Google releases ​Android 9 Pie: Rolls out to Pixel phones first

Video: What's new in Google's latest update to Android P?

Google will start rolling out Android 9 Pie (formerly known as Android P) to Pixel phones today, followed by devices from Sony Mobile, Xiaomi, HMD Global, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus, and Essential by the end of the fall.

Also: Android Pie is here, coming to Google Pixel phones first CNET | Google releases Android 9 Pie: Rolls out to Pixel phones first TechRepublic

Many of those aforementioned devices are also in Google's Android Enterprise program. Upgrades to other Android devices will be carrier and partner dependent, said Google in a blog post.

As outlined at Google I/O, Android 9 Pie is really about morphing the mobile operating system to a platform for the search giant's artificial intelligence. If successful, Android Pie should enable differentiation from Apple's iPhone juggernaut.

Android P: All the new features and tools announced (so far)

Among the key features:

• Android 9 will feature Adaptive Battery, which prioritizes app based on power consumption, and Adaptive Brightness for the display.
• AI-driven App Actions, which predict what you'll do based on context.
• Slices, which plucks information from favorite apps for display.
• Navigation tools such as a single home button, overview design and smart text selection.
• Redesigned settings for everything from notifications to volume controls and taking screenshots.
• Digital wellness features such as App Timer, Do Not Disturb, and Wind Down.

On digital wellness, Google kicked off a trend that Apple and Facebook have followed.

For developers, Android Pie includes the following:

• TextClassifier API that extends machine learning models to more input such as dates and flight numbers.
• Neural Networks API 1.1, an update that supports on-device machine learning as well as support for new operations.
• Multi-camera APIs that open streams from two or more physical cameras.
• A Magnifier widget to improve the experience when selecting text.
• BiometricPrompt API to standardize biometrics across sensor types and apps.
• Stronger protection for private keys, built-in DNS support and HTTPS by default.

10 ways to extend your Android phone battery life

The Android P launch:

• Google releases final Android P beta as launch nears
• What's new in Google's latest update to Android P?
• Google updates Android P beta with finalized APIs, 157 new emoji
• Google puts AI team's work to good use in Android P
• Google patching out app monitor in Android P
• Google: 'This new Android P beta is very close to what you'll see in final version'
• Google: Our new Android P beta shows how AI gives you more battery life
• Android P to stop apps from monitoring network activity
• Android P: New features, release date, and everything you need to know
• Here's how Android P promises to protect your privacy