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

This article originally appeared on ZDNet.

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.

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.

SEE: Android Pie is here, coming to Google Pixel phones first (CNET)

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.