Among the new functions introduced by Android Oreo 8.1, the latest version of the operating system for smartphones and tablets developed by Google, there is one that allows you to see the speed of available WiFi connections, even before connecting. The system works with open WiFi networks, such as public ones made available by municipalities or other institutions. In the list of available connections, an indicator describes the status of the network by choosing from one of these captions:
• Very fast;
• Fast;
• OK;
• Slow.
To be clear, a Fast connection should be able to offer adequate bandwidth for watching videos, while if the WiFi is rated as Very Fast it should allow high quality video playback. Ok indicates a connection capable of loading sites and accessing streaming music, while the browsing possibilities offered by a Lenta network are limited to sending messages on WhatsApp or reading text emails.
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
The new feature is not the same as a real speed test, but providing network status before connecting should help users choose the connection that best suits their needs. For now, the system will be able to be used on a small number of smartphones, because Android Oreo is not yet widespread and several cell phone manufacturers have not yet made it available for download on their devices. Among the models for which the update is already available are Pixel, Pixel 2, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P.
