The Android Oreo 8.1 update is now available to Essential Phone users. The update is available over-the-air (OTA) and can be downloaded from within the settings app. The company made the announcement of the update officially on Twitter.

Android Oreo 8.1 had been in beta testing on the Essential Phone for a while now, so beta users have been able to experience the new features for a while now. Essential has said that they skipped Android Oreo 8.0 due to stability issues the phone faced with that build.

This new version of Oreo has many benefits that Essential Phone users will now be able to take advantage of. The update includes a faster start-up and sign-in, smart text selection, instant apps, and the ability to play a windowed video while browsing other tabs. It also comes with Google Play Protect, which will scan apps for malware before and after the app is installed. 


There are also some Essential only updates as well, such as a new dynamic clock and calendar icons. The Essential Phone runs very close to stock Android which is what makes it a great phone and allows the company to push updates out quickly.

Andy Rubin, the CEO of Essential has stated that the next entry-level phone for the Essential Phone family is currently in development, but does not have a release date yet.

Essential users have a lot to get excited about with this new update and a new phone in the works. Let us know what you want the next Essential Phone to have in the comments below.

via Essential