Google borrowed a leaf from Apple and started releasing developer previews of their major OS version long before they reach the public. This method gives developers enough time to get acquainted with the new versions and to modify their apps to take advantage of the upcoming features.

Up to date, no official name has been given for the upcoming Android O/ 8.0. For those not familiar with Google’s naming scheme, know this; it’s all about alphabets and desserts. Every new android version gets the next letter of the alphabet, we just came from Android with alphabet letter (M) whose corresponding dessert name was Marshmallow, now we are at Android letter O, but the dessert part is unknown. Many are speculating Oreo, but Google might have other ideas.

This Preview 4 doesn’t bring any new features, just the final system behaviors, the latest bug fixes, optimizations, and the final developer APIs. This 4^th Preview also marks the last developer build before the official release is done.

To get into the developer program, you will need to sign up here Android Beta Program. In addition, you will need to have the supported phones which include Pixel and Pixel XL, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Pixel C, and Nexus Player.

We are looking forward to the official release next month, with it will be awesome features such as new notifications channels and layout as well as floating windows thanks to picture in picture feature just to name a few. Some apps like WhatsApp have already started making use of the picture in picture functionality.

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