One thing that HMD Global promised all Nokia fans is that it will always follow Google closely when it comes to timely software updates. So far we’ve seen it happen with respect to monthly security updates, but the company’s major test is the new update to Android 8.0 Oreo.
As it turns out, the Finnish company is doing a pretty decent job to ensure owners of Nokia phones are among the first to receive the update to Android 8.0 Oreo – or at least those using the flagship Nokia 8. The company has just announced that anyone using the Nokia 8 can now download and install the latest Oreo dessert, but this is available through a newly-launched beta channel. At the moment, Huawei is the only other recognizable Android OEM that has kicked off its Oreo beta program.
According to HMD Global’s Chief Product Officer Juho Sarvikas, the Nokia 8 will, later on, be joined by the Nokia 6, Nokia 5 and Nokia 3 in receiving the update to Android 8.0 Oreo, but the specific date as to when this will be happening remains unknown. The purpose of this beta program is so that the company can create a smoother software experience for the wider audience. The software version you get is not stable and in order to ensure things work perfectly when the official rollout begins, Nokia will require some feedback from you.
Announcing Nokia phones beta labs! Be the first to test #AndroidOreo on #Nokia8 (physical Oreos not included!) https://t.co/91uhqstnnm pic.twitter.com/GNiNrK31B0
— Juho Sarvikas (@sarvikas) October 25, 2017
How to join the Nokia beta program
To join the new Nokia beta labs, all you need is a working Nokia 8, the company notes. Once you are into the program, you’ll receive an OTA notification to download and install Android 8.0 Oreo on your phone. Keep in mind that the notification may take up to 12 hours before it shows up on your phone, but you can force the update through Settings>About phone>System updates.
In order to share feedback, you can turn to the preinstalled Feedback app or join the Nokia phones community forums to air any issues. In case you don’t like Android 8.0 Oreo for some reason, you can roll back to the original Android Nougat. It’s also possible to leave the beta program if you happen not to like it.