Google unveiled Android 8.0 Oreo this week and the OS has already started rolling out to the Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X as an OTA.
As expected with a new OS, Android 8.0 Oreo brings lots of new features as well as changes to the way Android users are used to seeing their phones. One much talked-about feature is the picture in picture mode. This is where users will be able to minimize an ongoing video call into a small window and attend to other tasks on the phone.
But there’s another one that has featured less, yet it’s probably set to be the best addition to the OS, especially for those looking to cut on their data costs. On its official page, the search giant has confirmed that Android 8.0 Oreo will come with a feature known as Wi-Fi Assistant. This one is familiar with most Google Project Fi users and in fact, it’s the feature that plays a huge role in the carrier’s success story as a data-saving platform.
With Wi-Fi Assistant, Project Fi users are able to tap into the tons of free public Wi-Fi hotspots whenever possible. What happens is that your phone will be actively scanning around for an open Wi-Fi hotspot that has a stronger connection than your current connection. Without your influence, the phone will automatically connect to this hotspot, thus saving you a significant amount of mobile data.
Even when on a voice or video call, you won’t notice when the switch occurs. It happens seamlessly. So far, this Wi-Fi Assistant feature has only been limited to five Android phones – the Google Nexus 6, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Pixel and Pixel XL, which are the only ones that support Project Fi. If you are worried about security issues involved with connecting to open public hotspots, Google says that the connection uses its own VPN that will ensure you are secure.
With all Android 8.0 Oreo phones getting a Wi-Fi Assistant, it will be a welcome idea for many out there, especially those who spend most of their time around public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Yes but what data are they gathering from your VPN connection with them? Some people have been worried about that. That is what I’m trying to find out about before I let Google MORE into my privacy.