Android N Developer Preview has (somehow) finally made its way out of the Nexus lineup. Sony has released the official Android N Developer Preview for its not-so-famous, but premium phone Xperia Z3. We’re currently running on the second update of the Android N Developer Preview, but this is the first time a developer preview has come to a non-Nexus phone.

It was previously rumored that Google would allow other OEM’s to begin testing the software on their devices, and that appears to have proven true. Even though Sony is not so active in providing the latest software updates on time, not even to it’s top-of-the- line Flagship devices.

xperia-z3-android-nBut this is a sudden change of events, as users who thought that they would never see the sight of Android N on their Xperia Z3’s can now run the Developer Preview on their devices.

Google stated in their official announcement that

The Xperia™ Z3 joins Nexus 5X, 6, 6P, Nexus Player, the Pixel C tablet and General Mobile 4G (Android One) in giving you an early look at the next version of Android. Sony has been working closely with us to bring you the N Developer Preview on Xperia™ for early testing and development.

An important thing to notice once you install this preview will be that the Developer Preview is not skinned, while Sony is known to make subtle UI and under-the-hood changes to the software. So, you’re enjoying a pure vanilla Android experience, while not being on a Nexus.

To install the Android Developer N Preview on your Sony Xperia Z3, you’ll first need to download the Dev. Preview Image from Sony’s developer website. Then once you’re device is up and running, all future updates will be delivered to your device over-the-air, directly from Sony. google-android-n

The Sony Xperia Z3 users, you can now enjoy some of the best features of the Android N Developer Preview, like Multi-tasking, bundled notifications, improved Doze mode and much more.

Go download the Preview now and don’t forget to provide feedback for continuous improvements to the Preview.


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