At the I/O 2017 developer conference earlier this month, Google announced the rollout of Android O Public Beta. It’s a pre-release version meant for developers so they can try out the features beforehand, and also optimize their apps before the final version is rolled out to the masses. The beta version is compatible with Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones. I installed the Android O Public Beta on the Pixel XL to try out new features.

How to install Android O Beta on your Pixel or Next smartphones

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Thanks to Google, the installation process is very simple. If you have a compatible smartphone, simply head over to android.com/beta, scroll down to ‘enroll device,’ accept terms and conditions and tap on Join Beta. Now, restart your device and head over to Settings, about phone and tap on system updates. Once the update is downloaded and installation is complete, simply tap on restart and your phone will reboot to Android O.

All the new features in Android O

New Settings Menu

Google has added some minor refinements to the interface along with a few tweaks. There isn’t any drastic change, but the new icons and fonts look more refined now. The Settings Menu on Android Nougat features a gray color scheme on top, white background and icon colors were florescent green. 

In the case of Android O, you now have a white background, gray icons and fonts in black. The support tab on the top for phone and chat has now been removed. In fact, the support option is now a sub-menu, and it has been moved to the extreme bottom. Also, you no longer set separate Bluetooth or Wi-Fi settings, as they are now clubbed under one sub-section – Network settings.

Redesigned Battery Statistics

Google has already mentioned that it has made some improvements in Android O to offer better battery life on your smartphone. At the same time, Google has also revamped the look of battery section under settings. It now shows you a big battery icon on the right, whereas the battery percentage and an estimated backup is on the left.

Next, you have power management section where you can toggle the battery saver mode, and the battery percentage. What’s more, Google has also moved the adaptive brightness and sleep settings under battery settings, instead of display settings.

BGR.in and can be accessed here.