Google today has introduced a nifty little feature on Android 8.1 Oreo that will show speed labels of open WiFi networks before you connect to them. Typically, Android system settings show the strength of the WiFi network, but speed is something that is new.
Google has categorized the WiFi speed networks that will only work on open networks. The categories include Slow with speed ranging from 0-1 Mbps, OK which falls between 1 Mbps – 5 Mbps speeds, 5 Mbps – 20 Mbps speeds are termed as Fast, and finally very fast with networks that have more than 20Mbps+ speed.
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With Slow labeled networks, you can basically just make voice calls, and send text messages, with OK you can read web pages, browse social media, and stream music. The fast labeled WiFi networks can stream most videos and very fast are capable of streaming very high-quality videos. There is an option where you can disable the feature as well, just head to system settings then to Network & Internet and then in the Wi-Fi section, you will see Wi-Fi Preferences and then disable the Network rating provider.
Other features of the Android 8.1 in the new update include the ability to get notified and connect to open WiFi networks within the notification.The features are now rolling out to phones running on Android 8.1 Oreo and should be a while before it reaches you. Do let us know if you are able to see the speed labels in your WiFi system settings.