Essential Phone Android 8.0 Oreo beta now available to download

If you are one of the owners of Andy Rubin’s new Android phone, the Essential Phone, you can now download the first beta build that updates the OS to Android 8.0 Oreo. The release of this public beta, with the build number of  OPM1.170911.130, means that the Essential Phone is one of the few Android devices that support’s Google latest Android version.

The download is available to snap up manually from the Essential web site. The beta update notes that while users are invited to send their feedback for this first release, there may be some software issues. Indeed, the patch notes state that users may encounter “increased battery drain with Bluetooth enabled” along with “Android Auto compatibility issues with some vehicles.” Essential won’t be able to offer any official support if you encounter any problems with the first Oreo build, either.

If you do decide to download the Oreo beta, you will have to sideload it onto the Essential Phone using the latest ADB tool. The full instructions on how to do just that are available on the Essential web site. Needless to say, this beta release is targeting enthusiasts first, so you should feel comfortable with sideloading and other techniques before going through with this.