Sony has surprised the tech community by releasing a custom Android N developer preview for its Xperia Z3 smartphone. The preview released by Sony is the same as the one released for the Nexus' line of phones and tablets, as well as other first-party Google partners. The preview provides a full Android experience including Google Services and Play Store.

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The custom Android N developer preview released by Sony is exclusively available for the Xperia Z3 smartphone only. It still not clear why Sony picked the handset, even though the company has a far newer set of handsets like the Xperia Z4 and the Xperia Z5. Sony releasing an Android N developer preview is a big surprise, but what stunned the tech community, even more, is the company's decision to release it to a flagship device which dates back to 2014.

Only two Xperia Z3 models are supported by the custom Android N developer preview from Sony. These are the D6603 and the D6653 models. The build is based on the Android Open Source Project and does not feature the usual Sony custom skin and other customizations; this means that some of the company's advanced feature like camera functionality are not included.

Unlike other Android N developer preview versions released for the Nexus series and other first party Google partners who are part of the Android Beta program, flashing the build on Sony's Xperia Z3 is quite complicated. To do so, users are required to download and install the Xperia Companion desktop app for Windows and OS X. The software is available on Sony's developer preview website, and it also includes step by step instructions.

The latest build of the Android N developer preview offers users the chance to test the split screen feature. It also includes a fully overhauled notification panel and the new hidden floating window mode. Additional features include support for Vulkan and a handful of Java 8 features.

Tagssony, Android, Android preview, Android N Preview, Android N, Sony Xperia 3, Sony Xperia, Xperia