The one factor I hate in regards to the Google Pixel line of gadgets is that they clearly present what superior options inventory Android can supply and that I can’t have it. Even the unique Pixel homeowners are disadvantaged of many options that include the brand new Pixel 2 telephones. That’s why it’s so heartening to see Google porting many of those options to the older gadgets with its Android 8.1 Developer Preview. The general public model is slated to hit the market someday in December. So, earlier than you may get your hand on it (if you’re not able to attempt the developer preview), let’s try all the brand new options and adjustments that Android 8.1 has to supply us:
Notice: Android 8.1 Developer Preview is on the market for the beta tester. The supported gadgets embrace Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL.
All The New Android 8.1 Developer Preview Options and Adjustments
1. Automated Gentle and Darkish Themes
In all probability my favorite characteristic that’s coming with the brand new 8.1 replace is the assist for computerized gentle and darkish theme. The characteristic was launched with Pixel 2 which mechanically modified the theme on the gadget relying on the kind of wallpaper somebody is utilizing. For instance, if you’re utilizing a lightweight wallpaper, your telephone will show the sunshine theme, however for those who change to a darkish wallpaper, the theme additionally will mechanically swap to a darkish mode. I feel the beneath footage clarify this higher than my phrases can. Should you love darkish mode, you will love this replace.
2. Battery Ranges For Bluetooth Linked Units
One other good characteristic which debuted with the Pixel 2 was the gadgets capability to present the battery ranges of linked Bluetooth gadgets similar to wi-fi headphones and audio system. This characteristic is absolutely helpful for individuals who have ditched the headphone jacks and gone completely wi-fi. Not solely that, 8.1 replace additionally makes it very easy to see these battery ranges. Beforehand you wanted to go to the Bluetooth settings to see the battery ranges, however now you may get a pleasant visible cue, because it shows the battery simply subsequent to the Bluetooth icon within the quick-settings panel. Now, that is one thing I really like.
3. The New Energy Menu
One neat characteristic that got here with Android 8.0 within the new Pixel 2s is the redesigned energy menu choices. If you long-press on the power-button (on-off button), the ability menu slides from the sting of the display in a card format. Not solely the brand new redesign and the accompanying animations look nice, it’s additionally extra purposeful because it retains the “Energy Off” and the “Restart” possibility simply subsequent to your finger. This implies a consumer doesn’t have to make use of two palms or fumble with one hand to get to the choices. With the developer preview of Android 8.1, the identical characteristic has been ported to all the opposite supported gadgets. I additionally like the truth that computerized gentle and darkish theming additionally works with the ability menu.
4. Revamped Settings Web page
Similar to Apple revamps the Management Middle with every new iOS launch, Google does the identical with its settings app. The Settings app that got here with the Pixel 2 might be the perfect model of it but. With 8.1 developer preview, Google is bringing the identical Settings app with some minor enhancements. Now, the search icon which occupied the top-right of the Settings house web page covers the entire high bar and appears outstanding. Some settings menu gadgets have additionally been rearranged to make it simpler to search out them. Additionally, the navigation bar shade adjustments to match the sunshine theme of the settings menu, with the colour of the navigation buttons fading with time if left unused.
5. New Oreo Easter Egg
What is going to a brand new Android replace be with out its Easter Egg? With the Android 8.0 launch, Google disenchanted many customers by not together with Oreo because the Easter Egg. Properly, the developer preview of 8.1 adjustments all that by displaying Oreo in all its glory. Nevertheless, the unhappy wanting octopus nonetheless stays.
6. Preserve WiFi On Throughout Sleep Possibility Eliminated
Not all of the adjustments that include the Android 8.1 Developer Preview are nice although. With this replace, one of many options which helped in prolonging the battery life has been eliminated. The “Preserve WiFi On Throughout Sleep” possibility enabled customers to command Android to disable the WiFi when the gadget has been sleeping. This prolonged the battery lifetime of the gadget. Nevertheless, since this characteristic isn’t any extra, you’ll have to manually disable the WiFi if you wish to preserve the battery drain in examine whereas your gadget is sleeping.
7. Apps Can Now Solely Make One Notification Alert Per Second
Inform me in case you have skilled this. Your smartphone is disconnected from the web and as quickly as you join it to the web, all these pending notifications come pouring in on the identical time. It’s particularly annoying if you’re a member of any chat group. Properly, with the 8.1 replace, Google is making an attempt to resolve this drawback. The documentation that comes with the brand new developer preview reveals that now an app can ship just one notification alert per second regardless of the variety of notifications you’re receiving. The perfect half is that the notifications should not misplaced, you simply obtain the alert tone one time.
8. Persistent “Apps Utilizing Battery” Notification Will be Dismissed
In case your reminiscence serves you good, you would possibly keep in mind that with Android 8.0 a brand new characteristic was launched which confirmed the apps which had been operating within the background. The principle drawback with this notification was that it can’t be eliminated. With 8.1, the issue has been addressed. Now the notification displaying apps operating within the background (now displayed as “Apps utilizing Battery”) could be disabled simply. That’s a extremely good change because the earlier persistent notification was fairly annoying, to say the least.
9. Semi-Clear Fast Settings Panel
Aside from the primary Settings app, the Fast Settings panel has additionally acquired some minor upgrades. For starters, the brand new Fast Settings panel now’s semi-transparent reflecting the design language of the Pixel 2. The impact works system-wide, giving the UI a uniform design. Additionally, now the consumer icon has been faraway from the Fast Settings panel, so if you wish to swap between customers, now you’ll have to try this from inside the primary Settings menu. Relying on how a lot used that characteristic, that is perhaps a nasty factor for you. Different adjustments embrace a delicate improve within the padding of fast setting tiles and extra.
10. Obtain Supervisor Notification Privateness Decreased
Android Oreo 8.0 launched totally different notification precedence ranges for various notifications. Whereas the excessive precedence notifications obtain their particular person playing cards, the decrease precedence notifications are clubbed collectively. With 8.1 replace, the obtain supervisor notification has been assigned a decrease precedence and therefore now it received’t take up a lot area.
SEE ALSO: The way to Set up Android O Developer Preview on Nexus and Pixel Units
The Greatest Android 8.1 Options
As you may see, there’s a lot to like right here. It’s good to see Google releasing Pixel particular options so quickly for different gadgets. I might nonetheless love that new Pixel 2 launcher, however contemplating the previous historical past, I’m not holding my breath for it. That being mentioned, I’m very pleased with this new replace and might’t await its public launch. Tell us if you will wait until December for the general public launch or are you putting in the Developer Preview at present.
