Taiwanese smartphone-maker Asus has begun rolling out the much-awaited Android Oreo update to the Zenfone 3 Max.
The company confirmed the news on the official consumer support page that the software (build number: V15.0200.1807.406) is being released through FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air). This is a welcome gesture by Asus, as the Zenfone 3 Max is a two-year-old device.
For those unaware, Android phone makers are supposed to provide software support for just 18 months, but Asus has gone beyond its obligation for the Zenfone 3 Max. This move will definitely build strong loyalty among the customer base. Hopefully, other rival companies take a leaf out of Asus and offer similar support to product buyers.
Here's how to install Android 8.1 Oreo on Asus Zenfone 3 Max?
It can be noted that the company has skipped the v8.0 and directly offering the latest v8.1 Oreo. Meaning, all the features of both the versions coming in a big software update, probably around 1.5GB in size and device owners are advised to make space for the software.
1. Once you get an update notification on your screen, select "Yes, I'm in."
2. After the software is downloaded, select "Install now."
3. After the software is installed, your phone will re-start automatically.
4. Your phone is now updated.
Since the OTA roll-out process is being carried out in phases, it will take a week to reach all regions.
Until then, device owners can check for updates manually by going to Settings >> About Phone >> System Updates >> Check for the new firmware.
What's coming in Android 8.1 Oreo?
Android Oreo comes with lots of improvements over the v7.0 Nougat such as optimisations to improve battery life by cutting down on unnecessary background activities of apps, faster booting, and a more fluid experience. The update also boasts of enhancements in security via Google security patch and Google Play Protect which keeps a tab on suspicious activities and malware in apps.
- Smart Text Selection will improve copy and paste option. With the help of machine learning to recognise entities on the screen—like a complete address—users will be able to easily select text they want with a double tap, and even bring up an app like Maps to help during navigation.
- It also comes with a value-added battery management feature that will allow the user to see the battery life status of the wireless earphones, so he or she can know beforehand to charge them before heading out.
- A notable aspect of the Android Oreo is the Rescue Party feature, which helps the device recover from constant boot loops.
- New biometric security options allow the user to disable fingerprint reader if an unregistered fingerprint tries to open the phone more than a pre-set number of attempts.
- The Safe Browser feature intuitively detects when users unknowingly go to malicious URLs, and it will stop any spying attempts on the phone.
- It also comes with the picture-in-picture feature, which enables device owners to multi-task, like checking the calendar while planning a party on a Duo video call.
- Also, Asus' Android Oreo update will allow the user to delete unnecessary pre-loaded apps in the phone
- Google's Android team has also added Neural Networks API (NNAPI) support in v8.1 Oreo, which will enable device's machine-learning capabilities to improve user-experience of Google Assistant.
