After months of waiting, Samsung Galaxy S8 users finally started receiving Android 8.0 Oreo updates on their handsets last week. As of this writing, the update has been confirmed in Europe and Asia, be it for those who were part of the beta program or those who weren’t. The update is rolling out with build number CRAP for either device, which is quite an interesting choice for the new OS.
Up until now, the only changes we knew the update brought were the new Android Oreo OS alongside Samsung Experience 9.0 and February’s Android security patch. However, Samsung has just published an official changelog of the Galaxy S8 (S8+) Oreo update, which is as follows:
Biometrics
After the Galaxy S8 Oreo update, features that use biometric authentication will only be available when you have a screen lock, be it through a password, PIN or pattern. When there’s no screen lock protection, biometric authentication is automatically suspended for any function. Samsung notes that if you were using biometrics without a secure screen lock type, you’ll still be able to use it even after the upgrade, however, you are advised to make the switch.
Quick Panel
- Manage notifications for individual apps with notification categories (only works with supported apps).
- Icons will be displayed at the bottom of the notification panel for notifications that are not visible at the moment.
Home Screen
- Touch and hold an app’s icon to display various shortcuts and or recommended actions, but it only works for supported apps.
- Notification badges on app icons are now linked with the notification panel. When a notification is cleared in a given location, it’ll also be cleared in the other location automatically.
Samsung Keyboard
- Search and send GIFs and stickers.
- The toolbar gives quick access to useful functions.
- More high-contrast keyboards are now available.
Edge screen
- Touch and hold the Edge screen handle to change its position.
- Added 3 more Edge lighting effects and customization of colors for apps.
- Improved font size, color and settings for better Edge screen visibility.
System performance
- Background services are limited to superior battery life and performance.
- Active apps will always appear in the notification panel.
Lock Screen and Always On Display
- New clock styles for the Lock screen and Always On Display.
- Adjust the transparency of notifications to get your desired look.
Smart View
- Let your phone’s screen go dark when mirroring to another device.
Samsung Account
- Control your account settings and profile information for multiple apps.
- Tap your profile photo on the main Settings page to open your profile info and account settings.
Samsung Cloud
- View and manage photos stored in Samsung Cloud.
- Store any type of file in Samsung Cloud Drive.
- Select specific items to delete or restore from Samsung Cloud backup.
- See the size of each backup and the number of items it holds.
Samsung Dual Messenger
- Install a second copy of an app to use two accounts simultaneously. For apps that need a phone number for verification purposes, a different phone number is needed for each account.
- Touch and hold an app on the Home screen or Apps screen to install a second copy. Alternatively, go to Settings > Advanced features > Dual Messenger.
Find my Mobile
- Back up Secure Folder to Samsung Cloud remotely when you lose your phone.
- Lock Samsung Pass using Find My Mobile.
Samsung DeX
- See more apps at a go by changing app list view to full-screen.
- Use Game launcher in Samsung DeX for a full-screen experience when gaming.
- Added support for 2 additional Samsung covers (LED View Cover and Clear View Standing Cover).
Other improvements
In addition to the above additions, Samsung says Galaxy S8 Oreo update also brings a slew of other improvements to the device. Among them are the added Bluetooth support for high-quality audio codecs such as AAC and Sony LDAC; Video player now includes auto repeat and 2x speed; Voice Recorder provides smart tips for blocking calls while recording; Email lets users flag MS Exchange ActiveSync emails; Samsung Health has a new sticky notification that lets users see their step count at a glance; Clock now has a Landscape mode and timer sound; the digital clock widget now goes directly to the Clock app when tapped; and last but not least, Samsung Pass has now added the ability to manage usernames and passwords in third-party applications.
