Next version of Android is
The new version number is– 8.1 – was spotted by the folks at 9 to 5 Google
in version 7.11 of the Google beta app, which is just rolling out to enrolls.
The relevant string shows that Android 8.1 will be
accompanied by a bump in the SDK version, which is a sign that Android 8.1
includes enough changes to the API set to warrant a new SDK number.
Android 8.0, which launched on August 21, was based on
version 26 of the SDK.
The Android SDK (software development kit) is the collection
of APIs (application programming interfaces) that lets developers create apps
that plug into the OS’ features. It looks like at least some Google devs are
already working with the unreleased SDK version 27.
The teardown also shows a few other changes, including a new
icon for the Google Lens visual search feature that’s going to launch with the
Pixel 2 and small updates to the screenshot functionality and Bluetooth audio
for automotive. There’s also a new hint at the “Bisto” smart headphones that
Google is rumored to be working on, in the form of a notification message for
the headphones’ battery level.
Get back to Android 8.1 (which, very like, will still
be called Oreo), Google seems to follow the same pattern from last year. After
the launch of Android 7.0 in August, Google released Android 7.1 with the Pixel
and Pixel XL on October 4. The new version brought many small changes
throughout the OS, like app shortcuts in the launcher, a tabbed view in
settings menu, the option to restart the device when pressing the power button,
and an extra tile in the quick settings.
We expect Google to do the same this year, with Android 8.1
launching on the Pixel 2 sometime in October. In a separate report, 9 to 5Google
confirmed the new Pixels would run Android 8.1, citing sources familiar with
the device.
