When it comes to new features, Android 8.0 hasn’t been much of an exciting update. Sure, it comes with some important improvements for the core features of Android, but there aren’t a lot of new things to be excited about. With the release of Android 8.1, Google is adding a neat little feature to the OS which will make your online life much easier.

Android 8.1 comes with a new feature for the Wi-Fi connection page where you can see the connection speed of public Wi-Fi networks. With Android 8.1, you will see a new label under public Wi-Fi networks which will indicate the estimated speed of the network. It won’t tell you the exact speed of the network, and it will only show your 4 different speed labels, Very Fast, Fast, OK, or Slow, depending on the performance of a network.

According to Google, slow networks are only suitable for making calls via Wi-Fi calling and sending texts. OK networks are suitable for viewing web pages, browsing social media and streaming music. And lastly, Fast networks are able to stream most videos while Very Fast networks are the best out of the pack, with the ability to stream “very” high-quality videos.

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

Like most Android updates, Android 8.1 is only available on Google’s Pixel and Nexus devices for the time being. If you are using another device, it’s likely you will be waiting months before getting the latest Android update on your phone.

Tagged with Android, Android 8.1