Google I/O 2017 was the time when Google unveiled Android O in all its glory. Soon enough, the public release of Android 8.0 Oreo began in August and the Nexus and Pixel users couldn’t be more excited. As the months have gone by, the same tasty Oreo-flavored treats are now available to most flagship devices.
But even after almost 9 months of the initial release, the excitement to get the major Android version hasn’t died off. For instance, the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge owners are finally going to know what it feels to use features like Picture-in-Picture mode and Notification Channels! Even those of you who are already enjoying Android 8.0, the advent of a software update is always a pleasant sight, so here’s what we have for you this time around.
There’s an update for those who have been enjoying the Oreo experience on the Galaxy S9 and S9+ for months. The update comes with build numbers G960FXXU1ARD4 and G965FXXU1ARD4 and surprisingly does not include the latest May security patch. Based on the changelog, the update brings call stability, which was a widely-recorded issue. Expect the staged update to be pushed out soon, or check for it manually by heading over to Settings – Software update – Download updates manually.
As for the latest May security update, only two devices are receiving it and none of them is a flagship. Galaxy J5 Prime users in India are receiving the latest security update with the firmware version G570FDDU1BRD3. Additionally, the Galaxy J2 Pro is also receiving an identical update with the May security update in Bangladesh.
Google
With the onset of the new month, Google is back with another regulatory update cycle for Pixel and Nexus devices. While the May security update is rolling out for all, there’s something extra out for the Pixel XL in particular. We had reported last month that the Pixel XL from last year suffered from an overcharging bug, and Google was quick to acknowledge the issue.
Based on the Security Bulletin, the update comes with the ability to “adjust Pixel XL charging behavior”. Additionally, users had reported multi-touch issues on Pixel and Pixel 2 devices last month, where the image on the screen began to shake/jump when touched with two or more fingers. Google’s Issue Tracker thread confirmed that the issue has been addressed with the May update cycle.
The Android 8.0 update for LG V30 was also greenlit last week for carrier-locked T-Mobile devices and unlocked variants. Carrying build number OPR1.170623.026 and an OTA file weighing around 1677MB, the update also comes with the March security patch. But the latest reports confirm that the OTA rollout has been halted by T-Mobile due to multiple bug reports. There’s no word yet on when the update will be made available, but we’ll keep you posted.
The Japanese company started off this month by updating the Xperia XZ, Xperia XZs, and the Xperia X Performance. The updated build version 41.3.A.2.128 brings along the latest security patch from May. A similar update is also pushing out to the Xperia XZ1, XZ1 Compact, XZ Premium, Xperia X, and Xperia X Compact.
But the ones receiving major updates this week are the Chinese owners of the Nokia 7 and first-generation Nokia 6. Both the devices are being updated to Android 8.1 Oreo with the latest update. But the Nokia 7 is receiving a bunch of extra features such as dual SIM VoLTE support, Do Not Disturb mode for gaming, Camera Pro, and Face Unlock.
What’s new this week?
Samsung- Android 8.0 Oreo for Galaxy A7 2017 rolling out.
- Galaxy Note 7 FE receives Oreo in South Korea.
- Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge receive Android Oreo.
- Galaxy J2 Pro receives an update with March security patch.
- Galaxy S9 and S9+ update with call fixes are underway.
- Galaxy A3 2017 receives Android 8.0 in Russia.
- May security patch out for Galaxy J5 Prime.
- May security update for Pixel and Nexus devices rolling out with optimizations.
- LG G6 begins receiving Android 8.0 Oreo update.
- T-Mobile LG V30 Android Oreo rollout halted.
- May security update already rolling out for the Xperia XZ Premium, Xperia XZ1, and others.
- May security update now out for Nokia 5, Nokia 6, and Nokia 1.
- Nokia 7 Android 8.1 update brings VoLTE support to both the SIMs.
- Nokia 6 first generation receives Android 8.1 Oreo update in China.
- Huawei Mate SE begins receiving the Android 8.0 update.
- Huawei P8 Lite begins receiving Android 8.0 beta through EMUI 8
- Honor 7X EMUI 8.0 update in the UK is now being pushed out.
- Moto Z2 Play finally receives Android Oreo update in India.
Samsung
A month ago, Samsung surprised Galaxy A5 2017 edition users with the warm embrace of Android 8.0 Oreo. The owners of the larger Galaxy A7 2017 version expected the update soon enough, and the update is finally out. Users in Russia and Vietnam have begun receiving the Oreo update on their Galaxy A7 with build number A720FXXU3CRD3. Carrying the security patch from April, the 1.3GB update brings you the best of features like Picture-In-Picture mode from Google, along with Samsung Experience 9.0. But the Galaxy A7 2017 version is not the only device in its class receiving the Oreo update this week. The budget-friendly Galaxy A3 is also receiving a similar Android 8.0 update in Russia, followed by the ill-fated Galaxy Note 7 in South Korea. But the biggest relief comes to the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge users, who are receiving the long-awaited Oreo update. Carrying build number G930FXXU2ERD5 and G935FXXU2ERD5, the 1.3GB update is out for users in the UK already with the April security patch.
There’s an update for those who have been enjoying the Oreo experience on the Galaxy S9 and S9+ for months. The update comes with build numbers G960FXXU1ARD4 and G965FXXU1ARD4 and surprisingly does not include the latest May security patch. Based on the changelog, the update brings call stability, which was a widely-recorded issue. Expect the staged update to be pushed out soon, or check for it manually by heading over to Settings – Software update – Download updates manually.
As for the latest May security update, only two devices are receiving it and none of them is a flagship. Galaxy J5 Prime users in India are receiving the latest security update with the firmware version G570FDDU1BRD3. Additionally, the Galaxy J2 Pro is also receiving an identical update with the May security update in Bangladesh.
Based on the Security Bulletin, the update comes with the ability to “adjust Pixel XL charging behavior”. Additionally, users had reported multi-touch issues on Pixel and Pixel 2 devices last month, where the image on the screen began to shake/jump when touched with two or more fingers. Google’s Issue Tracker thread confirmed that the issue has been addressed with the May update cycle.
LG
For a flagship device that was released alongside devices like the Galaxy S8, LG G6 was overlooked in some ways. It seems that the South Korean company is finally pushing out the highly anticipated Android Oreo update for users in the home country first. There are also reports from LG G6 users tied to network carriers Bell and Virgin receiving the Oreo update. Apart from the features that Google has packed in, you can expect the AI-based ThinQ technology to be bundled in as well.
The Android 8.0 update for LG V30 was also greenlit last week for carrier-locked T-Mobile devices and unlocked variants. Carrying build number OPR1.170623.026 and an OTA file weighing around 1677MB, the update also comes with the March security patch. But the latest reports confirm that the OTA rollout has been halted by T-Mobile due to multiple bug reports. There’s no word yet on when the update will be made available, but we’ll keep you posted.
Sony
One of the many reasons Sony has been able to maintain a sustainable following in the struggling Android device market is software support. This continues with the fact that not only all eligible Xperia devices have received Android 8.0 already, but are being regularly updated with the latest security patch.
The Japanese company started off this month by updating the Xperia XZ, Xperia XZs, and the Xperia X Performance. The updated build version 41.3.A.2.128 brings along the latest security patch from May. A similar update is also pushing out to the Xperia XZ1, XZ1 Compact, XZ Premium, Xperia X, and Xperia X Compact.
Nokia
The revival of the Finnish company in the past few years has been impressive, but its continued commitment to premium software support is what makes Nokia a winner. Starting off with the budget devices, the company is pushing out the latest May security update for Nokia 1, Nokia 5, and Nokia 6 right now.
But the ones receiving major updates this week are the Chinese owners of the Nokia 7 and first-generation Nokia 6. Both the devices are being updated to Android 8.1 Oreo with the latest update. But the Nokia 7 is receiving a bunch of extra features such as dual SIM VoLTE support, Do Not Disturb mode for gaming, Camera Pro, and Face Unlock.
Huawei
Backing their promise of bringing Android 8.0 Oreo to the mid-range devices soon, Huawei has begun with the Mate SE. The Honor 7X variant after releasing for the North American market is now pushing out with an OTA update that brings the build number up to C567CUSTC567D4. The massive 2.4GB update file brings the AI-powered EMUI 8.0 UX along with the features of stock Oreo. In the meantime, the Android 8.0 Oreo rollout for Honor 7X is also underway in India, reported by Honor India. But it seems that the update is also pushing out in the UK, so users across the world can expect a staged release. And finally, the P8 Lite is also joining the list of Oreo-powered devices as the beta program for the device is officially kicking off.Motorola
While Motorola was quick to release the Oreo update for the flagship Moto Z2, the cheaper variants have waited long enough. Finally receiving its first major update this week is the Motorola Moto Z2 Play with Android 8.0 Oreo. The updated version OPS27.76-12-25 packs around 1GB of file size and comes with the April security patch from Google. The update is currently out for users in India, and you can check for it manually by heading over to Settings – About Phone – Software Update.Essential
When Andy Rubin spearheaded Essential Phone to be the ultimate competitor to the Google, we all hoped for a democratic Android OS. While Google still sits on the throne comfortably with the Pixel devices, Essential Phone is far from being over. The company is rolling out the May security update for its one and only flagship smartphone right now. Carrying build number OPM1.180104.166, the regulatory update brings nothing more than the security level upgrade. The Essential Phone is already running Android 8.1, which is a luxury that very few flagships currently enjoy. Are you among the lucky few who are receiving the latest Android 8.0 Oreo update on your device right now? Got a major software update this week that might’ve missed out on covering here? Be sure to let us know your device and details in the comments section below.We're rolling out a new software build that includes May security patches. Check your Essential Phone for the update. pic.twitter.com/aScFKkOD7V
— Essential (@essential) May 7, 2018