With each new release of Android, there is great expectation not only for the functionalities, but also for the tradename that Google assigns, traditionally inspired by popular desserts or sweets that follow an alphabetical order. The arrival of Android 8, identified by the letter O, has been shrouded in speculation and clues, especially around the name of Android OreoBelow, we'll tell you everything you need to know about this iconic name and what it has meant in the history of the most widely used operating system on the planet.
The mystery behind Android 8's name: Why was Oreo chosen?
For months, different alternatives were considered before official confirmation. Possible options included names like Octopus, Oatmeal Cookie, Orelletes, and even Orangina, but Oreo always stood out as the favorite in the pools Because it's a universally recognized sweet and easily linked to the Android image. Google's creativity in linking to trademarks had been seen before, as was the case with KitKat for Android 4.4, so the collaboration with Nabisco to adopt the Oreo name didn't entirely surprise even the most attentive followers.
El launch coincided with a solar eclipse, which Google used as a visual cue in its promotional campaigns: the dark cookie obscuring the white center referenced the silhouette of an eclipse. Even company executives, such as Hiroshi Lockheimer (Android vice president), posted tweets with images of Oreo cakes and gestures that fueled the rumor mill.
The tradition of candy names on Android
From Android 1.5Google has named each version after sweets in alphabetical order, turning this custom into a hallmark of the platform. This strategy not only adds a touch of charm but also helps quickly identify the evolution of the operating system. The list of previous versions is extensive and varied:
- Cupcakes: Android 1.5
- Donut: Android 1.6
- Flash: Android 2.0 and 2.1
- Froyo: Android 2.2
- Gingerbread: Android 2.3
- Honeycomb: Android 3.0
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Android 4.0
- Jelly Bean: Android 4.1 and 4.3
- Kit Kat: Android 4.4
- Lollipop: Android 5.0 and 5.1
- Marshmallow: Android 6.0
- Nougat: Android 7.0 and 7.1
The jump to the letter O posed the challenge of finding a sweet and recognizable name, where Oreo prevailed over the other alternativesThe choice maintained historical consistency and helped make Android 8 instantly recognizable to millions of users.
Rumors, leaks, and media hype surrounding Android 8 Oreo
The anticipation surrounding every Android release is enormous, and speculation surrounding the name was no exception. Renowned figures in the leak world, such as Evan Blass, fueled the rumors by sharing images and clues related to Oreo ahead of the official announcement, even referencing the astronomical phenomenon of the eclipse and the cookie's dark and white circular shape, so similar to the Android O logo.
However, rumors aren't always right. For example, in previous versions like Android 7, there was a strong push for Nutella and there was even discussion about Google choosing a popular Indian sweet, but it was ultimately nougat the final name, thus demonstrating that Google is capable of surprising until the last moment.
What does Android 8 Oreo bring? Key new features and improvements
The arrival of a new version of Android always brings improvements and advanced features. Android 8 Oreo was no exception, and although the interface underwent few radical changes, internal improvements and user experience were significantly improved. Among the most important news include:
- Picture in Picture: Allows you to view videos in a small floating window while using other applications. Ideal for video calls or playing multimedia content without losing productivity.
- Notification Dots: App icons display small dots to alert you of pending notifications, offering quick access via context menus.
- Improved autocomplete: The system integrates Google's autofill feature beyond Chrome, extending it to apps and making it easier to log in and fill out forms.
- Smart text selection: Now, when you select text like addresses or phone numbers, Android suggests direct actions like opening Maps or calling.
- Redesigned emojis: A completely updated and more universal set is being introduced, responding to user demands for greater diversity and visual clarity.
- Enhanced security with Google Play Protect: A constant analysis system that examines applications to prevent the presence of malicious software.
- Battery optimization: Background functions have been limited to extend battery life, especially in apps that were previously resource-hungry.
- Project Treble: A modular architecture that facilitates and accelerates the arrival of updates, seeking to reduce the fragmentation characteristic of Android.
- Monthly security patches: Substantial improvement in the distribution and application of security updates, making devices much better protected against emerging threats.
Compatibility and devices receiving Android 8 Oreo
Fragmentation has been one of the biggest challenges for Android, but with Oreo, updates started arriving faster for some flagship models. The first devices to receive the update were those belonging to the Google family:
- Google Pixel and Pixel XL
- Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P
- Nexus Player and Pixel C
In addition, manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, Sony, HTC, Motorola, Huawei, OnePlus, Nokia, Essential and others They began working on the update for their main high-end and mid-range models, thus ensuring the distribution of Android 8 to thousands of devices around the world. The rollout to other models, as usual, depended on the pace of each manufacturer and compatibility testing.
Advances in the interface and usability of Android Oreo
While the visual appearance remained faithful to the Material Design line, Oreo implemented subtle tweaks and improvements to the user experience:
- Accelerated start speed, allowing for much shorter startup times when turning on the device.
- Home screen customization and more intuitive notification settings.
- Automatic limitations of background processes to avoid unintentional consumption of resources.
- New accessibility API, facilitating access for people with disabilities and improving the integration of specialized services.
Android 8.1 Oreo: Evolution with small, big improvements
Shortly after version 8.0, it was released Android 8.1 Oreo as an incremental update. This version incorporated changes to both the interface and technical features:
- Transparency in Quick Settings, allowing you to see the wallpaper behind the settings bar.
- Automatic light and dark theme according to the wallpaper, for a personalized and visually pleasing experience.
- Battery status display on connected Bluetooth devices.
- New navigation bar design and icon redesign, further modernizing the aesthetics of the system.
- Memory Optimization for Android Go, intended for devices with 1GB or less of RAM.
- Neural Network API, the basis for artificial intelligence and machine learning applications.
- Improvements to autocompletion and shared memory to speed up access to common data between apps.
What are users and the community saying about the name Android Oreo?
The choice of Oreo as the name generated a largely positive response. Users appreciated the familiarity of the name and the nod to one of the world's most popular cookies, associating the version with solidity and classic flavor. Furthermore, the association with well-known brands demonstrated Google's ability to connect technology, pop culture, and marketing in memorable ways.
Android versions have always been a source of debate and curiosity. The selection process, rumors, and clues are part of the appeal of each new release. What would you have chosen for Android 8? Did you like the Oreo option for the eighth version of the most widespread mobile operating system?
The mystery and anticipation surrounding Android 8's name represented the essence of a system that, version after version, has managed to maintain the attention of millions of users. With Android Oreo, Google consolidated the tradition of candy-like names, opted for a recognizable image, and relied on improvements that marked a sustained advance in performance. safety, efficiency and ease of use.
