Earlier this week, Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL users started getting the OTA update to Android 8.1 Oreo, but this was limited to those in the beta channel.
However, as at the time of this writing, non-beta users of the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL devices are now getting updates to Android 8.1 Oreo over the air. In addition to addressing a bunch of bugs and issues found in the previous version of Oreo, the update also brings a pretty new feature for AT&T’s users of the two Pixel 2 phones.
This update, which is already rolling out to Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL handsets, installs a new HD Voice Calling feature, but this feature is not completely new for smartphone users. AT&T has this habit of disabling HD Voice Calling for all BYOD customers, but the story has changed with this update to Android 8.1 Oreo for Pixel 2 users.
Even though the update installs the HD Voice Calling feature, users will still have to enable it manually. This can be done via Settings>Network & Internet>Mobile network and you should see a new Advanced Calling option. When this is toggled, those who are also using devices that support the feature will get HD voice calls that promise “simultaneous voice and data at 4G LTE speeds” when in areas that have HD Voice coverage.
As for the annoying bugs that have been fixed via this update, Pixel 2 users won’t have any audio recording issues when shooting videos and the touch responsiveness problems are also no more. After weeks of waiting, the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL finally have a fix for the KRACK Wi-Fi vulnerability alongside December’s Android security patch. Third-party apps will also enjoy the enabled Pixel Visual Core.
Android 8.1 Oreo is now rolling out over the air and it will do so for the coming weeks, so don’t panic if your Google Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL hasn’t received the OTA notification.