The next generation of Android has been named Android Pie. Starting today, an over-the-air update to Android 9 will begin rolling out to Pixel phones and devices that participated in the Beta program from Sony Mobile, Xiaomi, HMD Global, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, and Essential, as well as all qualifying Android One devices, will receive this update soon.
At the moment, there are only four smartphones which are receiving the Pie update directly from Google – Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel and Pixel XL.
Go to the Settings app on your Pixel device and head to About phone > System updates > Check for update > Download and install. The update is said to take roughly 30 minutes.
Google has also included non-Pixel or Nexus phones as part of its Android beta program. The list includes Nokia 7 Plus, OnePlus 6, Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S, Essential PH‑1, Sony Xperia XZ2, OPPO R15 Pro and Vivo X21.
Android 9 includes features like Adaptive Battery, which learns the apps you use most and prioritizes battery for them, while on the other hand, Adaptive Brightness learns how you like to set the brightness in different settings, and does it automatically for you.
Android 9 also helps you get things done faster with App Actions. It offers predictions what on what you would want to do next based on your context and displays based on your phone. Example: In the morning, you are preparing for your commute. The OS will suggest actions like navigating to work on Google Maps or resuming an audiobook with Google Play Books. Additionally, if you put in your headphones after work, you may see options to call your mother or start your favorite playlist.
Slices is said to show relevant information from your favorite apps when you need it. If you start typing “Lyft” into Google Search, you will see a “slice” of the Lyft app, showing prices for your ride home and the ETA for a driver. In Android 9, Google has introduced a new system navigation, featuring a single home button. As phones grow taller, it is more difficult to get things done on your phone with one hand. With a single, home button, you can swipe up to see Overview, the spot where at a glance you have full-screen previews of your recently used apps.
