BlackBerry KeyOne getting Android Oreo update

Canadian BlackBerry KeyOne users will be pleased to know that their smartphone will finally be receiving the newest Android software upgrade.

In an announcement today, TCL Communication Technology Holdings Ltd., the Chinese smartphone manufacturer with the rights to the BlackBerry brand, says it has released of the Android Oreo update for all Canadian KeyOne devices.

The update, which was made available to some users as a beta program earlier this year is finally being made available to all Canadian users and began rolling out at 9 a.m. ET today.  

Google introduced the Android 8.0 Oreo update last summer, saying it would provide faster boot-up speeds, power and offer improved security. Along with those abilities, the Oreo update will offer KeyOne users features such as picture-in-picture, that allows users to text, browse the web and read emails while watching streaming videos and instant apps, giving users access to apps without having to download them. 

An Oreo 8.1 software was then announced in December and was expected to launch to the majority of Android smartphones throughout this year, as IT World Canada has previously reported. 

Since launching the KeyOne in April 2017, TCL has also released the newer Key2 smartphone, which was made available across Canada on July 6. The Key2 already coming with the Android Oreo 8.1 update built in.

Check out All Hands on Tech for our reviews on BlackBerry’s KeyOne and Key2 devices.