Samsung has finally begun rolling out the the Android 8.0 Oreo beta update to the owners of the Galaxy S8 and S8+ in USA, UK and Korea. The new update comes with Samsung Experience 9.0, and is now rolling out as an OTA to those who sign-up for the Galaxy Beta Program.
The Galaxy S8 Android 8.0 Oreo beta will only be available for those who participate in the Galaxy Beta Program. This program is where Samsung distributes its beta software to interested users so that they can test it out and provide feedback to the company.
The Galaxy S8 and the S8+ would be the first smartphones to get Samsung Oreo update. Although Samsung is already late to the party, users would still like the update. Android Oreo brings several new features and improvements, including a Picture-in-Picture mode, Notification Dots, improved Google Assistant, and a lot more.
So below, we will explain the process to join the Galaxy Beta Program and get yourself some Oreo treats when Samsung releases the beta. The process is simple and all you need is either a Galaxy S8 or the S8+.
How to join Galaxy Beta Program
USA
As mentioned earlier, to get the Android 8.0 Oreo beta on your Galaxy S8 or S8+, you will need to enroll for the Galaxy Beta Program. Without further ado, here’s how you can join.
- First, you’re going to have to download the ‘Samsung+’ app from the Galaxy Apps Store or the Play Store.
└ If you’re unable to download the app from Play Store, download the Samsung+ apk file and sideload it on your S8. - After installing the app, navigate to the Registration menu in the app and input your information in the Galaxy Beta Program application form.
- You will need a Samsung Account to sign up, and if you meet all the requirements for the program, you will soon be selected. You should receive an email saying the same.
- And that’s about it. That’s how you participate in the program.
As of now, the Oreo beta program is available only for Sprint, T-Mobile and unlocked Galaxy S8 and S8+ variants in the US. You can also try to sign up if you’ve got an unlocked version but purchased it through AT&T or Verizon. You could still use the software of the unlocked variant.
Once Samsung starts seeding the beta software to the members of the program, the update should arrive over-the-air to the devices. After installing the beta software on your device, you will then continue to receive beta updates automatically.
One thing to remember, is that this is beta software, and it will have bugs and issues. We would recommend only those who don’t mind a few bugs here and there, to try the Oreo beta update.
What about Android 8.0 Oreo beta update for AT&T and Verizon Galaxy S8 variants?
Since the Galaxy Beta Program is available only for Sprint, T-Mobile and Unlocked Galaxy S8 and S8+ devices, we thought we could tell you how AT&T and Verizon users could also get into the Beta Program and try Android 8.0 Oreo update from Samsung. If you purchased an unlocked AT&T or Verizon Galaxy S8/S8+, it could be possible to install the firmware for the unlocked US variant or Sprint or T-Mobile variant and try to get enrolled into the beta program. We’re not sure about this, but users could certainly try to see if it works for them.
UK and Korea
The unlocked Galaxy S8 and S8+ (SM-G950F/G955F) variant in UK and Korean variants from SKT, KT and LGU+ are also eligible to enter the Galaxy Beta Program. If you happen to live in either of the countries, you can follow the instructions below ro get the Samsung Oreo beta update installed on your S8 or S8+.
- Download and install the ‘Samsung Members’ app from the Galaxy Apps Store or the Play Store.
└ If you’re unable to download the app from Play Store, download the Samsung Members apk file and sideload it on your S8. - Open the app, navigate to the Registration menu in the app and input your information in the Galaxy Beta Program application form.
- You will need a Samsung Account to sign up, and if you meet all the requirements for the program, you will soon be selected. You should receive an email saying the same.
- Once you’re enrolled, you’ll receive Android 8.0 Oreo beta as an OTA update to your device.
That’s it.
