Google’s upcoming Android Oreo 8.1 update will give Android users a new feature that allows them to check out the network speed – on top of the network strength – before you make the decision to connect to either one.
The new feature will be visible right below the name of the public network, and tell you if the network speed is Slow, Okay, Fast or Very Fast. The descriptions, provided by Google, are relatively straightforward; If the public network in question is slow, then you should still be able to send texts and initiate WiFi calling.
A network with okay speeds means that browsing webpages and streaming music would be possible, and a Fast network should be fine for watching most videos. Naturally, if you’re going to be watching video in qualities higher than Full HD, you’re definitely going to want to connect to a public network with Very Fast speeds. Mind you, this feature only applies to public networks on the list, so don’t expect it to show up on private and protected networks (unless the IT guy in your company is feeling generous).
Public Wi-Fi can be spotty. For the first time, #AndroidOreo 8.1 lets you take out the guesswork & see the speed of networks before you hit connect. Rolling out now: https://t.co/lSzvCFgNk7 pic.twitter.com/60EmoPxUX4
— Android (@Android) January 22, 2018
As always, Google will be rolling out the Android Oreo 8.1 update in batches, with its own phones being the first models to get the update. In other words; if you’re using a Google Pixel, Pixel 2, Nexus 6P, or Nexus 5X, you should be getting the update pretty soon (if you haven’t already).
(Source: TechCrunch, The Verge)
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