Google has recently released the third developer preview build of Android O for developers. Along with this release, they have confirmed that the Android version will be Android 8.0. When Android O was announced, the version number had been kept under wraps and has only been revealed now.
The first developer preview build of the next major Android release was in March earlier this year, while the second developer preview was released at I/O 2017 last month. Google has now released the Developer Preview 3 with the final Android O APIs, however, Google has stated that there will be another release in July which will bring “near-final system images.”
The new Developer Preview 3 build is set to roll out to eligible users who are already enrolled in the Android Beta Program.
The compatible devices for this include:
- Pixel
- Pixel XL
- Pixel C
- Nexus 5X
- Nexus 6P
- Nexus Player
Google has also stated that the latest preview build includes the latest version of the Android O platform with the final API level 26 and hundreds of bug fixes and optimisations.
Developers will be able to download the final API 26 SDK from the SDK Manager in Android Studio, and Android Support Library 26.0.0 beta 2 from Google’s Maven repository.
So what does Android O really bring?
Android O introduces background limits, notification channels, standard autofill APIs, picture-in-picture video, adaptive icons, as well as support for multi-display!
If you have one of the eligible devices, you will be able to sign-in for the Android Beta program. Developers and early adopters can enrol via android.com/beta and opt-in via eligible Android smartphone (or tablet).
Just like the predecessors, you will also be able to download and flash the new update manually.
