Google finally gets the cheeseburger right in Android 8.1

One of the weird, quirky tech stories that hit us recently was the idea that Google didn’t know how a cheeseburger looks like with the incorrect depiction of the food item as an emoji. The cheese it was seen placed at the bottom of the bun instead of the burger. It even caught the attention of Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who promised to look into the “issue.” And true enough, he did.  Android 8.1 already has a “proper” cheeseburger emoji heading our way. But that wasn’t before the company made fun of itself and made an “Android Burger” IRL.

Source: The Verge

Final beta version of Android 8.1 unlocks Pixel 2’s hidden imaging chip

While there aren’t that many exciting things released in the final preview build of Android 8.1, it does introduce one interesting feature for Pixel 2 owners: unlocking the Visual Core chip on the new Google devices. This imaging chip has been dormant since the phone was released but it looks like Google is ready to share it with developers. For those who are using the correct API, they can use Google’s HDR+ using the dedicated imaging chip. The processor, which was designed by Google, is meant to speed up photo taking while taking advantage of the clean HDR+ images the camera can produce. And we’re happy that eventually we’ll get more apps who can use this feature. Android 8.1 is expected to be released widely next month.

Source: The Verge

HTC U11 to get Android 8.0 Oreo update starting November 27

We reported last month that HTC was reportedly releasing the Android 8.0 Oreo update for the HTC U11 between the end of November and early December. And it looks like HTC is fulfilling this wish. HTC’s Mo Versi just announced on Twitter that the Oreo operating system update is coming to the unlocked versions of the HTC U11 starting today, November 27. So if you own an unlocked version of the device, keep your eye out for that. The other HTC devices expected to get Android 8.0 update include the U Ultra and HTC 10. No word yet when those two devices are getting the update, though.

Source: Android Authority

Sony Xperia XZ and XZs get Android Oreo update

Sony seems to be committing heavily to bringing the latest Android operating system to its devices. Two of its “older” devices are getting the Android 8.0 update: the Xperia XZ and XZs. Android Oreo brings to the two smartphones features like Oreo’s app shortcuts, smart text selection, the Autofill API, picture-in-picture, and notification dot. Sony is also introducing Xperia Actions and Reminders. The former focuses on suggesting settings based on how you use the device, the latter is described as “useful prompts for unfinished tasks, including emails in draft and messages.” The update comes in at 1232MB so watch for it to come to your device. According to Xperia Blog, the Xperia X Performance is also getting the Android Oreo update soon.

Source: Android Central