When Google releases a new Android version, much of its testing and beta versions have only been done on Nexus devices. Recently, it has been said that Google is aiming to change this practice for the upcoming Android N platform.
Google followed through with this plan, apparently. According to reports, the new Android N Developer Preview beta is now available for non-Nexus devices, with the first flagship to receive it being Sony Mobile's Xperia Z3 flagship.
According to the announcement by Google, the second Android N Developer Preview version can now be downloaded and flashed to the Xperia Z3. The post mentioned that with the new addition, "The Xperia™ Z3 joins Nexus 5X, 6, 6P, Nexus Player, the Pixel C tablet and General Mobile 4G (Android One) in giving you an early look at the next version of Android. Sony has been working closely with us to bring you the N Developer Preview on Xperia™ for early testing and development."
However, as with previous developer preview versions, the new Android N beta file can only be flashed manually for the Xperia Z3. Ars Technica reports though, that users who are not that tech-savvy when it comes to manual flashing can make an app-assisted flashing and updating via the Xperia Companion app for the flagship.
Meanwhile, outside of the Xperia Z3, it seems that Android N can also be experienced on another previous flagship, the Xperia Z2. According to UberGizmo, fans who want to check out the upcoming Android platform but only own the older Xperia device can flash an unofficial ROM. However, the industry follower reiterated that the file and update is an unofficial one, and the version itself is in the early stages with a number of glitches and bugs.
Google has yet to confirm if it will expand the Android N Developer Preview update to other non-Nexus devices, outside of the Xperia Z3 flagship.
