Tech

If you own an Android smartphone made by Samsung, Sony, HTC, LG, Motorola or Nokia – or one of Google’s own Pixel or Nexus devices – then you’re due for a software upgrade.

Google has started rolling out the latest version of its mobile operating system, known as 8.0 Oreo, and it’s set to reach all Android phones and tablets by the end of the year.

The update comes with a whole host of new features that Google claims will make your devices smarter, faster and more powerful than ever. They include... This new feature lets you text, browse the web and read emails while watching a YouTube video or taking part in a video chat. The video window appears as a small box on top of your main display, so it’s likely to work better on phones that have a larger screen and a significant amount of RAM.

Wouldn’t it be great if your life was made easier by remembering things like email addresses, phone numbers and credit card information? Autofill means all those things you hate typing into web forms when you try to buy tickets online are automatically filled in. It also remembers log-ins (with your permission), to help you quickly get into your favourite apps.

Battery run out and miles away from a charger? We’ve all been there. By limiting the background activity of apps you’re not using, Google claims Android Oreo will improve the battery life significantly.

Android Oreo comes with a new feature called Google Play Protect, which scans 58 billion apps a day and removes any harmful ones. Find My Device also makes it east to locate, lock or wipe your device remotely.

Google has completely redesigned its Android emojis, replacing its so-called ‘blobs’ with new rounded icons built on a grid system. The company says it’s relying on bold colour and loud facial features to convey emotion.