Android M Release Date: Preview Build of Latest Android OS Heads to 12 Sony Xperia Devices

Xperia Z3 Compact

Sony announced that the Developer Preview build of the Android M is now available for selected Xperia devices.

Although this will give users a chance to experience the Android M OS, Sony warned that the software was only designed for developers and not for regular consumers, Android Authority reported.

Through the Android M Developer Preview, Sony noted that developers will be able to create test images of Google latest OS for selected devices. The purpose of this program is to give developers an opportunity to run and test their apps on the Android M OS before it is officially unveiled to the public.

However, the tech giant mentioned that the Android M Developer Preview can only be flashed and used on the 12 Xperia devices that are included in Sony's Open Device Program.

These include the Xperia T3, Xperia T2 Ultra, Xperia M2, Xperia E3, Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1, Xperia Z1 Compact, Xperia Z2 Tablet, Xperia Z2, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, Xperia Z3 Compact and the Xperia Z3.

As mentioned by Sony, the preview build version of the Android M OS was primarily designed for developers and devices with unlocked boot loaders. The company does not recommend using the software for regular smartphone use. In addition, the company said that the preview version does not have support for the device's camera and modem.

"It's important to note that the AOSP software is not certified or intended for regular use," Sony stated. "It's only available for devices with an unlo9cked boot loader and comes with some limitations, for example, the modem and the camera are not implemented."

For developers, on the other hand, they can download and install the Android M Developer Preview build through Sony Mobile's website. This site also contains the detailed step-by-step process on how to run the software.