Essential Phone owners in Canada can now download a beta build of Oreo, the latest major release of Android, to their device.
To check out the beta on their particular device, users will need to use Android’s ADB functionality and a computer to install the ROM.
We're excited to announce that Oreo beta is now available on Essential Phone. Get the details and sign up here: https://t.co/oonhRC1b16 pic.twitter.com/dLjKMZMQ9m
— Essential (@essential) November 14, 2017
Essential provides detailed instructions on how to do that on its website. However, unless you feel confident doing this sort of thing, it’s likely best to wait until an official release is available. Note that are separate builds depending on whether the device in question is on Telus or unlocked and on different network.
As with all betas, the current software isn’t perfect. Known bugs include increased battery drain while using Bluetooth, and some issues with Android Auto compatibility.
Essential has also uploaded past PH-1 software builds to its website, something the company did not do previously.
Source: Essential (1), (2), (3)
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