Fido, a Canadian MVNO, is currently rolling out an update to the Google Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL. This software package will install the Android 8.1 Oreo to the two smartphones. The latest version of Google’s operating system contains a number of under-the-hood improvements including the Neural Network API and Shared Memory API. The Neural Network API accelerates the processing of models that were developed using the TensorFlow Lite solution while the Shared Memory API allows applications to allocate shared memory for faster access to common data. This feature should boost the performance of apps in slower or older devices. Moreover, the latest software upgrade makes it easier for apps to utilize the autofill framework that debuted in Android 8.0 Oreo.
Also included in this software package is the new Wi-Fi calling feature, which allows the company’s subscribers to make calls through a Wi-Fi network. Once the update is installed, Wi-Fi calling will be turned on by default. This software upgrade also includes the December 2017 Android security patch, which fixes a number of vulnerabilities found in the media framework of the operating system. Most of the security issues are categorized as the elevation of privilege (EoP) or the denial of service (DoS) exploits.
The software package is currently being distributed automatically, although it may take several days before all devices receive the update. Before proceeding with the installation process, it is important to back up the files and images stored in the smartphone to a personal computer or a microSD card to prevent loss of important data. The device should also have enough battery life to last the entire procedure and there should be sufficient free space in the internal flash storage in order to temporarily keep the installation file. Google Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL are powered by the Snapdragon 835 chipset that is comprised of the octa-core Kryo 64-bit CPU and the Adreno 540 GPU. Both handsets contain 4GB of RAM, and they are available in variants with 64GB or 128GB of internal flash storage. However, the two handsets differ in terms of display size and resolution, with the Pixel 2 sporting a 5-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 16:9 while the Pixel 2 XL has a 6-inch P-OLED display with a resolution of 2880 by 1440 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18:9.