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Now that Android Oreo is starting to reach devices outside of the Android Beta program, here are some of the best features you’ll find after installing the update.
From better notification handling to to a tool that helps you free up storage, Android Oreo is full of some awesome stuff. Let’s take a look.
Notification channels
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Developers no longer control the importance level of a notification on Android Oreo. Instead, you are in complete control.
Once a developer updates an app for Android Oreo, the app will have notification channels. Each channel is for a different alert type, and you can set the way it alerts you on your device.
In the screenshot above, the Twitter app has several notification channels you can customize alerts for.
Go to Settings > Notifications > Notifications and select an app to view its channels and customize how it alerts you.
Picture in picture
Watching a video, getting directions in Google Maps, or continuing a video call while multitasking on your Android device now possible with Android Oreo’s new picture-in-picture feature.
The next time you’re chatting up a friend in Google Duo or watching a video, tap the home button to activate the new feature.
Wi-Fi improvements
In the habit of disabling Wi-Fi to save battery when you’re out and about? With Android Oreo, your device will automatically turn Wi-Fi back on when it detects you’re home and reconnect to your home network to save on mobile data.
16 of the best Android Oreo features to get excited about
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Notification dots
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
This is sure to be a polarizing feature. Either you’re going to hate the small dot placed on top of an app’s icon when you have a pending notification, or you’re going to love the added touch to keep you on top of potentially missed alerts.
Don’t worry, you can disable the notification badges with a long-press on the home screen, followed by a tap on Settings. Next, slide the switch next to All notification dots to the Off position.
Password autofill
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Forgetting app passwords is frustrating. With Android O, Google will offer to fill login forms with information stored in your Google account or in third-party password apps that have integrated the new feature.
It’s super easy to use and eliminates any excuse for not remembering a password.
Better storage management
Screenshots by Jason Cipriani/CNET
Running low on storage? Open Settings > Storage > Free Up Space.
You will have the option to delete contents of the downloads folder or uninstall apps you haven’t used in awhile to free up precious space.
Updates even if you’re outta space
Future updates to Android Oreo and beyond will still continue to install even if your device is out of storage. Essentially, the update will stream from Google’s servers to your phone or tablet and install on the fly. Users need only 100kb of available space in order to install an update. That’s… not a lot.
Pretty neat, eh?
