Google makes Android O Developer Preview 3 available

Google has made Android O Developer Preview 3 available. The test version of the mobile operating system contains the final APIs for Android O and Google is calling on developers to make their apps compatible with the software.

Google claims to have implemented hundreds of bug fixes and optimizations in the third preview of Android O with api level 26. The api 26-sdk is available through the SDK Manager in Android Studio, while the Android Support Library 26.0.0 beta 2 is available through Google’s Maven repository. Android Beta Program participants will receive the new preview update shortly.

Google advises app developers to make their software compatible with Android O. The Android version contains changes that affect apps. For example, Android O automatically puts limits on what apps can do in the background. The software will limit apps in the field of ‘implicit broadcasts’, ‘background services’ and ‘location updates’.

Furthermore, ‘O’ marks the arrival of notification channels, picture-in-picture, multi-screen support, better keyboard handling, color profiles, support for Sony’s ldac and Qualcomms aptX and aptX-HD bluetooth audio codecs and dynamic icon shapes. In addition, there is Project Treble, with which Google separates the Android OS Framework from the ‘vendor implementation’ for faster updates.

A fourth developer preview will follow after July and sometime in the third quarter, Google will release Android O in its final version for consumers.

Read more about Android O in the preview A first look at Android O.