New Galaxy S8 Android 8.0 Oreo Beta Rolling Out

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Android 8.0 Oreo update continues to make progress and a new version of the beta tacks on some additional features and fixes.

Samsung’s rolling out a brand new version of the Galaxy S8 Android 8.0 Oreo beta to testers in the United Kingdom and the company should push the new update to users in the United States and South Korea in the near future.

The new version of the Galaxy S8 Android 8.0 Oreo beta is a rather large release, 609MB for Galaxy S8 users in the U.K., and it comes with version number G950FXXU1ZQK4.

The update’s official change log reveals some of the changes Samsung’s made to Galaxy S8 Android 8.0 Oreo update. This version of the beta includes improvements to the stability of DeX mode, the company’s October security patch, and improved stability of the launcher.

Samsung’s added new clock styles for the Galaxy S8’s lock screen and Always On Display, the ability to adjust transparency of notifications, and a smarter Smart View that allows for the Galaxy S8’s screen to go dark when it’s mirroring between the phone and TV.

The latest beta also comes with a slew of bug fixes for issues with the first version of the beta.

Highlights include a fix for a lock screen issue that cause the screen to go black when swiped, CPU/RAM related performance improvements, fixes for various Bixby issues, Bluetooth fixes, and a fix for an issue where the Messages app would force closed when users tried to open it.

It’s a substantial update and those testing the first version of the Galaxy S8 Android 8.0 beta should keep an eye out for the latest release as we push deeper into November.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 Android 8.0 beta is still limited to just three countries which include the United States, United Kingdom, and South Korea.

Samsung says there will be additional rounds of registration, but it hasn’t provided a timeline for Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ users.

The Galaxy S8 Android Oreo beta is also limited in these regions.

In the United States, it’s available for Galaxy S8 and S8+ users using Sprint or T-Mobile, or an unlocked version of either device. Samsung still hasn’t confirmed a beta for AT&T Galaxy S8 and Verizon Galaxy S8 users.

In the United Kingdom, the program is still limited to Galaxy S8 and S8+ users using an open market device (operator unlocked version).

In South Korea, the Galaxy S8 Android 8.0 beta program is limited to Galaxy S8 and S8+ users who have a device locked to SKT, KT or LG U+.

It’s still unclear how long Samsung will keep the Galaxy S8 Android Oreo update in beta.

Last year, the company’s Galaxy S7 Android Nougat beta stretched from early November into late December ahead of an official release for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge in early January.

Samsung hasn’t revealed an official roll out date for Android 8.0 Oreo, but regional arm Samsung Turkey recently confirmed plans to release Android 8.0 Oreo starting in early 2018.

If this timing holds up, look for Samsung to roll out additional betas to Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ users in November and December.

Those looking to try the update before its official release can still signup to use the Galaxy S8 Android 8.0 Oreo beta through the Samsung Members app which is known as Samsung+ in the United States.

Install the Galaxy S8 Oreo Beta to Help Samsung

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One of the best reasons to try the Samsung Galaxy S8 Oreo beta is to help the company improve the software before it's released to millions of Galaxy S8 users around the world.  If you're sick and tired of dealing with Android problems on your Galaxy S8 (or another device), and you've got a Galaxy S8 lying around, think about trying the Galaxy S8 Oreo beta.  Samsung is encouraging Galaxy S8 Oreo beta testers to provide feedback about Android 8.0 bugs and performance issues. This way, its engineers can squash bugs ahead of the widespread release.  Thanks to the feedback from beta testers, Samsung's fixed a ton of issues with Android Oreo ahead of the official release. The latest beta delivers a long list of fixes and enhancements.  Reporting bugs is extremely easy and your feedback, no matter how small, could help the company provide a much better experience for all Galaxy S8 users. To send feedback, you simply launch Samsung+/Samsung Members and post your report under the appropriate menu.  Again, registration will end on January 5th so those of you looking to help need to signup soon.

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