Official Google Australia Blog: August 2017

Android Oreo superpowers, coming to a device near you

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Today, we are officially introducing Android 8.0 Oreo, the latest release of the platform–and it’s smarter, faster and more powerful than ever. It comes with new features like picture-in-picture and Autofill to help you navigate tasks seamlessly. Plus, it’s got stronger security protections and speed improvements that keep you safe and moving at lightspeed. When you’re on your next adventure, Android Oreo is the superhero to have by your side (or in your pocket!).

Android Oreo, to the rescue! Ever try checking your schedule while staying on a video call? Android Oreo makes it easy with picture-in-picture, letting you see two apps at once: it's like having the power to be in two places at the same time! Overwhelmed by notifications, but missing the ones you care about the most? With Android Oreo, notification dots let you tap to see what's new in your apps -- like the important ones you put on your homescreen -- and then take action on those notifications quickly.

Android 8.0 Oreo: Picture-in-picture, Notification dots
Evildoers trying to get bad software onto your device? Android Oreo is more secure with Google Play Protect built in, security status front and center in settings, and tighter app install controls. Battery depleted and still galaxies away from a charger? Been there, too. Android Oreo helps minimize unintentional overuse of battery from apps in the background; these limits keep your battery going longer.
Supersonic speed When you’re on the go, speed is perhaps the most important superpower. With Android Oreo, you can get started on tasks more quickly than ever with a faster boot speed (up to twice as fast on Pixel, in fact). Once you’re powered up, Autofill on Android Oreo remembers things like logins (with your permission) to quickly get you into your favorite apps. Plus, support for Android Instant Apps means you can teleport directly into new apps, no installation needed.
League of extraordinary emojis Even superheroes don’t go it alone. Android Oreo brings along a team of fully-redesigned emojis, including over 60 new emoji to help save the day like:

Coming to a device near you We're pushing the sources to Android Open Source Project (AOSP) for everyone to access today. Pixel and Nexus 5X/6P builds have entered carrier testing, and we expect to start rolling out in phases soon, alongside Pixel C and Nexus Player. We’ve also been working closely with our partners, and by the end of this year, hardware makers including Essential, General Mobile, HMD Global Home of Nokia Phones, Huawei, HTC, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sharp and Sony are scheduled to launch or upgrade devices to Android 8.0 Oreo. Any devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program will also receive this final version. You can learn more at android.com/oreo.

Posted by Sameer Samat, VP of Product Management, Android & Google Play

The Aussie Google Assistant is coming to more Android phones

Friday, August 18, 2017

Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes. The Google Assistant is conversational, personal and helps you get things done—from telling you about your day to taking a selfie. The Assistant is already available on Pixel, Google Home, and our smart messaging app Google Allo. Now we're bringing it to even more Aussies. Starting today, the Google Assistant is coming to smartphones running Android 7.0 Nougat and Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

The Google Assistant on the Nokia 6.
Whether you want to know how to say “nice to meet you” in Japanese, or find that cute photo of your kids, or simply set a reminder to do laundry when you get home, your Assistant can help. With the Google Assistant on Android phones, you have your own personal, helpful Google right in your pocket. And the best thing? It’s your one Google Assistant that lives across devices––so if you add something to your shopping list on Google Home while you’re cooking and on your phone while you’re on the go, it’s the same shopping list. Your Google Assistant will also remember what you ask it to, from your name to your favorite color, favorite songs and even your bike combo.
Here are a few other things to try out on your phone—just long press on the Home button or say “Ok Google” to get started:
What’s my confirmation number for my flight to Bali? Take me to the Sydney Opera House. Show my photos of the Great Barrier Reef. Do I need an umbrella today? How many Aussie dollars is 10 U.S. Dollars?
The Google Assistant will automatically come to eligible Android phones running Nougat and Marshmallow with Google Play Services. You'll also see the Google Assistant on some recently announced partner devices, including Nokia’s 3, 5, 6 and 8 devices.
Our goal is to make the Assistant available anywhere you need it. It came to Aussie homes through Google Home just a month ago and it has been available on Pixel and Allo since last year. With this update, Android users from Darwin to Hobart will now be able to try out the Aussie Google Assistant on their phones. What will you ask first?Posted by Abhishek Ghosh, Program Manager, Google Assistant