First Non-Nexus Phone Sony Xperia Z3 gets Android N Developer Preview

Android N Developer Preview was officially released last month, and the public release can be expected along with the launch of upcoming Nexus smartphones in the second half of 2016. Till date, the Android N developer preview is limited only to Nexus 6, Nexus 5, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, NexusPlayer and Pixel C. Earlier this month; there are few rumors suggesting Google to release Android N developer preview for non-Nexus devices.

While there is no confirmation from the Google or smartphone manufacturers regarding the same, today Sony Xperia Z3 became the first ever non-Nexus device to get the Android N developer preview. The Xperia Z3 device with the model numbers D6603 and D6653 can be updated to this latest Android developer build. As seen with the Nexus devices running on Android N Developer Preview, the bugs can be found very commonly while testing out this developer preview on the Xperia Z3.

This new updated brings the improved Doze mode & direct reply notifications along with UI changes. The multi-window multitasking is one of the best features of the Android N. Instead of the Xperia launcher, the UI looks similar to the stock Android. Since this is early developer preview, the users will experience many bugs and is not recommended for those who use the same device as their primary device.

If you have the Sony Xperia Z3 with the model numbers D603 or D6653, then follow the below steps to flash the Android N Developer Preview:

• Connect your Xperia Z3 (D6603/D6653) to the computer using the USB cable.

• Download and install the latest version of Xperia Companion. (Download Now: Windows | Mac)

• Once installed, open the app and now press & hold the ALT button and simultaneously click on ‘Software Repair.‘

• Now you will be asked to disconnect and turn off the device. Once turned off, reconnect the device by holding down the Volume Down button to flash the Android N Developer Preview.

• You can return to the factory settings any time by connecting to the Xperia Companion app and the following the Software Repair as displayed.

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