Google launches Android N Developer Preview

Yesterday, Google announced the first preview of the next major Android iteration. Dubbed Android N, this next-gen mobile operating system is still in the "work in progress" development stage, but it already integrates quite a few attractive features. 

The highlights of this early Android N version include the following:

• multi-window support, so apps can be launched in split-screen modes on phones and tablets
• Direct reply and Bundled notifications
• improvements to Doze mode
• enhanced Java 8 language support

According to Google's VP of Engineering Dave Burke, "the earlier preview allows us to hand off the final N release to device makers this summer, so they can get their hands on the latest version of Android earlier than ever." The Android N Developer Preview can be tested on the official emulator, but images for the Nexus and Pixel C devices are also included. However, consumers should stay away from Android N for now as this release "is for developers only and not intended for daily use or consumer use."