Newsletter
Verizon’s Moto Z Play Droid is now receiving a new major software update which pushes the OS to Android 8.0 Oreo while upping the security patch level to June 1st. Additionally, the software should improve Wi-Fi connectivity, and while running this latest release, users will have the ability to replace a SIM card with a Verizon-branded one on-the-go without having to reboot the device. There are also visual changes to look forward to, including a reworked storage and battery menu for improved readability, as well as a new “incoming call” layout featuring smaller contact images.
Productivity should also be improved on the Moto Z Play Droid following the update thanks to the addition of Picture in Picture for split-screen multitasking, the inclusion of autofill framework, and improved text selection providing better suggestions. Home screen icons have been enriched with notification dots while notifications can now be snoozed, and users will have better control over their notifications with the ability to set them to specific channels varying in priority. The latest update also promises better device performance with applications now running smoother, and Bluetooth audio should also benefit from higher quality audio codecs. Additionally, the system will now be able to automatically free up memory by deleting cached data from applications that exceed a certain cache limit, and the device should benefit from improved battery life thanks to optimizations built into Android Oreo, designed to limit background activities when deemed fit.
Stability should also be improved following various bug fixes, and security is better as well with the addition of Find My Device (previously known as Android Device Manager) which can locate misplaced devices remotely. Finally, quick settings toggles have been redesigned to show additional information, the Settings app’s UI has been simplified for better navigation, and the update also includes new and updated emoji. As usual, the software package is distributed over-the-air and it’s accompanied by a notification but availability will expand gradually to all eligible units over the course of the next weeks. Otherwise, Moto Z Play Droid owners can also attempt to trigger the update manually by launching the Settings app and navigating to ‘About phone’ and ‘System updates.’ Just make sure that the unit has a full battery charge and is connected to an active Wi-Fi network.
