Google Surprises Everyone, Releases Android N Developer Preview Today

Google, in a move nobody was expecting, decided to release the full Android N developer preview to the masses today. I'm currently downloading it on my Nexus 6P, (because I'm a rebel like that) so while that's happening, let's talk about the various changes that Google has introduced to Android today.

First off, the most interesting thing about Google's changes today isn't even to Android itself. Along with the release of the dev preview, Google has launched the Android Beta Program. This allows anyone with a compatible Nexus device enroll in over-the-air beta updates. This is a huge change compared to what they did with Android M. With M, if you wanted to participate in the developer previews, you had to manually flash them. Most people do not know how to flash system images, so this put up a large wall for user feedback. I can't say whether Google choosing to make this process easier will be beneficial or not. On one hand, you have more people becoming engaged in the future of Android. On the other, you have a lot of people who don't know what they're doing installing the beta and complaining about bugs.

On to the features! Android N has added various improvements that keep it competitive with Apple. Usually, I'd say Apple is playing catch-up with Android, but Android N does this to iOS in many ways. First of all, it finally adds multi-window support, something that Google is hoping to expand their tablet market. It's been a long time coming. Second, the addition of a f.lux-like screen tinter is also something iOS has added recently. That's about where the similarities stop, though. Back from the early Android M builds is the dark theme, which turns various UI elements dark instead of white. The notification shade and quick settings have also been restyled to a more modern look, taking up 100% of the width of the screen. Speaking of notifications, Google has added an official API for text input within notifications. Think of quick-reply being fully supported in the OS.

There are also tons of new features being discovered right now, as the preview was only released a few hours ago. I sure can't wait to go explore them! Looks like my apps are being optimized, gotta go!