Essential Oreo Beta 2 Rolling Out With More Oreo Features, December Security Patch & More

Essential began testing Oreo for the PH-1 in November and now after a month the company has released the second beta build. This build introduces several new Oreo features such as picture-in-picture mode, smart text selection and instant apps.

We're rolling out Oreo Beta 2 (build OPM1.170911.213) with bug fixes and new features including smart text selection, picture-in-picture and more. The update is going out now via OTA to current Oreo Beta 1 users. Learn more: https://t.co/oonhRCiMpG

— Essential (@essential) December 20, 2017

Essential didn't mention much about this update in their tweet, but the folks at /r/essential dug in and found a bunch of new features along with improvements over the first beta build. The list of changes and improvements is given below.

What's New

December Security Patch

Smart text selection, instant apps, PiP

Faster startup and app sign-in

Google Play Protect Security scans

Issues Fixed from Beta 1

Android Auto and OEM Bluetooth Car Kit Interoperability Improvements

Data tracking issues for certain U.S. Carriers

Setup Assistant screen cutoff issues due to status bar

Further Treble support

Battery life improvements

LED notification and charging behavior

The support for Google Play Protect has also been included

Apart from the changes listed above, several Reddit users reported that the camera now utilizes the laser autofocus and the echo problem while using the 3.5mm headphone adapter has also been resolved. 

This beta build is rolling out as an OTA update to the PH-1 users who are using the first beta build. If you would like to try out Oreo on your PH-1, you can do so by sideloading this build. You can find the download link of this build along with the installation instructions from Essential's website.

[Image credits - Essential]

Krittin Kalra

Krittin Kalra is a 20 year old Android freak. Striving for passions, chasing down his dreams and living a life without regrets is his sole mantra. A bit moody, he also does custom ROM reviews for AndroGuider. Currently pursuing his B.Tech, he aspires to follow his heart.