Google I/O is going to kick off next week, and the whole word is excited to see whether there is a new major update concerning the Android mobile operating system being announced or not. Chances are Android O (which many have speculated it to be known as Android Oreo) will be next in line to be released, although there is no confirmation of that dessert name as at press time. Google has announced that they will bring the curtains down on the Android Nougat Beta program, which would lead to only one logical conclusion: the Android O Beta is about to kick off pretty soon.
The Android Beta program from Google is a good and also, necessary idea in order to ensure a smooth transition from one particular version of the mobile operating system to another. Each of Google’s Android Beta programs have allowed users to test out specific Android features before they are actually released to the masses. A massive soak test for those who have signed up for it, if you will. Should developers feel the itch to work with the most recent features or to make changes to Android, then the Android Beta Program is right up their alley. For those who are impatient to wait for the beta to arrive, there is always the initial Developer Preview of Android O that allows you to wet your feet.
Google’s take on the future of the Android Beta program? “Thank you for your interest in the Android Beta Program! The beta for Android Nougat has concluded, and all devices that were opted in have been updated to the current public version. If you are still running a beta version of Nougat you may download the latest full OTA image for your device and sideload it. This will not wipe your device. We’ll update this site when the Android O Beta Program begins.”
Basically, as long as the smartphone or tablet that you own is supported (the Pixel family or select Nexus devices come across as highly recommended), you are able to sign up for the Android Beta Program. Doing so is pretty simple -- just enroll your device, sit back, and relax. From there, an OTA (Over The Air) update will make its way to your smartphone. After going through the installation process, you would be on beta, and Google will then update your phone each time they release a brand new beta build. Do take note that while this might seem pretty fun and all, it remains a beta. And that translates to certain functions not working at all, or not functioning to its full potential, so it is always a good idea to have another handset lying around in case you need to be communicating with the rest of the world.
So far, there is no exact date as to when Google will make the Android O Beta available for those who are interested, but it should not be too far away on the horizon from now.
