Samsung launches Android Oreo beta testing for Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus

Promotional photo for Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus.Facebook/SamsungMobile

It has been over two months since Google has released Android Oreo, and Samsung is finally rolling out the latest version of the Android mobile operating system to the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus in the U.K., U.S., and South Korea. The new OS, Android Oreo is included in the Samsung Experience 9.0 whose beta version is now available to testers.

The beta program will allow identified testers to give Samsung important feedback about the performance and stability of the new update. Samsung will be able to determine current usability of the initial version, so that its engineers can tweak the software to provide better overall experience to Samsung users.

"Samsung Experience is based on the Android OS and has expanded beyond the user interface to provide Galaxy users with a consistent and seamless experience across all Samsung mobile software, apps and services," said Samsung in a statement. "This change is in recognition of the increasing suite of unique services Samsung has developed for the Galaxy devices."

However, the program is not available for all Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus users. Users must meet specific requirements in order to qualify as testers for the new software. In the U.S., beta testers must have Sprint or T-mobile network connectivity, and the device must be unlocked with SIMs from the said carriers.

Those interested to join the beta program also need to have an active Samsung account. To register, they need to use the Samsung Members or Samsung+ apps. All testers must note that the devices may experience unexpected errors during the new software's testing period.

Samsung Experience 9.0 will improve upon its predecessor, version 8.5, which was released along with the Galaxy Note 8. The beta testing period is meant to polish the release, as its official version would be included in the next Samsung Galaxy flagship smartphones.