Google posts Android M preview images for Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player

For those of you who really can’t live anywhere else but at the bleeding edge of all things rational and sane, Google has now posted the first preview images for Android M on the Google Developers website. Initially available for the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player, the images weigh in at just under the 1GB mark (for the Nexus 6, at least) and are available immediately.

They come with Google’s standard warning for using these previews, which we think you should really carefully read before going down this path. If last year’s Android L preview was anything to go by, these are not builds that you would want running on devices that you use as a primary phone or tablet; they’re usually just a bit too unstable.

Warning: The following Android system images are previews and are subject to change. Your use of these system images is governed by the Android SDK Preview License Agreement. The Android preview system images are not stable releases, and may contain errors and defects that can result in damage to your computer systems, devices, and data. The preview Android system images are not subject to the same testing as the factory OS and can cause your phone and installed services and applications to stop working.

For those of you who’re prepared to take the leap, here are the download links straight from the developer page:

Installing these images won’t be difficult for those who are familiar with the process:

1. Download and uncompress one of the system image packages listed here.
2. Backup any data you want to preserve from the device.
3. Follow the instructions at developers.google.com/android to flash the image onto your device.

If it wrecks your device, you can of course revert back to the latest build of Android Lollipop through the Nexus factory images page, but don’t say we didn’t warn you about using preview images!