We all love open Wi-Fi networks, they come in handy at public places and enables us to stay connected when we do not want to use our mobile data. However, not all the open Wi-Fi networks offer speeds for seamless connectivity, many are terribly slow. Google seems to be aware of the probability of finding a slow Wi-Fi network, which is why it has added something rather nifty to Android 8.1.

Google has implemented Wi-Fi speed labels for open networks in Android 8.1 Oreo (first spotted by Android Police). These labels show users about the network speed, which lets them decide whether they want to connect to a network or not. The feature may come across as confusing for the first timers, just like Artem who posted a query on the Google product forum, asking for an explanation for the new labels.

Answering to Artem's query, Orrin, a Pixel User Community Manager wrote:

For the WiFi speed labels, the strength has been there, but the speed is new (Slow, OK, Fast, Very Fast). Keep in mind that this will only show under open networks. Here are the speeds for each label

Slow = 0 - 1 MbpsOK = 1 Mbps - 5 MbpsFast = 5 Mbps - 20 MbpsVery Fast = 20 Mbps+For users on DP2 to 8.1 final, the best option is to wait for the Android 8.1 OTA, which will take DP2 users to the final build.

Here's how Google support page explains the new feature in Android 8.1: