Google Releases New Version of Android M Developer Preview
Google has released a new “Developer Preview” version of its upcoming Android M operating system.
Sources claim the Mountain View company is planning to use Android M in its Nexus 5 reboot, shifting away from Android 5.0 Lollipop. While these rumors have yet to be confirmed, there’s strong evidence suggesting that it’s true. So, what kind of the changes can you expect to see in Android M? And will these changes add any real value and/or functionality to the 2015 Nexus 5 handset?
You can read the full details about Android M by visiting the official website at http://developer.android.com/preview/download.html. It’s important to note that this is the first update Google has made to the Android M Developer Preview mode since releasing the toolkit last month. Google has enhanced the Nexus images and emulator file sets used in conjunction with the new Android M Developer Preview to provide a better experience for users. Furthermore, the new system images also include Google Play Services 7.6, which was previously omitted from the first version.
One of the biggest changes, however, involves permission modification changes. Google has reportedly updated the platform permissions used in external storage, WiFi, Bluetooth location, and identify changes in Android M Developer Preview version 2. Additionally, all connections made via USB will be set to charge-only by default. You can change this within your Android settings, but Google recommends leaving it on as an additional layer of security.
The new Android M Developer Preview version also includes some API changes, such as Bluetooth Stylus, callback events, and Media API that has been updated to include a new callback feature when connected to a microphone.
Of course, this is just a taste of what’s to come in Android M. The Developer Preview version is exactly what it sounds: a slimmed-down version of Google’s Android operating system that offers minimal features and functionality. Google releases Developer Preview versions of Android for the purpose of troubleshooting bugs and lending app developers a helping hand.
“These system images allow you to install a preview version of the platform on a physical device for testing. By configuring a device with one of these images, you can install and test your app to see how it performs on the next version of the platform,” wrote Google in its description for the new Android M Developer Preview version.
But you don’t have to be an app developer to use Android M Developer Preview. As long as you have a compatible Android smartphone or mobile device, you can download and install it. Just visit the download page previously mentioned and follow the on-screen instructions. It should take no more than 15 minutes, at which point you’ll have a working preview of Android M running your device. Be warned, though, it may contain some bugs, so don’t expect a flawless experience.
Have you downloaded and installed Android M Developer Preview? Let us know what you think in the comments section below!
