Huawei P20 may launch with Android 8.1 Oreo

February 3, 2018

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Huawei P20 may launch with Android 8.1 Oreo 4

With the Huawei launch of the P20 still over a month away, we expect to start seeing more updates and leaks concerning the device and its two variants. The latest involves the operating system users may find loaded on the device out of the box. Sources think that will now be a combination of a freshly minted update to the EMUI interface the Huawei uses running on top of Android 8.1 Oreo.

According to XDA-Developers, new operating system files for the Huawei P20 have been obtained and a review of them shows Huawei has bumped the operating system up to Android 8.1 Oreo. One of the benefits this may provide to consumers is that third-party app developers will be able to utilize the Kirin 970's artificial intelligence capabilities using a new Neural Networks API. Huawei stressed the presence of onboard AI when they launched the Kirin 970.

The files that were examined also suggest Huawei has updated EMUI from version 8.0.1 to version 8.1. It is not yet clear what changes or improvements this update includes.

According to some recent reports, Essential decided to skip Android 8.0 Oreo and go directly to version 8.1. That decision was driven by stability issues according to Essential. The transition for Huawei to jump direct to the 8.1 version of Android Oreo appears to be more of a sign that the update has been out and available for developers long enough for them to figure out how to get it onto their devices. We expect more manufacturers will start to choose this option for their new devices.

source: XDA Developers
via: PocketNow

Jeff Causey Author

Raised in North Carolina, Jeff Causey is a licensed CPA in North Carolina. Jeff's past Android devices include an HTC EVO, a Samsung Note II, an LG G3, and a Motorola Moto X Pure Edition along with a Samsung Galaxy Tablet 10.1. He currently uses a Samsung Galaxy S8 and (very rarely) a Nexus 7 (2013). He is also using a Verizon-branded Motorola Moto Z Play Droid supplied by his job. Jeff used to have a pair of Google Glass and a Moto 360 Sport in his stable of gadgets. Unfortunately, his kids have all drunk the Apple Kool-Aid and have i-devices. Life at home often includes demonstrations of the superiority of his Android based devices. In his free time, Jeff is active an active runner usually training for his next marathon, owns a Mazda MX-5 Miata, and plays Dungeons & Dragons. Jeff has three grown kids and a golden retriever.