If you’re a curious cat like us with a spare Nexus device hanging around, have a play around with Android N. It’s the next step for the Google developed operating system, with new features that will make scrolling through the future Android UI, like a dream.
While the update is currently being rolled out to some devices in the Android ecosystem, there’s still plenty of handsets that don’t have access to the latest operating system. If you’re one of the many who doesn’t have it on your device, there is a way to get it. You can download the developer preview to enjoy the latest features, but there’s every chance it may not work correctly. There’s also the risk of it wiping out your entire device. Poor battery life could also be a problem as the build isn’t optimised yet and some apps are just not compatible. Install at your own risk and have fun. If you don’t want to take the risk then head onto our feature on Android N, as we highlight all the best bits from Android N, with all the risks.
Only Nexus devices can run the developer’s preview as it always has been. It makes sense seeing as Nexus and Android are Google’s babies. There seems to be an emphasis on bigger screens with Android N, as a lot of the updates take advantage of the extra space. The following devices are eligible for enrolment to Android N: Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Google Pixel C and Android One.
It used to be a complete headache to download and install Google’s developer previews. This time around Google have made it so accessible we wept with joy, as we wouldn’t have to stay later in the office. There’s some exaggeration there, but the dinner reservation was met. Once you sign into your Google account on your Google device, go to the following link: www.google.com/android/beta. You should see your device ready for enrolling.
Once you log in you’ll see all eligible devices that you own. Click ‘Enroll Device’ on the device you wish to be your sacrificial lamb. Read the terms and conditions and tick that box after doing so, then simply tap ‘Join Beta.’ It can take up to 24 hours for the over-the-air update to come through. You’ll be prompted in your notification when the OTA update comes through, make sure your Wi-Fi is connected to avoid a massive phone bill.
If you didn’t have a spare Google device lying around and you were too much of a curious cat, don’t worry you can easily reverse the process. Go back to the beta page: www.google.com/android/beta. Click ‘Unenrol Device’ to receive another OTA update, which will then install the latest Android update available to the public. Be warned though, this will wipe your entire device. Photos, music, messages, all of it. Backing up everything is advisable, cloud or hard drive, up to you.