How to manually install Official Android 8.0 Oreo Beta on Xiaomi Mi A1

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 14, 2017       

Just a few days back, Xiaomi started recruitment for Android Oreo beta testers for the Mi A1 and the now company has started rolling out the update to the eligible users. While this is only a beta program, it's still good to see that Google and Xiaomi are working on bringing the latest version of Android for its users.

The Oreo Beta with December 2017 patch for the Mi A1 weighs in at around 1104.1MB. Android 8.0 Oreo brings along brand new System Interface, Autofill, Picture In Picture, Better Battery Life, Fast Boot, and more.

The Beta is only available for a few Mi A1 users, However Non-Beta members can now install the update in an unofficial way thanks to XDA Developer "rameshurfrnd1". The developer just shared TWRP Backup of his Mi A1 running Android Oreo Beta and the same can be used to Install Oreo Beta.

Note: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. TechDroider cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.

How to Install Official Android 8.0 Oreo Beta on Xiaomi Mi A1:

Step 1: Download Oreo Beta TWRP Backup on to your Smartphone.

Step 2: Save the TWRP Backup file at TWRP/BACKUPS/df0bdeb70404/[UNOFFICIAL] AOSP OREO - tissot Directory.

Step 3: Boot to TWRP Mode.

Step 4: Once entering the TWRP settings menu, clear phone's memory (full) by selecting 'Wipe' option. Once done, select 'Swipe to Factory Reset' perform factory reset.

Step 5: Return to TWRP settings and select Restore Backup.

Step 6: Restore the TWRP Oreo Backup.

Step 7: Reboot your Smartphone.

Downloads

Android 8.0 Oreo MI A1 TWRP Backup (//XDA)

Mi A1 Official Android 8.0 Oreo Beta [Screenshots]

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 12, 2017       

Just a few days back, Xiaomi started recruitment for Android Oreo beta testers for the Mi A1 and today the company has started rolling out the update to the eligible users. While this is only a beta program, it's still good to see that Google and Xiaomi are working on bringing the latest version of Android for its users.

The Oreo Beta comes with December 2017 patch for the Mi A1 weighs in at around 1104.1MB. Android 8.0 Oreo brings along brand new System Interface, Autofill, Picture In Picture, Better Battery Life, Fast Boot, and more.

While the company has not revealed date of the official rollout of Android Oreo, it is believed that Xiaomi might release the official update by the end of this year. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Below are some screenshots of the New UI and Changes in Android 8.0 Oreo Beta for Xiaomi Mi A1.



//GoPi8 MIUI Forum

Android Oreo Beta now live for Mi A1

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 12, 2017       

Xiaomi Mi A1 (Android One) Smartphone is now getting Android 8.0 Oreo Beta Software Update with December 1, 2017 Security Patch.

If your Mi A1 is enrolled to Xiaomi's Beta program you should have received the over-the-air update notification for the Android 8.0 Oreo Beta update.

The Oreo Beta with December 2017 patch for the Mi A1 weighs in at around 1104.1MB. Android 8.0 Oreo brings along brand new System Interface, Autofill, Picture In Picture, Better Battery Life, Fast Boot, and more.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Settings - About Phone - Software updates, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Android Oreo beta is now available for the Nokia 5

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 12, 2017       

Now that Google has released the next version of Android, Android 8.0 Oreo, the wait for the devices to get the update has already started.

Nokia has now decided to launch the Android Beta preview before the final update. Just a few weeks back Nokia updated its Flagship Nokia 8 to Android 8.0 Oreo. Now Nokia 5 owners can test the same.

If you own a Nokia 5, you can enroll in the Android 8.0 Oreo beta program by signing up at Nokia Betalabs.

"Our growing community of beta testers are the first to receive Android 8.0 Oreo. By testing the software ahead of general release, your feedback will help us create the smoothest and purest Nokia phones experience."

To join, all you need is a working Nokia 5.

Moto G4 Plus gets new Android 8.1 Oreo update via AOSP ROM [How to install]

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 09, 2017       

Now that Google has released the next version of Android, Android Oreo, the wait for the devices to get the update first has already started. Motorola has already updated it's software support page with the list of its devices that will officially get the update and yes the Moto G4 Plus is one of them.

Motorola has already started testing Android 8.0 Oreo for the Premium Moto Z Series and there's no indication when the update will be available for the G4 Plus. Anyways, those readers who are hanging on to the Moto G4 Plus, we have good news to share. Reputed Developer Nikit Sharma (Dreamstar)  has released the brand new AOSP Custom ROM based on latest Android 8.1 Oreo. It brings latest security updates, wallpapers, launcher and many more value-added features to the Moto G4 Plus.

Note: This procedure is very technical and should be performed by a person with sound knowledge of rooting Android devices. If the step-by-step installation process is not followed properly, there are chances of the smartphone getting bricked or being permanently irreparable. TechDroider cannot be held responsible for any damage or claims from readers if the procedure does not yield the required results or if the smartphone is bricked. Hence, users are advised to proceed with caution.

How to Install Android 8.1 Oreo AOSP ROM on Moto G4 Plus:

Step 1: Download AOSP Android 8.1 Oreo custom ROM and Google Apps on to your Smartphone.

Step 2: Boot to TWRP Mode.

Step 6: Once entering the TWRP settings menu, clear phone's memory (full) by selecting 'Wipe' option. Once done, select 'Swipe to Factory Reset' perform factory reset.

Step 7: Return to TWRP settings and tap 'Install' by the selecting .Zip file in the phone's memory.

Step 8: Come back to TWRP menu setting to approve the installation by tapping 'Swipe to Confirm Flash'

Step 9: Flashing of the custom ROM begins and after few minutes, a message 'Successful' appears on the screen, thus completing installation.

Downloads

Android 8.1 Oreo AOSP ROM (//XDA)

Gapps

Xiaomi Mi A1 is Getting New Update, No It's not Oreo!

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 09, 2017       

The Xiaomi Mi A1 (Android One) is now getting the latest December Security patch with Stability Improvement and Bug fixes.

If you own a Mi A1 you should have received the over-the-air update notification for December Security Patch, and it's crucial that you download it, as it brings along the fix for the KRACK vulnerability.

The December 2017 Android security update for the Mi A1 weighs in at around 153MB. Note that the device still runs on Android 7.1.2 Nougat after the update. For a successful installation, the battery in your phone should be at least 50% charged and your device should be connected to a Wi-Fi network or LTE.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Settings - About Phone - Software updates, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Official LineageOS 15.1 based on Android 8.1 Oreo is in the works!!!

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 09, 2017       

Just a few days ago, Google released the official Android 8.1 Oreo update to the Pixel and Nexus Devices. Android 8.1 features a lot of changes over the Android 8.0.

With Android 8.1 you get a brand new Pixel 2 launcher, Power-Reboot menu, Dim Navbar keys, and my favorite one is Black and White theme depending on the Wallpaper used. 

Those of you waiting for the Oreo based Official LineageOS ROM, here's an update for you guys. Linage is skipping Android 8.0 Oreo LineageOS 15.0 in favor of the Android 8.1 Oreo LineageOS 15.1.

Up to now, news on Oreo-based LineageOS 15.0 has been almost non-existent, but we’re in a position now where we can document some of our progress here.

As many of you have seen (and we’re sure some of you are running them right now), a number of unofficial LineageOS 15.0 builds exist, some of which are built by our very own maintainers. These are in no way representative of a final product, but definitely let you all experience some of the features Android 8.0 has to offer.

Once that the basic framework has been put in place and devices are successfully booting LineageOS 15.0, some features are being brought forward, most of which are dependent on what was previously known as the CMSDK. A large focus while doing this has been to evaluate the need to carry-forward or otherwise clean up the leftovers from our inception last year.

However now that Android 8.1 has been released, we’re anticipating moving straight to the 15.1 branch where we’ll merge all our work done for 15.0 and finish the porting effort.

Like always, we won’t be giving any indication as to when we might be close to a releasable product, but keep waiting patiently, and as we reach big milestones, we’ll be giving you some more status updates.

Source: Lineage

OnePlus 5T Star Wars Limited Edition to launch in these countries

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 06, 2017       

Recently, OnePlus announced Limited OnePlus 5T Star Wars Edition to commemorate the the release of the Star Wars upcoming movie. The device will go on sale in India one day before the movie, Star Wars: The Last Jedi releases on 15 December.

Well, India is not the only country getting the Limited OnePlus 5T Star Wars Edition. OnePlus is also announcing this Limited Edition 5T in Finland, Sweden and Denmark on 13th and 14th of December.

The Star Wars Limited Edition OnePlus 5T has while back with COOL Star Wars branding. There's a Red colored alert slider on the left. The overall package looks awesome and is perfect for Star Wars fan!

With the OnePlus 5T, you get a 6.01-inch FHD Optic AMOLED 18:9 display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 6/8GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage, 16MP + 20MP with f/1.7 aperture for the best low-light, zoom and anti-blur photos with enhanced image processing, 16MP front camera, 3300mAh battery with Dash Charge, and Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

What else new though? Well OnePlus has also added Face Unlock feature that uses 100 identifiers to make sure you are you before unlocking.

Nokia 8 won’t support Android Oreo’s quick updates feature

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 05, 2017       

HMD has confirmed on its forums that Project Treble won't be part of any current devices, including the new Nokia 8.

Project Treble makes the OTAs modular allowing manufacturers to update their devices faster and longer.

Google has already updated their 2016 Pixel Smartphones with Treble, but HMD contradicts saying that Google only supports Project Treble on phones launching with Android 8.0 Oreo.

"Nokia 8 was launched with Android 7.0 Nougat™ however we recently upgraded this device to Android 8.0 Oreo™. Unfortunately Google only supports Project Treble on phones launching on Android 8.0 Oreo™, not phones upgrading to their software.

HMD is fully committed to implementing Project Treble on all new Android Oreo products in the near future and we apologise for any disappointment this may cause."

Source

Android Oreo Go announced for entry level Smartphones

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 05, 2017       

Back at Google I/O, Google promised a version of Android for low-end devices. Today, Google announced the "Android Oreo Go" with Light weights applications and interface. The Software is readily available for developers and device manufacturers.

Android Oreo Go features a handful of Google apps including the GoogleGo, Google Assistant Go, Maps, Gmail, YouTube Go, and other light-weight stuffs.

The Android 8.1 Oreo Go is designed to run better on phones with either 512MB or 1GB of RAM. However, that doesn't mean it will be available for every low end device.

"With the launch of Android Oreo (Go edition) in Android 8.1, partners will soon be able to ship this new release on their entry-level devices around the world. We can’t wait for our partners’ devices to hit shelves in the coming months.  - Google"

Android 8.1 Oreo Officially rolling out starting today!!!

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 05, 2017       

Android 8.1 Oreo is rolling out today (Tuesday) with December Security Patch. The update will be available through OTA for eligible Pixel and Nexus Smartphones.

Android 8.1 eligible devices includes Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel C, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6P.

If you are enrolled to Android 8.1 Oreo Beta you'll automatically get a stable release within a few weeks.

Android 8.1 Change-log: 

Neural networks API

The Neural Networks API (NNAPI) provides apps with hardware acceleration for on-device machine learning operations. The API supports on- device model creation, compilation, and execution. Apps typically do not use NNAPI directly; instead, NNAPI is meant to be called by machine learning libraries, frameworks, and tools that let developers train their models and deploy them on Android devices.

Notifications

Apps can now only make a notification alert sound once per second. Alert sounds that exceed this rate aren't queued and are lost. This change doesn't affect other aspects of notification behavior and notification messages still post as expected.

Improved targeting for low-RAM devices

Android 8.1 (API level 27) adds two new hardware-feature constants, FEATURE_RAM_LOW and FEATURE_RAM_NORMAL, to Package Manager. These constants allow you target the distribution of your apps and APK splits to normal- or low-RAM devices. 

These constants enable the Play store to promote a better user experience by highlighting apps especially well-suited to the capabilities of a given device.

Autofill framework updates

Android 8.1 Developer Preview (API level 27) provides several improvements to the Autofill Framework that you can incorporate into your apps.

Programmatic Safe Browsing actions

• You can control whether your app reports known threats to Safe Browsing. 
• You can have your app automatically perform a particular action—such as going back to safety—each time it encounters a URL that Safe Browsing classifies as a known threat.

WallpaperColors API

Android 8.1 Developer Preview (API level 27) adds support for managing wallpaper colors. This feature lets you create a WallpaperColors object from a bitmap, a drawable, or by using the first three most visually representative colors. You can also retrieve details of the first three noticeable colors of a wallpaper.

Shared memory API

Android 8.1 (API level 27) introduces a new SharedMemory class. This class allows you to create, map, and manage anonymous shared memory that can be used by multiple processes or apps.

Nokia 9 Release Date Revealed!!!

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 04, 2017       

Nokia's next generation device is expected to feature a total overhaul with new design and major improvements under the hood.

We have already seen the Nokia 9 via Design Leaks. The device is expected to feature bent display just like the Galaxy Note Edge, faster processor, upgraded camera, and tiny chin and top.

HMD hasn’t confirmed a release date for the Nokia 9 and is unlikely to reveal anything until a few weeks before the launch.

However, although 2017 launch looks almost certain, Chinese media Mydrivers is confident that the Nokia 9 won’t arrive this year.

They say that HMD is planning to announce the Nokia 9 with a new Smartphone "Nokia 8 (2018)" on January 19. The Nokia 8 2018 would feature similar specs just like the Nokia 8 but with Full Screen 18:9 Display.

Nokia 8 comes with Outdated 5.3-inch QHD IPS display with huge chin and top bezels. It is powered by the Snapdragon 835 SoC, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage. The phone comes dual rear cameras with Zeiss Optics, Splashproof (IP54), OZO 360-degree Audio, and includes USB Type-C port, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. The phone runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

Xiaomi reveals the Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 04, 2017       

Xiaomi is now all set to announce the Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus with 18:9 screens on December 7th.

Donovan Sung, director of product management at Xiaomi has just revealed the Redmi 5 and Redmi 5 Plus in a set of tweeted photos.

As of now, there's no information regarding the official specs and pricing. However as per leaks, the Redmi 5 would feature a 5.7" Display with Snapdragon 450 processor while the Redmi 5 Plus would feature a 6" Screen with Snapdragon 625 SoC.

Both the devices will be available in 3/4GB RAM and 32/64GB ROM.

Motorola to launch limited edition Star Wars Style Mod

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 03, 2017       

A Few months back Motorola and Lenovo announced the variety of special edition Moto-Mods to commemorate the the release of the Transformers: The Last Knight. And this time they are planning to offer limited addition of Star Wars Style Mod, which are likely to be available in limited numbers.

The Star Wars Limited Edition Moto Style Mod looks Insanely cool and I really can't wait to attach one of those to my Moto Z Play. The Overall package will be available in ¥129 (19.50USD).

Let me be perfectly clear, Just like Transformers Moto-Mods, Motorola plans to sell the Star Wars Style Mod in the China only and there's no indication if or when it will come to other regions. There's also likely to be a limited number available, so if you want one, better start looking on how to import products from China or those who can make it to the China, it would be great if you can bring me one too when available.

Motorola is expected to launch the Star Wars Limited Edition Moto Style Mod in a few weeks. That said, we will let you know if Motorola plans to release these special edition Moto-Mods in any other regions. How bad you want one of these for your Moto Z? Let us know in the below comment section!

Thanks Stuart

Nokia 3 will jump straight to Android 8.0 Oreo

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 03, 2017       

The Nokia 3 will forgo Android 7.1.2 Nougat and will be upgraded straight to Android 8.0 Oreo, HMD has revealed. Juho Sarvikas, Chef Product Officer for HMD Global made the announcement in a response to a Nokia 3 user.

Recently Nokia announced that Nokia 6 and Nokia 5 will be the next Nokia devices to get Android 8.0 Oreo Beta Build. Note that Nokia has already updated the Nokia 8 to Official Android 8.0 Oreo. 

The Nokia 3 is on the last of the list and may get Android 8.0 Oreo by early 2018. The device currently runs Android 7.0 Nougat.

Android 8.0 Oreo is the latest version of Android. The update comes with new features like PIP (Picture in Picture), new emoji, Notification timeout, and redesigned settings menu.

OnePlus’s going to sell this awesome Star Wars OnePlus 5T

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 02, 2017       

Harness the power of the ultimate Smartphone for the ultimate Star Wars fans. OnePlus just announced the Limited Star Wars Edition OnePlus 5T during Comic Con event in Bengaluru, India.

The Star Wars Limited Edition OnePlus 5T has while back with COOL Star Wars branding. There's a Red colored alert slider on the left. The overall package looks awesome and is perfect for Star Wars fan!

OnePlus is expected to reveal the availability and pricing of the OnePlus 5T Star Wars Limited Edition sometime next week.

With the OnePlus 5T, you get a 6.01-inch FHD Optic AMOLED 18:9 display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor, 6/8GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage, 16MP + 20MP with f/1.7 aperture for the best low-light, zoom and anti-blur photos with enhanced image processing, 16MP front camera, 3300mAh battery with Dash Charge, and Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

What else new though? Well OnePlus has also added Face Unlock feature that uses 100 identifiers to make sure you are you before unlocking.

Motorola to begin rolling out the Android Oreo Update to Moto Z2 Force in a few weeks

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 02, 2017       

Motorola Moto Z2 Force owners can expect to see the Android 8.0 Oreo begin its official rollout for their devices in a few weeks.

Motorola is sending out notifications regarding the availability of Android 8.0 Oreo update to the Moto Z2 Force users. If you own a Moto Z2 Force you should have received the notification with an image revealing Motorola's plan.

We're planning an Android 8.0 Oreo update for your device... It may take a while, so check back in a few weeks!

Android 8.0 Oreo update include new Settings and Notification panel UI, Picture in Picture (PIP), Adaptive icons, Autofill, Notification timeout, Motorola might also add several new features to the latest software update. The Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Moto Smartphones may also bring new Moto Key application that let's you securely save passwords, Moto Alexa, and new Moto Live Stream.

Motorola has already started testing Android 8.0 Oreo update for the Moto Z, Moto Z Play, Moto Z2 Play, and Moto Z2 Force. It seems that the Moto Z2 Force will be the first Motorola device to get Android Oreo. Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Google Play Reveals 'Best of 2017' Apps, Games, Books, Movies, TV Shows

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 01, 2017       

Towards the end of every year, Google announces the list of the Best applications, games, songs, movies, TV shows, and books on Google Play, and continuing its tradition, the search giant has now announced its list for 2017.

At the top of “Popular Games” is Super Mario Run. Not a huge surprise, given how popular the game was, even though it has fallen in popularity since it launched. Other games on the list include Bubble Witch 3 Saga, Magic Tiles 3, CATS: Crash Arena Turbo Stars and Ballz. Moving onto apps, these are the ones that made the list: Photo Editor - Beauty Camera & Photo Filters, What The Forecast?!!, Boomerang, TopBuzz Video: Viral Videos, Funny GIFs &TV shows, and Yarn - Chat Fiction.

The top movies of 2017 are dominated by animated and super hero films. Coming in at #1 we have Moana, followed by Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Wonder Woman (2017), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Doctor Strange. When it comes to the most streamed songs of the year, we have HUMBLE. by Kendrick Lamar on #1, followed by Shape of You by Ed Sheeran, DNA. by Kendrick Lamar. Mask Off by Future. and Body Like A Back Road by Sam Hunt.

For TV shows, Game of Thrones took the top spot followed by Rick and Morty, Walking Dead, The Big Bang Theory, and Doctor Who. For the top books of the year, It was The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson, It by Stephen King, The Battlemage by Taran Matharu, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.

Google Blog

Lenovo ZUK Z2 (Plus) Receives Android 8.1 Oreo Unofficially via Custom ROM

 By Vaibhav Jain on December 01, 2017       

Lenovo has already announced the list of devices that will be getting Android 8.0 Oreo update and the list only includes Lenovo K8 series of phones. Lenovo claims that they'll receive Android 8.0 Oreo by June to July of 2018.

Wondering if you could try out Oreo on your Lenovo ZUK Z2 (Plus)? Well, if you own a ZUK Z2 (Plus) and want to taste the Android 8.1 Oreo right now then this recent development might be of interest to you.

Developer "Rodrigo Rodrigues" has successfully ported Android 8.1 Oreo based Custom ROM for the ZUK Z2 (Plus). Additionally, most major aspects of the phone are working as expected (such as RIL, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.).

Watch: Android 8.1 New Features!!!

With Android 8.1 Oreo, you'll get new Wallpaper Themes, Pixel 2 Launcher, Redesigned Power Menu, new Shutdown and Reboot Animation, Round Statusbar Icons, and Settings.

You'll need to Unlock Bootloader and Install TWRP Custom Recovery in-order to Install the Pixel Experience ROM based on Android 8.1 Oreo on ZUK Z2 (Plus). You can grab the Custom Rom ZIP file from below.

Stay tuned to our Facebook and Twitter page to get the first News.

Screenshots:

Downloads:

Direct Download: Pixel ROM [Google Apps Included] (// XDA)

Moto X4 Update Brings Stability and Camera Improvements

 By Vaibhav Jain on November 30, 2017       

The Standard Moto X4 just got its very first software update with latest Android security patch, bug fixes, and improvements.

If you own a Moto X4 you should have received the over-the-air update notification for November 1 Android security update. New software update for the Moto X4 brings along Camera and Stability improvements. The Update weighs in at around 126MB.

Motorola’s instructions explain that for a successful installation, the battery in your phone should be at least 50% charged and your device should be connected to a Wi-Fi network or LTE.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Settings - About Phone - Software updates, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device.

About Moto X4: 

The Motorola Moto X4 has a 5.2-inch full HD display, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor, with 4GB of RAM, 32/64GB of storage and a 3000mAh battery inside powering the device. It does also have dual 12+8 megapixel cameras on the back of the device, and it is made of glass with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.