Key differences and similarities between android 7 and android 8

Google's mobile operating system already has a new version. Android 8 Oreo arrives to replace Nougat with obvious changes and improvements, although with a clear continuity trend. And, the interface remains practically the same. Android 8 remains faithful to Material Design, a clean, minimalist and simple design that little by little, from Android 5, is reaching maturity. Between Android 7 and Android 8 there are very marked differences. One of them is the new adaptive icons or the new notification channels. However, many similarities remain. As we say, it is noticeable that Oreo has matured compared to Nougat, but it continues to present the same philosophy for some versions. With this in mind, let's see what are the differences and similarities between Android 7 and Android 8.

Differences between Android 7 and Android 8

Picture in Picture

One of the great features of Android 8 is the new Picture in Picture feature. Although Android 7.0 premiered it a year ago on Android TV, it was not present on mobile phones or tablets. Google has decided that it was time for this to be the case and has just incorporated it into the new version. Thanks to this new mode we will be able to see any type of video in a small floating window while we are using another application in full screen. It can be compared, for example, to the way of browsing YouTube, where we can continue watching the video while we search for more.

Adaptive icons

Another difference between Android 7 and Android 8 is found in the icons. Oreo has introduced what has been termed as adaptive icons. What exactly are they and how are they different from those of Nougat? Basically they are not static, that is, they have movement and are similar to very small widgets. This is going to be very useful to spice up the system. For example, we can have an animation on the calendar icon, so we can see how the day goes by. In addition, we will have shortcuts, depending on where we slide the icon, among many other options. The user will decide at all times the shape of the icons. You can choose between square, circular, rectangular icons…

New notification channels

In Android 7 and earlier versions of the platform we could only block notifications generated by an application. From Android 8 we can say what notifications we want to see for each application. This can be done from the system settings. It will not be necessary to enter the settings of each app. Also, if we want to view the notification in detail, we will only have to hold down the finger on the icon. A lot of Google apps will incorporate it. Also, developers are expected to do so in their applications as well.

Smarter notifications

In Android 7 we saw an improved notification system. Google has worked for Android 8 to continue making progress in this field. Not only is it evident with the new notification channels, now we will also enjoy more colorful notifications. Those that are in progress will now be shown with background colors, making use of a systematized typography and iconography. Multimedia notifications will appear with a colorful background that will merge with the cover of a disc or a movie or series.

Likewise, the user may also postpone a notification to receive it again after hours or minutes as appropriate. In this way, if a message or reminder reaches our device and we cannot see it at that moment, it will be possible to receive your notification after a while. As if this were not enough, and unlike Android 7, Oreo creates a hierarchy and puts order in the notification bar. They will no longer be displayed in the order of arrival, each type of notification will have its own space in the notifications.

And finally, so that you can see the progress that has been made with notifications, now the notification points officially arrive on Android. The launchers will show a notification dot on the app icons. This means that the user will be notified when they receive a notification. By long pressing on the icon, notifications will be displayed next to the shortcuts.

Autocomplete

Another difference between Android 7 and Android 8 that we wanted to highlight is the autocomplementation function. It is something that we have been using for years in the Chrome browser and that we can finally enjoy in Oreo. In this way, we can fill in some important data automatically, without having to write all the time and complete it. Both the login, telephone, address… For their part, developers can apply these features in their services and applications.

Similarities between Android 7 and Android 8

Smart text selection

Android 8 has matured, but it cannot be denied that it is the universal heir to Android 7, the previous version of the platform. This is clearly seen in a large number of features and functions, for example Smart Text Selection. Although Nougat has something similar, it has evolved. It is a function that allows us to carry out various actions if we select on a text. Translate a phrase or word, copy and paste it or search for it on Google. Now, in Android 8, in addition, a predictive text has been included. This means that selecting an address will show the option to open in Google Maps, among other options.

Doze

Doze was launched in Android 7 and Android 8 will continue to be present. It is assumed that the company has improved it, although the operation remains practically the same. It allows us to save battery so that our device can last longer. It is basically designed to manage one of the aspects that usually consume the most: resources and services that are working in the background. Doze moderates the syncing of WiFi, data, or apps.

Faster updates

This is something that Android 7 launched and that will continue to be valid in Android 8. It is another of the similarities that we wanted to mention. Thanks to this mode, we don't have to wait so long for the device to restart once the update is applied. Updates are done much faster. In addition, software updates can be installed in the background so that we do not have to wait for anything, only what it takes for the computer to restart to enjoy the new version.

Like Android 7 Nougat, Android 8 Oreo remains stable, fast and secure. Google continues to work hard to do so, in the face of malware and malicious applications. The evolution is obvious. It denotes that we are going to witness future versions that are increasingly intelligent and user-friendly. Working with our device is becoming easier.