Google releases Android O third developer preview, finalizes API

Google released the first developer preview of Android O back in March, that was limited to developers and device maker.  Last month it released the second preview, as public beta for those who enrolled in the Android O Beta Program. Now the third developer preview of Android O is out with final APIs (API Level 6). The latest developer preview also confirms that Android O's version will be Android 8.0, though a official name is yet to be given.

The new preview update includes the latest version of Android O Platform with final API Level 26, and hundreds of bug fixes and optimizations. It is mainly targeted at developers, but can also be used by non-developer, as this release is the closer-to-complete state of the final OS.

With the consumer launch approaching, Google advises app developers to make their apps compatible with Android O to take advantage of new features like Notification Channels and dots, Picture-in-picture mode, Autofill, adaptive icon, XML font resources, autosizing TextView, background execution limits (to help improve battery life) and more. Google says "Extending your apps with Android O features can help you drive more engagement, offer new interactions, give users more control and security, and even improve your app's performance."

App developers can download the final API 26 SDK from the SDK Manager in Android Studio, and Android Support Library 26.0.0 beta 2 from Google's Maven repository. 

The Android O third developer preview is available for Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and Nexus Player device owners, who have signed up for Android Beta program.

Google says that one more preview update will be out in July that will bring the near final system images. The final release of Android O to the public is expected to happen sometime in August. 

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