Google last week unveiled the name of Android 8.0 and
released the Oreo builds for Pixel and Nexus phones that are eligible for the
update. However, not all Pixel and Nexus owners are also Android developers,
and many may not be interested in the first wave of manual updates, the kind
that require wiping the device first. That means many regular users have been
waiting for over the air (OTA) updates to upgrade their devices. The good news
is that the OTA downloads are finally here.
Yes, if your Pixel or Nexus device already ran an Android O
beta version before the final Oreo came along, then you’ve probably gotten the
final OTA update to Android 8.0.
Everyone still on the latest Nougat built available for
these handsets will only be able to get the update right now. Google posted the
OTA downloads at this link for all the supported devices, including Pixel XL,
Pixel, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, and Pixel C.
Unlike last week’s factory images, which would let you flash
Oreo on your device but only after wiping the device, the OTA downloads will
let you preserve your data. However, the update still requires some grunt work
in case it doesn’t automatically appear on your device. You’ll need a computer
to install the OTA images. The full instructions are also posted at the link
above. Just follow Google’s steps closely, and you should be running Android
8.0 on your Pixel or Nexus handset in no time.
If you got your Pixel model from Verizon, you should be
thrilled to hear that Big Red has already released the Oreo update for the
Pixel and Pixel XL.
