Android N Developer Preview released to Sony Xperia Z3 [How to install]

Google has released the Android N Developer Preview to Sony's Xperia Z3, making it the first non-Nexus series to get the latest OS version.

Google first rolled out the Android N Developer Preview to select devices — the Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel C and General Mobile 4G (Android One) — in March. Now, it has been made available to Xperia Z3 models D6603 and D6653.

The new Android N comes with multi-window (aka split screen) support, Direct Reply Notification, Bundled Notification and a much-improved Doze power-saving feature.

Read more: Detailed description of five key features of Android N Preview

The Xperia Z3 series models will receive five more preview updates before the official OS is released to the public in the third quarter of 2016.

Read more: How to enrol for Android Beta programme

Tutorial: How to install Android N Developer Preview on Sony Xperia Z3:

1. Make sure you have installed Xperia Companion version 1.1.24 or later on the PC. If not, download the latest version from here.
2. Connect your compatible Z3 device to a computer with a USB cable.
3. Xperia Companion will open automatically
4. Hold down the ALT key on your computer and click "Software repair"on the home screen, then follow the guide.
5. User will be asked to disconnect and turn off the device, then to reconnect whilst holding down the "Volume Down" key to start the software flashing [Note: It will take 10-15 minutes for the installation procedure to complete]
6. Users then head to "Settings" >> select "About phone" to confirm the installation

[Note: Users can return to factory settings at any point of time by connecting back to Xperia Companion and follow the Software repair guide]