Google has released a very early developer preview of Android N.
Google hopes giving early access to the base code will help developers provide feedback so Google can push Android N to phone makers by the summer months. The preview includes an updated SDK and new APIs that provide a peek at some potential features headed to the next version of Android. For example, a new tool will bring split-screen multitasking to all Android phones and tablets.
Another API will allow for a more direct way to reply to notifications from the notification shade, as well as bundle notifications by app. Google says it made improvements to the Doze feature, which is now better at saving power any time the screen is off, and the platform now supports Java 8. Another new feature called Svelte is meant to help reduce the memory requirements of the platform so it is able to function better across a wider range of hardware.
Google has released factory images of the preview for the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6 phones, as well as the Nexus 9 tablet. Developers interested in the preview will need to download the new SDK in order to begin using it. Google says the preview is not meant for consumers, nor should it be used as a daily driver.
Google is expected to fully reveal Android N, which is as-yet unnamed, at its I/O developer conference in May. The company said consumers will be able to test Andriod N ahead of its general release.
