If this week had not been busy enough with all the HTC 10 talk that is doing the rounds, Google has today decided to release the next Android N Developer Preview. For those keeping track this is the second developer preview (DP2) of what will be a total of five before the final release of Android N comes through. These are thought to be monthly-based preview updates and with April now here, it is time for the next preview to arrive and now it has.
In terms of what is new, among other things, support has now been added for the Vulkan 3D rendering API. So if you are running this latest developer preview then you will be able to check out Vulkan in more detail. Likewise, this update also sees the introduction of ‘launcher shortcuts’ which allow the user to define the use of specific shortcuts within the launcher. Not forgetting of course, a new emoji people design has been introduced in this latest update as well. As to be expected, there will also be a number of bug fixes and general improvements included in the update and adding to its value. As such, it will certainly be an update that you will want to install.
The update comes in the form of build number NPC91K and as per usual, while it does include a number of bug fixes and improvements, it is still not an update which is suggested to be used for daily purposes. If however, you are already part of the preview via the Android Beta Program then you will of course receive the OTA update in due course. However, those looking to get to grips with the latest build as soon as possible, then you can download the Developer Preview 2 factory images by pulling the update from the links below. It is worth keeping in mind that there is no update at present for the Nexus Player. Although, if you do own either the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 (or LTE), the Pixel C or the Android One running General Mobile 4G, then you can grab your automatic download from the list below.
General Mobile 4G (Android One)
UPDATE: Nexus Player Factory image now available. Direct Download