A week after releasing the final Android 8.1 Developer Preview 2, Google has released final Android 8.1 (Oreo) update for compatible Pixel and Nexus devices that brings support for Android Oreo (Go edition) software experience for entry-level devices and also introduces the Neural Networks API, a hardware accelerated machine learning runtime to support ML capabilities in apps.
“On supported devices, the Neural Networks API enables fast and efficient inference for a range of key use cases, starting with vision-based object classification,” said Google. Once enabled, apps using Android Camera API can capture HDR+ shots through Pixel Visual Core.
Android 8.1 also includes select new features and developer APIs (API level 27), along with the latest optimizations, bug fixes, and security patches.
Android 8.1 Oreo (API level 27) is now being pushed to Android Open Source Project now, and will be rolling out the update to supported Pixel and Nexus devices over the next week. The Android 8.1.0 has build number OPM1.171019.011 and you grab the OTA or full factory images for Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, if you can’t wait yet.
Google said that it is working with device maker to bring Android 8.1 to more devices, including Android Oreo (Go edition) devices, in coming months.