Good news for Essential Phone owners. Now you can install Android Oreo beta build via OTA. No manual flashing or sideloading is required. Once opt-in for beta, the company will send you updates over-the-air. It means any users (even non-expertise) can try the Oreo Beta build on their device, because it did not involve manual flashing. However, do member that this is pre-release software that may contain several bugs.
Like popular OEMs, the startup firm Essential has also started beta testing latest Android version Oreo 8.0 for their device in November last year and recently rolled out Android 8.1 Oreo beta for its device. Till now, beta build can only be installed via ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which requires technical expertise. Now the situation has changed.
Company’s new decision makes anyone to test the latest Android 8.1 Oreo on their Essential Phone PH-1. All you need to opt-in for the beta program, input your device’s serial number and the company will send the update via OTA (over-the-air).
How to Opt-in for Oreo Beta OTA Update
To get the Android Oreo 8.1 Beta on your Essential Phone PH-1 via OTA, go here and select the option ‘Over-the-Air’ (Recommended for all users).
Now, fill out the form with your name, email address and device’s serial number.
To get device’s serial number, go to phone Settings, tap on About phone and then tap Status. Here you will see the serial number.
Keep in mind that, since this is beta builds (pre-release software) you will come across bugs that are not yet identified. So do it at your own risk (source – reddit)
