Skip to main content

Android 8.1 OTA adds HD Voice Calling for Pixel 2 XL devices on AT&T

Besides addressing various bugs and issues, Android 8.1 adds a highly requested feature for Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL devices on AT&T. This update, which is rolling out now, adds HD Voice Calling support for customers on the network.

Today, Pixel 2 XL users on AT&T began receiving the Android 8.1 OTA after the initial rollout on Tuesday. The release notes for the update prominently cite the inclusion of “HD Voice Calling for AT&T users.”

After updating from Android 8.0, heading to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network displays a new option for Advanced Calling. After toggling, parties on compatible devices will get high-definition voice calls the allow for “simultaneous voice and data at 4G LTE speeds” when in an HD Voice coverage area.

This update also adds a light navigation bar to system apps like Settings to combat the Pixel 2 XL’s burn-in/screen retention issuesTouch responsiveness issues and audio recording bugs during video capture have also been addressed. The included December security patch also includes a fix for the KRACK Wi-Fi vulnerability.

Under-the-hood, Android 8.1 enables the Pixel Visual Core for third-party apps, while there is support for the new Neural networks API for hardware accelerating on-device machine learning.

Android 8.1 should be rolling out to all recent Pixel and Nexus devices in the coming weeks.


Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel