A few months since Google unveiled its newest Android version, Oreo, the mobile operating system has finally started to roll out to Sony Xperia devices. Last month, the Oreo update rolled out to Sony's Xperia XZ Premium smartphones. Now, the Xperia XZ and XZs are getting the highly-anticipated update.
The updates come at just the expected time, as the Xperia XZ and XZs were introduced last year with Android 7.1 Nougat, and were expected to get the 8.0 Oreo update before the end of the year.
The Oreo version is available for the said handsets through over-the-air (OTA) updates. Users who want to get the update only need to check the system updates option on the Settings app. As usual, backing up personal data is advised before performing the update. It is also recommended to use a Wi-Fi connection to download the Android Oreo update package.
The version of Android Oreo that Sony is rolling out contains some features on top of the base Android software. These add-on features include reminders for unfinished tasks like emails and messages, long press options, new app shortcuts, and smarter text selection.
The update package will also include an enhanced version of the Xperia Actions feature, which suggests various settings based on usage pattern. It will also come with new gaming and community features, and this month's Android security update is meant to fix bugs and other existing vulnerabilities.
Some features of the Android Oreo operating system that are making their way to the Xperia smartphones are a new quick settings menu, the new Picture in Picture (PiP) mode, and Google Play Protect.
Android Oreo was unveiled by Google to the public in August, and as is the trend with Android devices, not a lot of manufacturers have caught up with the new operating system. However, the Xperia phones are just some of a number of smartphone models that are now beginning to roll out the updates for the Android Oreo. HTC, Nokia, and OnePlus have also released updates to upgrade the software of their smartphone models.
