14 DAY TRIAL // During the past two Android releases, Google conducted a beta program that allowed owners of Nexus and Pixel devices to check out upcoming features and even builds before the final version arrived to other Android-running devices.
Users part of Android Beta programs can send feedback to Google and get first access to new features introduced in every beta build. It’s worth mentioning that Android beta builds are usually very buggy and unstable, but many still preferred to check the versions out.
Android O developer preview was made available a while ago, so it’s not a surprise that Google announced that the Nougat beta program was ending. Google didn’t actually reveal when Android O beta would be available for users, but it shouldn’t be long now.
Android O Developer Preview 2 could arrive around Google I/O
Android O isn’t ready yet for the mainstream public, although the early-access developer version can be obtained and checked out. Google is expected to host its annual Google I/O event this month and more information on Android O will surely come then. The next developer preview (DP2) will most likely arrive during I/O, or even before, when the beta process for Android O will most likely start. As expected, not all Android-running devices can take part in the beta program, only Nexus and Pixel smartphones that Google released last year.
The fact that the Android Nougat beta program is ending doesn’t mean that smartphones which haven’t received updates to the latest Android version will be left behind. Depending on the developer, carrier and country, the update process can take a while, but eventually, it will arrive to all supported Android-running phones.
This is the main reason why the market of Android mobile OS is so fragmented, with some versions that launched a year or two ago holding the biggest share. Even though Android Nougat was released last year, the latest version didn’t even manage to capture 10% of the market, with Lollipop still being in the lead.