Samsung outs full Galaxy S8/S8+ Android Oreo update changelog, here is what's new

The Android Oreo update for Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ was a bit of a hit and miss. After it kicked off the roll-out of the update early last month, the South Korean handset maker had to put it on hold due to some issues.

The update was resumed less than two weeks ago, but a full changelog was made available only yesterday. So, if you want to know what new features and improvements Android Oreo brings to the Galaxy S8 and S8+, sit as comfy as possible and get yourself a cup of coffee or tea since this is going to be a pretty long read.

Besides Samsung Experience 9.0, the update adds lots of improvements concerning various aspects of the phone's software and hardware, such as biometrics, quick panel, Samsung Keyboard, system performance, Samsung Cloud, and Samsung DeX.

Biometrics
To improve your security, features that use biometrics (face, fingerprints, and irises) are only available when you use a secure screen lock type (pattern, PIN, or password). When you switch to a non-secure screen lock type (Swipe or None), biometric authentication is suspended for unlocking and for verification in apps like Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass. If you're using biometrics now without a secure screen lock type, you'll be able to continue after the upgrade, but changing to a secure screen lock type is recommended.

Quick Panel

• Manage notifications for each app with notification categories (supported apps only).
• Icons will be shown at the bottom of the notification panel for notifications that aren't currently visible.

Home Screen

• Touch and hold an app to display shortcuts to common or recommended tasks within the app (supported apps only).
• Notification badges on app icons are linked with the notification panel. Clear a notification in one location, and it will also be cleared in the other location.

Samsung Keyboard

• The toolbar gives quick access to useful functions.
• The GIF keyboard lets you send GIFs.
• More high-contrast keyboards are available.

System Performance

• Background services are limited to improve performance and battery life.
• Currently running apps will always be shown in the notification panel.

Edge screen

• Improved font size, color, and other settings for better Edge panel visibility.
• Touch and hold the Edge panel handle to change its position.
• Added 3 more Edge lighting effects and color customization for apps.

Lock Screen and Always On Display

• New clock styles for the Lock screen and Always On Display.
• Adjust the transparency of notifications to get the look you want.

Smart View

• Let your phone's screen go dark when mirroring to another screen.

Samsung account

• Control your account settings and profile information for multiple apps.
• Tap your profile picture on the main Settings page to access your profile information and account settings.

Samsung Cloud

• View and manage photos and notes stored only in Samsung Cloud.
• Store any type of file in Samsung Cloud Drive.
• Select specific items to delete or restore from your backups.
• See how big each backup is and how many items it contains.

Samsung Dual Messenger

• Install a second copy of a messaging app so you can use two accounts at the same time. For apps that verify accounts using phone numbers, you'll need a different phone number for each account.
• Touch and hold a messaging app on the Home or Apps screen to install the second account or go to Settings - Advanced features - Dual Messenger.

Find My Mobile

• Back up Secure Folder to Samsung Cloud remotely when your phone is lost.
• Lock Samsung Pass using Find My Mobile.

Samsung DeX

• See more apps at once by changing the app list view to full-screen.
• Use Game launcher in Samsung DeX for a full-screen gaming experience.
• Added support for 2 additional Samsung covers (LED View Cover, Clear View Standing Cover).

Other improvements

• Bluetooth now supports high-quality audio codecs, including AAC and Sony LDAC.
• Video player includes auto repeat and 2x speed option.
• Voice Recorder provides smart tips to conveniently block calls while recording.
• Email lets you flag Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync emails.
• Samsung Health's new sticky notification lets you see your step count at a glance.
• Clock now includes a Landscape mode and timer sound options.
• The digital clock widget goes directly to the Clock app when you tap it.
• Samsung Pass added the ability to manage usernames and passwords in third-party apps. 

By now, the vast majority of Samsung Galaxy S8/S8+ owners should have already received the update, but in case you're still waiting for it, you now know what to expect. The Galaxy S8 and S8+ are the first Samsung smartphone to get Android Oreo, but the South Korean giant is working to bring the update to even more devices in the coming months. One thing to note is that the changelog is for the Exynos-powered version of the smartphones, but the US models equipped with Snapdragon models should get the same changes.