It wasn’t long ago that Google announced that the developer preview for Android 7.1 Nougat was coming, and today, it’s here. You can now try out Android 7.1 release on your eligible device, and the process is easy — simply enrol your device in the Android Beta program. If your device is already enrolled, you’ll receive the update automatically.
While the developer preview is, as the name implies, mainly for developers, it gives end-users an insight into the next version of Android before it’s officially released. We would recommend caution, though, as early releases of Android aren’t always as stable as you might be used to coming from another version.
Google are continuing the model used in Android N and earlier releases, with a slight twist. Since Android 7.1 has already launched on Pixel, Google is delivering the initial Developer Preview at beta quality for the Nexus lineup of devices. The goal there is to tease out any device-specific issues.
After the initial preview release, Google plans to deliver an update in November followed by the final public release to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) in December. Initially available on Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Pixel C devices, the Developer Preview will be extended to other devices in November.
How to Get Android 7.1 Developer Preview on Your Eligible Device
If you are already enrolled in the Android Beta program, then your eligible enrolled devices will get the Android 7.1 Developer Preview update right away, no action is needed on your part. If you aren’t yet enrolled in Android Beta, the easiest way to get started is to visit android.com/beta and opt-in your eligible Android phone or tablet — you’ll soon receive this (and later) preview updates over-the-air. If you have an enrolled device and do not want to receive the update, just visit Android Beta and un-enrol the device. You can also download and flash this update manually.
Feeling like a stable release! A few stutters though.
I remember enrolling in the beta program before Marshmallow. After reading this, I picked up my 6P and lo and behold – the download icon was already there!! It’s a chunky download at 1285MB so I hope it’s worth it. I’ll have to re-add the Pixel launcher and Assistant of course 😉
Seems pretty finished for a “beta” release on my 6P, wink wink, (whispers) it’s actually the real update but don’t want Pixel adopters to feel like their price premium is not giving them sole early access to the latest updates.
I haven’t found any problems on my 6P yet! Looking good.
Not sure about the app shortcuts yet, good idea if I remember to use them