Android Oreo (Android 8.0)

Android Oreo (Android 8.0) is the eighth major release of the Android operating system. It was first released on August 21, 2017, and it is the successor to Android Nougat (Android 7.0/7.1).

Android Oreo brings a range of new features and improvements over its predecessor. Some of the most important ones are:

Notification Channels

Android Oreo introduced Notification Channels, a new system for grouping and prioritizing notifications. Apps can now organize their notifications into different channels based on their content, making it easier for users to control and manage them.

// Example code for creating a Notification Channel:
NotificationChannel channel = new NotificationChannel(channelId, channelName, importance);
channel.setDescription(channelDescription);
channel.setShowBadge(true);
NotificationManager notificationManager = getSystemService(NotificationManager.class);
notificationManager.createNotificationChannel(channel);

Picture-in-Picture Mode

With Picture-in-Picture Mode, users can now watch a video in a small window while doing other things on their phone. This feature is particularly useful for multitasking and watching videos while on a video call or using other apps.

<!-- Example code for declaring an activity that supports PiP mode: -->
<activity android:name=".MyActivity"
    android:supportsPictureInPicture="true">
    <!-- ... -->
</activity>

Autofill Framework

Android Oreo introduced the Autofill Framework, which allows users to save their login credentials and other personal data, such as addresses and credit card information, for a seamless and secure autofill experience across multiple apps.

// Example code for requesting autofill data:
AutofillManager autofillManager = getSystemService(AutofillManager.class);
autofillManager.requestAutofill(view);

Background Limits

To improve battery life and performance, Android Oreo implemented Background Limits, which restricts background apps from using too much of the device's resources. This feature ensures that apps running in the background do not drain the battery or slow down the device.

<!-- Example code for declaring foreground and background services: -->
<service android:name=".MyForegroundService"
    android:foregroundServiceType="mediaPlayback" />
<service android:name=".MyBackgroundService"
    android:stopWithTask="true" />

Adaptive Icons

Android Oreo introduced Adaptive Icons, a new system for creating and displaying app icons that can adapt to different device shapes and sizes. Adaptive Icons provide a consistent look and feel across different devices, making it easier for developers to brand their apps and improve the user experience.

<!-- Example code for declaring an adaptive icon: -->
<application android:icon="@mipmap/ic_launcher">
    <meta-data android:name="android.icon"
        android:resource="@drawable/ic_adaptive_icon" />
    <!-- ... -->
</application>

Overall, Android Oreo brings a range of new features and improvements that make it a significant upgrade over its predecessor. Developers can take advantage of these new features and improve their apps to provide a better user experience on Android devices.