Samsung is already in the process of testing the Android 8.0 Oreo beta for the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ with a stable version expected to hit the devices by February. But, it seems that those devices won"t be the first to get the update; the Galaxy Note8 appears to be receiving the Android 8.0 Oreo update.
While Samsung hasn"t announced the update officially, a Reddit user randomly received the Android 8.0 Oreo update on their Galaxy Note8. The update bumps the build version to R16NW.N950FXXU2CRA1.DM and also incorporates the January security patch.
Interestingly, the user claims to be working for Samsung, and owns an Exynos powered version in the U.S., which is normally only sold internationally -- the U.S. version ships with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. There"s also a claim of this being a soak test, which is usually done with a select number of users before the stable version is released publicly. It is to be noted, however, that Samsung did not release an Oreo beta for the Note8, and has not yet officially announced a soak test.
Another user also posted a partial changelog for the Android 8.0 Oreo for the Galaxy Note8:
- Update to the keyboard
- Picture in picture support (so far I have noticed it in YouTube and google maps)
- App specific long press menus from launcher (can no longer put apps to sleep from that menu or open app settings)
- Secure folder can be set to stay unlocked until the screen goes to sleep
- Autofill API support (with bio-metrics) for all apps, and browser
- Colored media notifications
- Notification categories
- Customization options for notification badges
- Keyboard uses gify for gif search support (doesn"t work in gboard with stock messaging still)
- More edge lighting options
- Ability to ONLY view Samsung cloud items
- Ability to backup Samsung secure folder in Samsung cloud
- Bluetooth, high-quality audio codecs
- Manage passwords of Samsung and third party apps with Samsung pass
If you"re in possession of an Exynos-powered Galaxy Note8, you can check for the update manually by going to "Settings > Software update > Download updates manually". Although, as this appears to be a soak test, your chance of getting the update may be slim.
Have you received the Android 8.0 Oreo update on your Galaxy Note8? Let us know in the comments below!