant and timely information at a glance.
Another important fix included in this update is the slow-scrolling jitter fix. This addresses a common issue where users experienced jittery or laggy scrolling, particularly in long lists or web pages. By smoothing out the scrolling experience, Essential aims to provide a more fluid and enjoyable user interface.
Additionally, the update includes the latest security patches from Google for February. These patches are crucial for protecting the device against the latest security vulnerabilities and ensuring that users’ data remains secure.
Why Skipping Android 8.0 Makes Sense
Essential’s decision to skip Android 8.0 and move directly to Android 8.1 Oreo is a strategic one. Android 8.1 includes several enhancements and bug fixes that were not present in the initial 8.0 release. By focusing on the more refined version of the operating system, Essential can provide a more stable and feature-rich experience for its users.
For example, Android 8.1 introduces improvements in memory management, which can lead to better performance and battery life. It also includes support for neural network APIs, which can be leveraged by developers to create more advanced and efficient machine learning applications.
Furthermore, by skipping Android 8.0, Essential can avoid the potential pitfalls and issues that early adopters of 8.0 might have faced. This approach allows the company to deliver a more polished and reliable update to its users.
You can find out more details about the new Android 8.1 Oreo beta for the Essential smartphone over at the company’s website.
Source Essential / Twitter, Phone Arena
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