Google releases Android 'Oreo'

Last night, the moon crept its way across the sun, while Android displayed its latest system to the masses in attendance at an Eclipse-themed launch event in New York City.

Along with eclipse-glasses and NASA’s livestream, attendees were treated to the first ever preview of the Android 8, Android's latest Operating system.

Continuing the alphabetical snack-themed naming tradition, like KitKat (Android 4.4) before, Android has named this edition after Nabisco’s 'Oreo' cookies.

In this eighth major software instalment, Google aims to make its system “safer, smarter, more powerful & sweeter than ever”.

Bringing in a few improvements that include, notification dots on app icons, autofill for passwords as well as a restriction to background apps-allowing the battery to last longer.

The biggest tweak however, is the picture-in-picture mode, which allows apps to run in a small corner of the screen.

Also, the new system will include a new round-shaped emoji design, which will be similar to those used on the iPhone.

          Emojis used on older editions                                    Emojis used on Android Oreo

Despite its launch last night, the Android system will not be available for download yet, as third-party manufacturers (Samsung, HTC, and LG) will have to start working on the system for their devices.

With a new system on the verge of release, could Android finally 'dunk' over the popular iOS?