Google releases Android 8.1 Oreo developer preview for Nexus and Pixel devices

As expected, Google released a new important Android update for Nexus and Pixel devices. Available as a developer preview, Android 8.1 Oreo brings important improvements and enables the Pixel Visual Core co-processor in the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.

There are lots of things included in Android 8.1 Oreo, but most of the changes are developer-oriented. For example, Google made some modifications to the way notifications work, such as the fact that apps are now limited to one notification alert sound per second.

Also, the update adds support for managing wallpaper colors, as well as better performance for low-RAM devices when running Android apps.

Android 8.1 Oreo developer preview is now available for download for Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C, Google Pixel, Google Pixel XL, Google Pixel 2, and Google Pixel 2 XL. Google released both factory images and OTA files, so you can go ahead and download and flash them on your phone if you've already been enrolled in the beta program.

According to Google, the final version of Android 8.1 Oreo will be released sometime in December. Still, it's unclear when the update will hit other smartphone brands.