Earlier this month, there were some rumblings that the Android N Developer Preview could be offered to non-Nexus devices. Now that’s exactly what’s happened.
Sony has announced that you can now try the Android N Developer Preview on the Xperia Z3. The update is available for two versions of the Xperia Z3 — the D6603 and D6653 — and you can install it by plugging your phone into your computer and using Sony’s Xperia Companion software. Here are Sony’s full instructions:
- Connect your compatible Z3 device to a computer with a USB cable.
- Xperia Companion will open automatically
- Make sure you have Xperia Companion version 1.1.24 or later. If not, download the latest version from here.
- Hold down the ALT key on your computer and click on Software repair on the home screen, then follow the guide.
- You’ll be asked to disconnect and turn off your device, then to reconnect whilst holding down the volume down key to start the software flashing.
- You can return to factory settings at any time by connecting back to Xperia Companion and following the Software repair
The version of the Android N Developer Preview for the Xperia Z3 looks like the one that Nexus owners have been enjoying since March, offering new features like multi-window and direct reply notifications.
It’s pretty cool to see Sony and Google working together to get the Android N Developer Preview on the Xperia Z3. It’s typically Nexus phones that are the only ones that get the first taste of new Android updates, but now owners of the Z3 get to try Android N before most everyone else, too. Sony has shown love to the development and tinkerer communities in the past, and this Android N Developer Preview program continues that trend.
Will you Xperia Z3 owners be loading Android N onto your phones?