As we reported earlier, the Android 8.1 Developer Preview is packed with some new features. And many more new features are set to debut with the upcoming preview versions of Android 8.1. One such feature that we have got to know about is - Evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (eMBMS). Support for eMBMS has been confirmed for Android 8.1, which will lessen mobile network congestion with the help of new technologies used by providers to make use of Qualcomm hardware in your smartphone.

The support for eMBMS has been confirmed after spotting a new permission on Google's Pixel 2 XL and Nexus 5X smartphones. The new feature comes into action when too many users are trying to get access to the same content or media. In such situation, eMBMS resorts to sending information to all the clients at once via multicast instead of using the traditional one client information system unicast. This technology is best suited for live events where content is needed to be sent directly to all clients at once, instead of sending to each client one by one.

Combating1000x data challenge

eMBMS will eliminates ‘1000x data challenge‘ that will eventually show up for the users. For those who are not aware, the 1000x data challenge refers to the scenario where all our devices would cumulatively require more than 1000 times data that the current bandwidth can handle. According to a recent study from Cisco reveals that around 82% of total internet traffic is made up of video streams. This is where eMBMS can be a saviour as it works best for handling video streams and it will act as a significant measure to combat 1000x data challenge.

Employing eMBMS technology is a much better alternative than ramping up current bandwidth for the users. The major service providers across the world that are taking up eMBMS are Verizon in America, Kt and Reliance in Asia and EE and Vodafone in Europe.

Only for Qualcomm hardware notKirin, Exynos, or MediaTek SoCs

As we mentioned at the starting of this article, eMBMS makes use of Qualcomm hardware, which means devices powered by Kirin, Exynos or MediaTek SoCs will not be getting eMBMS. Now that eMBMS support is coming to Android 8.1, we can expect more service providers embracing it.

News Source: XDA-Developers