What to know

  • Google is discontinuing the Android Developer Preview program.
  • A new Android Canary channel will provide early access to upcoming Android versions.
  • The Canary channel is designed for developers and enthusiasts who want the earliest features and updates.
  • This change aims to simplify the feedback process and accelerate Android development cycles.

Google is shaking up how developers and early adopters get their first taste of new Android features. The company has officially announced the end of its long-running Android Developer Preview program, replacing it with a brand new Android Canary channel. This move is set to change the way you test and provide feedback on upcoming Android releases.

The Android Canary channel will serve as the earliest public access point for new Android builds. If you've ever wanted to try out the latest features before anyone else, this is now your go-to option. Google says the Canary channel will deliver updates even earlier than the previous Developer Previews, giving developers and enthusiasts a head start on exploring what's next for Android.

With this change, Google aims to streamline the process of gathering feedback and fixing bugs. The Canary channel will push out frequent updates, sometimes with experimental features or unfinished changes. This means you'll get a raw look at Android's development, but you should also expect more instability compared to traditional Beta releases.

For developers, the new channel offers a more direct way to test apps and compatibility with future Android versions. Google encourages anyone interested in bleeding-edge Android development to opt into the Canary channel, but also warns that these builds are not intended for everyday use on primary devices.

The transition to the Canary channel is part of Google's broader effort to accelerate Android's development cycle and make it easier for the community to contribute feedback. By consolidating early access into a single, always-on channel, Google hopes to reduce confusion and make it simpler for users to stay up to date with the latest changes.

If you're eager to jump in, you'll be able to enroll your device in the Android Canary channel soon. Google will provide instructions and details on supported devices as the rollout begins. For now, the message is clear: the era of Developer Previews is over, and the Canary channel is the new frontier for Android innovation.