Sony has announced that in a partnership with Google, you can now install the Android N Developer Preview on select Xperia Z3 models. Third party testing of the upcoming OS was first hinted earlier this month when HTML code was found which stated that non-Nexus devices may soon run the software. And it looks like this rumor was correct.
Owners of the D6603 and D6653 variant of the Xperia Z3 will be the lucky ones to be able to try out Android N. Sony explains that this program will allow developers to test their apps on upcoming software to ensure full compatibility.
Use the N Developer Preview to test your apps with new system behaviors for saving power and memory. Extend your apps with new features such as multi-window UI, direct reply notifications and more.
I’ll assume the Xperia Z3 is pretty popular amongst users. Otherwise, something like the Xperia Z4 wouldn’t been chosen to participate in the Android N beta testings cycle. However, I still don’t know why Sony is the first to support the upcoming OS. I immediately thought Samsung, LG, or even HTC would be some of the first few to allow wiling participants to test out the preview software, however since Sony does have a credible history of testing out preview versions of Android, I suppose it makes sense to some extent.
To install the software, you need to flash it to your Xperia Z3 via the Xperia Companion app for Windows and Mac. Be warned that all data will be wiped from the handset during the process, os be sure to perform a full backup just in case. In order to return to a stable version of Android, you need to perform a factory reset which, again, gets rid of all your data. For full instructions, head over to the official beta page for Android N on Sony’s website.
Source: 9to5Google
