With Google I/O on the horizon, Google announced that it has ended the Android “Nougat” Beta and will soon launch the Android “O” Beta.
To date, Google had been providing Beta versions of Android Nougat (versions 7.x) alongside early, Developer Preview versions of Android O, the next major Android version. I assume this announcement means that Google will:
- Provide no more Android 7.x product versions.
- Provide no more Android “O” (8.x) Developer Preview releases.
With Google’s developer show, Google I/O, just ten days away, the timing makes sense: The search giant is expected to unveil its plans for Android O features and functionality at that event. And Beta versions of Android 0 should be far more accessible—and easier to install—than the Developer Preview releases.
But this also means that the Android Beta website is temporarily in a holding pattern.
“Thank you for your interest in the Android Beta Program,” the site notes. “The beta for Android Nougat has concluded, and all devices that were opted in have been updated to the current public version. If you are still running a beta version of Nougat you may download the latest full OTA image for your device and sideload it. This will not wipe your device. We’ll update this site when the Android O Beta Program begins.”