Nokia Phones Beta Labs is an online program run by HMD Global, the company licensed to produce and market smartphones with the Nokia brand for the next seven years. The program was launched by the company some months ago, and it is meant to test beta builds of upcoming software releases for Nokia smartphones amongst Nokia forum members and smartphone enthusiasts. Android 8.0 Oreo is the biggest thing in the software world right now as far as Android is concerned, so Nokia is using its Beta Labs to test Android 8.0 Oreo beta software for its Android smartphones.

The Nokia 8 is currently HMD Global’s flagship smartphone, and it was the first in its series to get the Oreo update. Beta testing for Android Oreo on the Nokia 8 started in October of 2017, and of course, it was done through the Nokia Phones Beta Labs. After successful testing, the company went on to release the final Android 8.0 Oreo software build for the smartphone, and now it has extended Android 8.0 Oreo beta testing through the Nokia Phones Beta Labs to two of its other Android smartphones; Nokia 6 and Nokia 5. Here’s how you can join the Nokia Beta Labs program for your Nokia 8, Nokia 6 and/or Nokia 5.

Nokia Phones Beta Labs: Requirements

All you need to join the Nokia Phones Beta Labs program is a supported Nokia smartphone. Right now, these are the smartphones supported:

  • Nokia 8.
  • Nokia 6.
  • Nokia 5.

If you have any of these three smartphones, head over to the official Beta Labs website (link below) and sign up for the program.

Nokia Beta Labs: Things to note

Since you’ll be installing a beta build of a software still in development, there are bound to be bugs and usage issues. By joining the beta labs program by Nokia, you’ll have to install an unstable software on your smartphone, and you have to be ready to notify Nokia (HMD Global) of every unusual thing you notice when using the beta software.

They’re giving you a preview of unreleased software and a chance to experience Android 8.0 Oreo before schedule, and in return, you’re to offer feedback and report issues to the company. It’s a win-win situation on both sides.

Nokia Phones Beta Labs Program: How to Join

  • Head over to the official Beta Labs website.
  • Click on Sign in to get started.
  • On the next page, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Don’t have an account yet? Register now.
  • Fill in the necessary details, and when you’re done signing up, you’ll be required to enter your Nokia phone IMEI and network operator to join the program.
  • Enter this information and validate. If they’re correct, you will get an email from Nokia directing you on how to download and install the (Android 8.0 Oreo) beta software.

What’s special about Android 8.0 Oreo?

Android 8.0 Oreo brings many useful features like Picture-in-picture viewing, Notification dots, and has many new visual tweaks. You can read more about Android 8.0 Oreo here.