Google Pixel 2 hidden imaging chip gets support from Android Oreo 8.1 beta update

Google Pixel 2 XL

Google has successfully released the final preview build of the Android Oreo 8.1 which is specifically curated to support the hidden imaging chip incorporated in the recently launched flagships Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones by Google. This newest update to the Android Oreo platform shall be available to the users by next month. However, this small update houses the capability to introduce a major change for the owners of Google Pixel 2.

The Pixel 2 houses an imaging chip known as the “Visual Core” which was not activated with the Android Oreo platform as it lacked the update. The smartphones had already been fitted with the imaging chips but were of no use as they were lying dormant since their launch. To deal with this issue, the search engine giant has managed to bring a new update to the Android Oreo that is going to activate this dormant chip.

The newly created update is available for the developers to check out before it is released for the users in the upcoming month. The Visual Core imaging chip allows the camera app on the smartphone to use the correct API in order to take snapshots with the use of Google’s HDR. All this is possible at a fast pace without any lag from the shutter. Interested users can now download the latest beta version of the Oreo by signing up for Google’s beta program. However, it is highly recommended that you be careful while testing the beta version on your phone as it might leave a few bugs on your Android device.

Apart from the update for imaging chip, the new enhancements on the Oreo platform shall offer “targeted” enhancements like optimizations for the Android Go. The Android Go covers the devices with a RAM of 1GB or less. Further, to improve the on-device machine intelligence, a new Neural Networks API has been implemented with the updates.

The Oreo update also comes with some more small-scale enhancements that will help enhance the user and developer feedback. For users who have already enrolled in the Android Beta Program, the update shall be available in a few days. The official release of the Android 8.1 shall provide support to all the Pixel as well as Nexus devices worldwide with devices such as Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus 6P and so on.

About the author

Kanisha

Kanisha Parks

Kanisha is an all-around geek who loves learning new stuff every day. With a background in computer science and a passion for web-based technologies and Gadgets, she focuses on writing about Web Trends, Smartphones and Tablets. You can contact her at kanisha@pc-tablet.com.