Samsung Releases Second Android 8.0 Oreo Beta for Galaxy S8

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In 2016, Samsung launched the first version of the company’s Android update beta program by providing beta releases of Android 7.0 Nougat to the Galaxy S7/S7 Edge. A year later, the company has adopted the same strategy with the Android Oreo update for the Galaxy S8, releasing the Android 8.0 Oreo beta with Samsung Experience 9.0 for the Galaxy S8 on November 2. In the first phase of the beta rollout, Samsung launched the beta in few markets: United States, United Kingdom and South Korea.

Now, according to SamMobile, Samsung has rolled out the second beta release for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. The beta program is still in the first phase as there is no addition to the number of markets supported. The second beta update’s version number is G950FXXU1ZQK4, and the report stated that the update has already been rolled out in the UK. It is expected to go live in other supported markets soon.

SamMobile noted that the changelog of the second Galaxy S8 Android 8.0 Oreo beta update mentions the inclusion of the October security patch, and that the update improves the stability of DeX mode. (There is contradicting information provided regarding the security patch, as the changelog states the update has the October patch while the Software Information section mentions the September patch). Improvements in the stability of the Launcher were also mentioned in the changelog.

There are also new clock styles for the lock screen and for the Always On Display feature. Also, according to the changelog, Samsung Experience 9.0 beta users on the Galaxy S8 can now adjust the transparency of notifications according to their desire. The Smart View feature is now smarter as it will allow the device’s screen to go dark when mirroring is active between the device and TV.

As usual, many bug fixes are included in this beta update. Although Samsung stated that the beta program would roll out in phases, it has still not given any information on when the second phase will begin The second phase of the beta will expand the number of markets which have access to it, so many users are understandably excited for it.