Google and Sony have worked together to expand the preview build of the upcoming Android N to support the Xperia Z3, the first non-Nexus device to receive it.
This is the second round of beta testing for the mobile operating system. Google, through its Android Developers account on Google Plus, announced the Xperia Z3 support and welcomes the handset to the members' only club.
"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," says Google. "Sony has been working closely with us to bring you the N Developer Preview on Xperia for early testing and development."
Beyond the novelty of being the first handset outside Google's Nexus family to join the Android N preview, the Xperia Z3 is a curious choice from Sony. The Xperia Z5 isn't supported by the preview, though the earlier Z3, which came out in 2014, has been given exclusive access to the club.
For Z3 owners looking to test Android N, specifically those with model D6603 and D6653 handsets, Sony has set up an issue tracker for the preview build and has encouraged users to provide feedback on their experiences with the OS.
"Google is eager to integrate developer feedback as early as possible into Android N," says Sony Mobile. "By giving your feedback, you can have your say in how the final release works with your apps."
To flash the preview of Android N onto their phones, users will need to download the latest build of the OS and then connect their handsets to their computers via USB cable.
From there, users need to hold down the "Alt" key and click on the "Software Repair" option in the Sony Companion app. A wizard will walk them through installing the preview build, including finalizing the installation by disconnecting the handset and holding down the volume button to flash the phone.
And for those who have second thoughts about installing Android N, they can always flash their phones back to factory settings by returning to the "Software Repair" option in the companion app.
