Android N Developer Preview Now Available For Sony Xperia Z3

Google’s Android N will be launched at the annual I/O event scheduled in May. Prior to that, the search giant started rolling out the Android N Developer Preview to Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 9, Nexus Player and Pixel C in March.

However, it was being rumored earlier that this preview will be made available for non-Nexus handsets as well. Many tech portals were opining that Motorola’s Moto X series could be the non-Nexus handset in question, as it offers near-stock Android experience.

As it turns out, the Android N Developer Preview is now available for two variants of Sony Xperia Z3 instead. Sony just announced the availability of the build for the Z3 owners.

The Android N brings in features like multiwindow (split-screen) multitasking, improved Doze Mode introduced in Marshmallow OS, notification enhancements and number-blocking, to name a few.

For those owning a Sony Xperia Z3 with model number D6603 or D6653, here are the steps to get the Android N Developer Preview:

1. Pair the Xperia Z3 handset with a computer/laptop using a USB cable.
2. The Xperia Companion app should open automatically. The Xperia Companion version should be 1.1.24 or higher. Any other version should be upgraded prior to downloading the preview build.
3. Hold down the ALT key on the computer and select Software repair on the home screen. Follow the instructions given on the display.
4. Once done, Sony Xperia Z3 owners will be asked to disconnect and switch off the device, followed by reconnecting back while “holding down the volume down key to start the software flashing.”
5. If needed, Xperia users can return to factory settings by reconnecting back to Xperia Companion app, and following the same Software repair procedure.