Since Android 8.1 is now available and began rolling out through the Android Beta Program yesterday afternoon, we’ve spent enough time with it now to show you the biggest new stuff inside. And when we’re talking about big, new goodness, we’re talking about the subtle UI tweaks and other features that Google doesn’t necessarily ever mention when they announce an update like this. For example, I’m pretty sure the official list of 8.1 changes might be written in another language and is not the stuff we’re talking about in this clip.
In this video, we have a Pixel 2 XL and Pixel XL running Android 8.1, along with a regular Pixel still on Android 8.0. For the most part, we show off the Pixel XL, since 8.1 appears to be bringing over the Pixel 2 experience to last year’s Pixel phones. In other words, the big changes are going to be noticed by Pixel users, not necessarily those who have spent the past week or so with a shiny new Pixel 2.
We show off the latest Pixel Launcher experience (like dark and light themes), new transparency all over, tweaks to the Settings UI and layout, the new fading navigation bar that should help prevent screen burn-in, the new power menu, cleaner UI when updating or restarting a device, and the brand new Oreo Easter Egg that is an actual Android Oreo cookie.
See anything else that we missed?
Can’t turn on force wifi off during sleep is what’s new in 8.1, battery bleed between 8.0 and 8.1 is night and day. Seriously Google…..
Judging by the changelist not a whole lot happening. 7.1.1 is rock-solid on the 5X right now, and judging by the numerous reports of various problems, I’d rather not jeopardize that. Only issue is the lack of security update for non-latest versions of the OS from Google though.
Just got a pixel 2 today and already discovering several annoying things about Android Oreo that are taking the operating system backwards in my opinion.
Primarily at this point though is the no more swipe right to dismiss on the Google feed. How in the hell is that a positive Improvement?
when will my Pixel 2 XL update to Android 8.1?
Anyone else experiencing casting issues with Android 8.0 or higher? I have the OG Pixel XL and I am a Youtube TV user. I have tried everything and it will not work. My old Nexus 5 running Lineage OS is on Android 7.1 and it works flawlessly. Any thoughts?
I’m still waiting for my Pixel 2 XL to arrive in the UK which isn’t expected until the 15th November ????
Went to the O2 and Vodafone stores yesterday and they’re not getting them in their stores. It’s only the Carphone Warehouse which seems odd considering you can the iPhone literally everywhere.
Google needs to properly work out the sales here in the UK to really step forward and battle many of the other devices that people are aware of.
Only one carrier in the United States as well. I’m left under the impression that Google isn’t really interested in selling quantities that may anger struggling Android OEM partners so production and distribution is always quite limited.
Either that or they just can’t source enough parts or production capacity from the chosen ODM making the Pixels. Either way, I don’t see Google being a large player in hardware unless they purchase a manufacturer again…and actually keep/use the company’s hardware division this time.
My battery life sucks on the new beta. 8.0 was awesome.
How bad is the battery life on 8.1?
It was really bad when I first installed it. I factory reset, and it seems to be better
My battery got much better. I just went 1d2h21m with 4hrs SoT with 8.1 on the XL. I did factory reset after the OTA though.
On my Nexus 6P running 8.1 the nav buttons look different. They don’t dim either.
are they supposed to dim?
The 8.1 factory image flash corrupted (Red ! screen) my Pixel 2XL and gets stuck at Google screen. Had to flash back 8.0 factory image. Anyone else?
I’ve noticed that the wallpaper colors are muted on the lock screen before unlocking. I can’t remember if that was around before 8.1 or not. I also use Nova launcher, so I’m not sure if that is a Nova launcher thing or not.
yeah they tend to be a tone that’s the color of the wallpaper
Liking the new muted navigation buttons. I was hoping for the bar going from black to muted Google colors, as well as the buttons. But the dimming is nice.
SN: New Pixels boot up crazy fast.. Not Chromebook fast but they’ve been flying…
Yeah, ever since the last 7.? Preview the devices have booted quickly, but with 8.0 and on, the boot up is very fast.
Yes. My Pixel 2 XL boots between 7-8 seconds. Fastest Android boot I’ve seen 🙂
SOooo when you said the Lg v30 review was up next …that meant next month???? the wait is killing me!!
yeah. the horrible battery life after update. should be around 60% right now but already have to charge it once.
Do you have first or 2nd gen Pixel? Is battery life still bad after a day later?
Nexus 6P. Battery life on this phone for me has been amazing until last Thursday when I got 8.1
Yeup it because wifi is always on and there is no option to disable it unlike 8.0
Can you daily this version?
Yes
Aye. Been using it. It’s basically what is coming out in the coming weeks.
That photo gives me anxiety. You daredevils.