Newsletter
Lenovo-owned Motorola has now announced the release of Android 8.0 (Oreo) for its unlocked Moto Z handset. Specifically, that’s the Moto Z bearing model number XT1650-03. That means that users will now be able to download and install the update, gaining access to new features, security, and bug fixes. It goes without saying that means the update should include substantial battery optimizations, the arrival of Picture-in-Picture mode, and security improvements at the OS level. Autofill may also be enabled, while the Moto release information also lists new multitasking features and improved data-saving settings. On the more user-facing side of things, the company also indicates that improved notification management is included. So, Android Oreo’s notification dot features are intact with the update – which means users should be able to take action on notifications via the app’s icon and its notification dot. That will depend on app developers implementing the appropriate API, however, so it won’t necessarily show up across the board.
Alongside those changes, the update also includes the 1 March 2018 Android Security Patch. That patch introduced fixes for no fewer than 11 critical-level bugs and vulnerabilities, making it a welcome inclusion. Beyond that, Moto has implemented several device-specific bug fixes and stability improvements. Those bugs haven’t been specified directly but the inclusion of fixes is likely to smooth over the whole experience for users of the Moto Z.
Of course, because the update itself is being shipped OTA, it could take some time to roll out completely. That can take up to several weeks, so nobody should be too concerned if it hasn’t hit their own device just yet. In the meantime, users can also check manually for the update via the settings app. That’s easily accomplished by scrolling down and clicking “About Phone,” followed by “System Updates.” The device should automatically check for an update and users will simply need to choose “Download” and then follow the subsequent on-screen prompts. It’s worth pointing out, though, that users can’t simply revert back to the prior OS if there do happen to be any issues with the new software version. With that said, it may be a better idea to simply wait for the update to arrive organically.