Google Introduces Android Canary With Rolling OTA Updates for Developers

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Google introduced a new Android Canary release channel, which should replace its conventional Developer Preview model. This action provides developers with access to the features of Android that were in development earlier, but only to people using Pixel smartphones and tablets. The new channel will offer a stream of updates that rolls continuously, and developers will therefore have a chance to test the newest platform changes prior to their release in beta builds.

In the past, Android Beta has enabled Pixel users to preview significant releases such as Android 16 months in advance. Something even earlier is the Android Canary which Google is providing. Although much about the new features is still undisclosed, Google claims that this channel will not be limited to UI modifications and might involve significant alterations in the functionality and system behaviour.

Designed for Developers and Advanced Testers

Android Canary is meant to cater to developers that would like to experiment with experimental APIs and changes in system behaviour as soon as possible. These builds are not as stable as beta and should include bugs and other compatibility-breaking changes. Google advises against using Canary on a main phone, but rather on an extra Pixel gadget.

Users will be able to get the latest changes to Canary builds without manual flashing through over-the-air (OTA) updates. This also allows the developers more time to be ready and react to updates that can impact their apps. As opposed to previous Developer Previews, the Canary channel does not disappear once a version advances to the Beta stage, leaving feedback channels open on features that are still under test.

Why Google Is Moving Away from Developer Previews

There were certain shortcomings of the classic Developer Preview model. It was bound to the early development cycles, so it needed manual flashing and did not support much updating. After the platform reached beta, previews were stopped, and potentially interesting features did not have a feedback input anymore. This is addressed by the new Canary release, which provides flexible and continuous testing.