Google releases final preview of Android 8.1 Oreo for select Pixel and Nexus devices

While many consumers are still waiting to receive Android 8.0 Oreo, only a few will soon be able to update to a much newer version – Android 8.1 Oreo. Google confirmed a few more important new features will be made available along with Android 8.1, but the update will be available to Pixel and Nexus devices only, and probably for quite a long time.

Obviously, Google won't prevent any smartphone company to push the update, but considering these companies are still struggling to update their products to Android 8.0 Oreo, it's safe to assume it will take much longer to deliver a newer version.

The good news is if you're a Pixel/Nexus users, you'll soon get Android 8.1 Oreo on your device. Google announced today that it's releasing the final preview of Android 8.1 to those who joined the beta program. Here are all the devices compatible with the new update: Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus 6P, and Nexus 5X.

This particular update includes optimizations for Android Go (for devices with 1GB or less of memory), as well as a Neural Networks API that's meant to accelerate on-device machine intelligence.

On top of that, Google confirmed that it has added “a few smaller enhancements” to Android Oreo, which are based on user and developer feedback, so there's that as well.

Also, if you have the Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL, the Android 8.1 update will enable Pixel Visual Core, the search giant's first custom-designed co-processor for image processing. When it's enabled, the co-processor should help apps using Android Camera API capture HDR+ shots in a much better detail.

Last but not least, it looks like Google is preparing the stable version of Android 8.1 Oreo for a December launch, so Pixel and Nexus users won't have to wait too long for the update.

Grab the Pixel 10 at Mint Mobile for $450 off

$349

$799

$450 off (56%)

Mint Mobile now sells the Google Pixel 10 with a massive $450 discount. The promo is available on select color variants with 128GB of storage. You also get a 12-month unlimited data plan for $180 instead of $360.

Buy at Mint Mobile

Pixel 10 Pro: now $475 off at Mint

$524

$999

$475 off (48%)

Grab the pro-grade, compact Pixel 10 Pro at Mint Mobile with a 12-month unlimited plan, and you can save a huge $475. The data plan comes with a discount, too: 50% off, to be exact.

Buy at Mint Mobile

The Pixel 10 Pro XL is $700 off at Mint right now

$499

$1199

$700 off (58%)

The high-end Gemini AI-enhanced Pixel 10 Pro XL is now available with a mind-blowing discount. You can now save $700 on the phone, plus 50% off unlimited 12-month plans.

Buy at Mint Mobile

The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is now $400 off

$1399

$1799

$400 off (22%)

The foldable Pixel 10 Pro Fold is another standout holiday offer. Right now, you can get the device for $400 off at Mint Mobile. On top of that, you save $180 on 12-month unlimited data plans.

Buy at Mint Mobile