Starting today, anyone and everyone with a compatible Nexus device can download and install the new
Android N
beta. This means
Android
N beta is no longer developer-exclusive.
Just like
Apple's open public beta programme for
iOS
, non-developers too can try out the new features of the Android's next operating system version dubbed N.
As
Google says on its website, "The Android Beta Program gives you an opportunity to try out pre-release versions of Android and provide feedback. Devices that you opt in to the programme will receive an over-the-air (OTA) update to the latest beta version of Android N. The updates that you’ll receive as a part of this programme are pre-release versions, and may contain errors and defects that can affect normal functioning of your device."
Users can opt in to the Android Beta Program at android.com/beta. As for the devices supported by the new Android N beta, these include, Nexus 6, 9, 5X, 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel C and Android One (General Mobile 4G) devices.
Google's also got a warning for those who opt in for the beta. One, this release may have various stability issues on supported devices; users may encounter system instability, such as kernel panics and crashes. Two, some apps may not function as expected on the new platform version. This includes Google’s apps as well as other apps.
Besides VR support, the Android N update will get under-the-hood performance boosts for things like graphics. It will also allow users to run two apps side by side.
The company also announced that the Android N full release will come this summer.