eSIM Studios
Google is changing the way it rolls out pre-release builds of Android to developers and early testers. Instead of signing up for a developer preview program to receive a handful of early releases of new versions of the operating system, users will be able to sign up for a new Canary release channel.
This is similar to the way that Google offers Canary, Beta, and Stable channels for its Chrome web browser and ChromeOS operating system, and could make it easier for users to get early access to upcoming features more quickly.
One advantage is that it will be easier to install updates: users had to manually flash Developer Preview builds of Android, but if you sign up for the Canary channel then Google will be able to roll out over the air updates. In order to get started with the Canary channel though, you will have to use the Android Flash Tool to manually install a Canary channel build on your device. Once that's done though, future updates should roll out automatically.
Another change is that Google can offer early access features to users on the Canary channel throughout the development cycle for new builds of Android. Previously the company would discontinue the Developer Preview builds after the first Beta was released. Moving forward, some features may start in the Canary channel before moving to Beta and eventually Stable. But Google can continue to add more new features for Canary channel users even after Beta builds of the next version of Android are available.
One thing to keep in mind about these early access features is that they're so early that some of the features available for testing may never actually make it into the Stable release. So this is very much a program for developers and early adopters looking to test new features, see if they cause problems with apps that you develop, and provide feedback to Goole. If you want a stable, reliable Android device, you're probably better off sticking with another channel.
Google will also offer Canary releases through the Android Emulator, allowing developers to test early access features without installing a Canary channel build on their phone, tablet, or other device.
Liliputing's primary sources of revenue are advertising and affiliate links (if you click the "Shop" button at the top of the page and buy something on Amazon, for example, we'll get a small commission).
But there are several ways you can support the site directly even if you're using an ad blocker* and hate online shopping.
Contribute to our Patreon campaignor...
Contribute via PayPal * If you are using an ad blocker like uBlock Origin and seeing a pop-up message at the bottom of the screen, we have a guide that may help you disable it. Join 9,509 other subscribers
No comments