Android O developer preview released

Google just announced the first developer preview of Android O, compatible with the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Nexus Player. Since this is the first preview, expect numerous bugs and many similarities to Android N. Because it's intended for developers, the software can only be installed by manually downloading and flashing it, reserving it for more advanced users. Google will update the preview until this Fall, when the final version of Android O is expected to be released. Here's a list and short description of the major features and upgrades: 

• Background limits: Android O improves battery life by placing limits on what apps can do in the background. The optimizations focus mainly on implicit broadcasts, background services, and location updates. 
• Notification channels: These provide users and developers with even more control over app notifications, along with new groupings and visuals. 
• Autofill APIs: This API improves the integration of password managers into Android. 
• PIP for handsets and new windowing features: Android O enhances the way multiple apps can be viewed and used at once, making multitasking more convenient. 
• Font resources in XML: Developers will have more control over font styling. 
• Adaptive icons: Native, system-wide support for customizable icons, including animated ones.
• Wide-gamut color for apps: Photo and image apps will be able to take advantage of new devices with wide-gamut displays.
• Connectivity: In addition to improvements to WiFi, Android O supports high-quality audio codecs over Bluetooth.
• Keyboard navigation: Enhancements for Android devices with physical keyboards.
• AAudio API for Pro Audio: A new API for high-performance audio apps, enhancing low-latency performance. 
• WebView enhancements: Multiprocess mode is enabled by default, security enhancements, and app stability improvements.
• Java 8 Language APIs and runtime optimizations: Android O supports new Java API's, improving the Android Runtime's speed by up to 2x. 

For a more detailed description of all the improvements and how to install it on your device, check out Google's blog post. If you've decided to install the preview, let us know how it's treating your device. 

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