After releasing the primary Android 8.1 Developer Preview earlier final month, Google has now seeded the second beta replace to Pixel and Nexus machine customers. The search big has additionally made system pictures of this developer construct on its web site, that means it’s an “virtually closing” construct of the replace, which is because of launch subsequent month. The newest Android 8.1 Developer Preview is bringing alongside a string of name new APIs and enhancements. Right here’s every little thing new that’s been added to Android 8.1:
- Optimizations for Android Go: The newest replace has introduced reminiscence optimizations for Android Go, the underlying mechanism working on units with 1GB or much less RAM. It could not help sure Android listeners and is now up to date with help for brand spanking new {hardware} options.
- Neural Networks API: Google has already ushered the period of machine studying and AI providers on Android. However, it now desires Third-party builders to construct apps which may make the most of on-device neural networks to course of their information. The Neural Networks API gives accelerated computation for on-device frameworks corresponding to TensorFlow Lite, Caffe2, and others.
- Accessing Wallpaper Colours: The newest Android 8.1 has improved color selecting mechanisms for at present utilized wallpapers, because of the brand new API additions to wallpaper supervisor. It should seize probably the most consultant colors out of your wallpaper to regulate the system UI on the premise of the identical.
- Autofill Refinements: You received’t be capable of discover many of those adjustments as they’ve been made to the service finish however some front-end UI enhancements are additionally in tow. The Autofill Save UI now lets you add customized descriptions whereas displaying you the cardboard’s emblem, final 4 digits and expiry date. This may make it simpler so that you can decide the suitable card whereas finishing funds.
Pixel and Pixel 2-specific Enhancements
- Oboe Audio Library: The newest Android 8.1 beta permits builders to name the “A-audio Sharing Mode Unique” in some instances, offering decreased audio latency. A preview of the Oboe Library, which permits APIs to focus on A-audio in API 26+ units to supply the most effective audio latency to customers.
- Accessing Pixel Visible Core: Google is now additionally permitting builders to entry their customized imaging chipset on Pixel 2 units. It will allow them to entry HDR+ and enhance the standard of pictures captured utilizing their digital camera apps. This may turn out to be useful for Instagram or Snapchat, who’d need creators to publish high-res images on their platform.
For those who’re keen on being on the bleeding fringe of Android 8.1 Oreo updates, you enrol within the Android Beta program and obtain the latest developer preview in your Nexus or Pixel machine. Tell us your expertise with the Android 8.1 beta within the feedback down under.
