Essential Phone gets Android Oreo 8.1 update

Essential is wasting no time bringing the latest Android Oreo build to its users. The latest update with build no. OPM1.180104.141 brings the latest Oreo 8.1 version. This comes with April security patches, which the Pixel got a few days ago; support for Bluetooth 5.0, which is more an update on the software side as the hardware has supported the feature since launch; modem stability and other bug fixes; performance improvements; and “proper handling” of external game controllers.

Source: Android Police

Essential Phone gets Android 8.1 Oreo

The Essential Phone skipped out on Android 8.0 release when it came out. The company opted to wait for Android 8.1 Oreo to come out. And now that update is available and should be rolling out to Essential Phone users as we speak. Android 8.1 promises quicker startup, instant apps, smart text selection, and windowed video multitasking, among others.

Source: Engadget

Looks like Essential has a patent for a no-notch screen with a pop-up camera

If you’ve been following the news from MWC 2018, you’ve probably heard of the Vivo Apex, an almost bezel-less concept phone with a pop-up front camera. It seems they aren’t the first ones to think of the idea. A Twitter exchange between an Essential fan named Rafael and Essential CEO Andy Rubin shows off that the company has a patent for the technology. Rafael sent over a Gizmodo article about the Apex and Rubin responded with a link to a Google Patents page that showed Essential filing a US patent back in May 2016 entitled "Apparatus and method to maximize the display area of a mobile device." A follow-up patent is currently pending.

It shows basically the exact thing Vivo showed off and the patent was granted in August 2017. Another implementation shown has the camera placed on the top-left corner of the screen and acts as a permanent camera icon. But, of course, we must remember that even if a patent has been filed it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’ll come to a device soon. But if Rubin was willing to talk about it, perhaps our odds of seeing one in the future might be more likely than we think.

Source: Android Police

It’s now easier to join Android Oreo beta program for Essential Phone users

Essential is making it easier for its users to try out Android Oreo in beta before it officially rolls out on its platform. Users previously needed to sideload the update to get it to work. While not an entirely difficult process, it still required some extra steps to get the latest Android update into their phones. But now, the company can send out the update over-the-air. All you need to do is sign up on the company’s website. You’ll just need to provide your email and serial number for the update to head your way within 72 hours. If you own an Essential device and want the latest Android has to offer, now is the time to sign up. Word of caution, though, beta builds aren’t the most stable so be sure you have your important files and apps elsewhere.

Source: 9to5Google