March 10, 2016 - 10:27 AMT
Google releases Android N developer preview, beta program

Google on Wednesday, March 9 launched the first Android N developer preview, available for download now at developer.android.com/preview. Later that day, the company also debuted the Android Beta Program, which lets you get early Android builds via over-their-air updates on Nexus devices, VentureBeat reports.

In the past, Google has unveiled the next Android version and released the accompanying developer preview at its I/O developer conference. This year, the company is starting even earlier: I/O 2016 is scheduled for May 18 to May 20.

The Android N developer preview includes an updated SDK with system images for testing on the official Android emulator and on Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Nexus 9, and Pixel C devices. Google is even throwing in a $150 discount on the Pixel C to encourage developers to help test Android N on a tablet.

For now, Google emphasizes that the preview release is not intended for daily use or consumer use. The company adds that the Android N developer preview system images will be updated “often” during the developer preview program. And the Android team does plan to invite consumers to try it out before the final release.