Samsung kicks off Android Oreo beta program for Galaxy S8/Galaxy S8+

After Nokia and OnePlus, Samsung has launched beta program to test Android Oreo for Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. Dubbed Galaxy beta program, it will offer select customers a chance to test the new Samsung Experience 9.0 (previously known as TouchWiz) on their device.

The Samsung Experience 9.0 is based on Android Oreo, and the beta build will be available starting today, November 2, 2017 for Galaxy S8/S8+ users based in South Korea, the U.S and the U.K.

To apply for the beta program, users must have an active Samsung account, and meet certain requirements. You can do that using the Samsung Members or Samsung+ app in the U.S, both of which are available on the Play Store as well as Galaxy Apps store.

During the beta testing period Samsung will gather helpful insights and feedback from users, on their first impressions of the software's performance and usability, which in turn will help Samsung develop a more reliable, high-performing software, to provide Galaxy users with an improved and optimized experience. The Galaxy UX 9.0 brings a host of features, and the update size is around 1.4GB in size. Also note that since the software is in beta stage expect to encounter bugs and crashes.

The Android 8.0 Beta for Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ includes the following treats (via Phonearena).
Basic Info:

Version: Samsung Experience 9.0
Build Numbers: G950USQU1ZQJJ, G950UOYN1ZQJJ, G950USQU1ZQJJ
Size: 1414.67 MB

Quick Panel Changes:

Manage notifications for each supported app with Notification Categories.
Icons will be shown at the bottom of the panel for notifications that aren't currently visible.

Home Screen Changes:

Touch and hold a supported app to display shortcuts to common or recommended tasks within that app.
Notification badges on app icons and in the notification panel are now synced. Clear a notification on one, then it will clear on the other.

Samsung Keyboard Changes:

New toolbar gives quick access to common functions.
GIF keyboard lets you send GIFs using Samsung Keyboard.
More high-contrast keyboards are available.

Edge Screen Changes:

Improved font size, color, and other settings for better Edge panel visibility.
Touch and hold the Edge panel to change its position.
Added three more Edge lighting effects and color customization for apps.

Samsung Cloud Changes:

View and manage photos and notes stored only in Samsung Cloud.
Store any type of file in Samsung Cloud Drive.
Select specific items to delete or restore from backup data.
View the size of all your backups and see how many items they contain.

Samsung Dual Messenger:

Install a second copy of a messaging app so you can use two accounts at the same time. For apps that verify accounts using phone numbers, you'll need a different phone number for each account.
Touch and hold a messaging app on the Home or Apps screen to install the second account, or go to Settings –> Advanced features –> Dual Messenger.

Find My Mobile Changes:

Back up Secure Folder remotely in Samsung Cloud when your phone is lost.
Samsung pass can be locked remotely.

Samsung DeX Changes:

See more apps listed at once by changing the app list view to full-screen.
Use Game launcher in Samsung DeX for a full-screen gaming experience.
Added support for two additional Samsung covers (LED View Cover, Clear View Standing Cover).

Other Improvements:

In Bluetooth, high-quality audio codecs, including AAC and Sony LDAC, are supported.
In Video, auto-repeat and 2x speed are added.
Voice Recorder provides smart tips to conveniently block calls while recording.
Flag Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync emails in Email.
A sticky notification tracks your steps in Samsung Health.
Clock offers Landscape mode and timer sound options.
Tap the digital clock widget to go to Clock directly.
Manage user names and passwords in third-party apps using Samsung Pass.
Added new unified workspace for Knox Workspace and Android for Work.

Kaiser Bey

Kaiser is a tech enthusiast who likes to write, read and talk about tech. He dreams of going to Mars and never come back. We hope that you find his posts on AndroGuider helpful and informative