Android N Developer Preview 4 now available for Nexus devices

Android N developer preview was released by Google yesterday, which will bring in some bug fixes and performance enhancements. The preview comes with the build NPD56N for all Nexus devices.

The preview is sure to incorporate a few changes and address issues reported by the previous developers. As of now, the beta builds are available for devices like Nexus 6, Nexus 5, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Pixel C and Android One.

The new build is suitable for Sony Xperia Z3 as well, which confirms the earlier reports that Google may expand the Android Beta program to non-Nexus devices. Also, in the upcoming Android N platform, the new API level is 24.

Google informs that the Launcher shortcut features have been planned to release a little late. Implying that with the Developer Preview 4, launcher shortcut APIs have been eliminated. Dave Burke, VP of engineering, Android had at I/O 2016 revealed a new Easter egg dubbed, “Namey McNameface” for Android N. This has eventually made it to the Developer Preview 4 build.

Although, there are loads of minor fixes and improvements, the Builder Preview 4 includes special fixes for unresponsive Quick settings tiles; fix for the duplicate Bluetooth icon along with other status icons; fix for unresponsive notification tiles and Bluetooth connectivity issues have also been taken care of.

Even though this Preview brings along a lot of minor changes, the magnitude of improvements feels short when compared with the Preview 3. Developer Preview 3 roped in some significant changes like that of improved graphics and runtime performance.

The Quick switch feature and the ‘Clear all’ button were small but prominent changes enhancing the overall user experience. In addition, the Developer Preview 3 also brought Google Keyboard Themes, which was considered as an excellent customisation amongst others.

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Meenakshi Rawat

Having worked on Entertainment, Technology, and Business for four years, Meenakshi finds solace in technology, and more so in covering it. She loves to read novels, listen to music, and roam around places. You can reach Meenakshi at meenakshi@pc-tablet.com.