Google has released a developer preview version of Android N, the successor to last year’s Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Likely to be known as Android 7.0 N, the new mobile operating system has been rolled out to a number of latest Google-owned smartphones and tablets, among them Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P as well as Nexus 9, among others. Usually, Google Nexus devices receive Android updates and upgrades first before the same updates are availed for other companies’ devices. This is usually because of the modifications these companies make on the OS before pushing it to their devices.
The new Android N Developer Preview build is available on the company’s Developer site. If you own any of the mentioned Nexus devices, you can visit the site and download the update then proceed with manual flashing. Alternatively, you can also join the new Android Beta Program where an over-the-air (OTA) update is also available.
Android N Developer Preview coming to Nexus 5
Usually, Google’s Android updates come to devices that have been around for not more than two years. Well, there are many people out there who still own 2013’s Nexus 5. If you are one of them, Google has a surprise for you as the device can still get the new Android N Developer Preview build.
The company’s Git repositories have revealed something amazing. Google seems to be open to the idea of testing the new Android N on the ageing Nexus 5. This device was codenamed Hamerhead and according to the latest reports, this name appears in the Android N Developer Preview source code.
The new revelation means that Google has something for Nexus 5 users with respect to Android N. However, this is not definite. Still, releasing this OS at this time means developers can have the Android 7.0 earlier than ever.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow still struggling with figures
While Google is working hard to roll out the new Android N to developers earlier than ever, last year’s OS – Android 6.0 Marshmallow – has yet to gain significant traction in the market. Considering the massive number of Android devices out there, the 2.3% market share that this OS currently has is still very minute. Android 4.4 KitKat still leads the way with 34% while Lollipop is still playing catch up, company’s latest figures reveal.
These figures show exactly how Google is struggling with OS adoption, especially when compared to archrival Apple’s iOS 9, which has already amassed a market share of 77% with respect to iDevices.
Be warned that the released update is not for regular use; rather, it is meant for developers who want to test their applications in relation to this Android N mobile OS.