Android L Developer Preview Release
Article Summary
Google just dropped the Android L Developer Preview months before launch, giving developers unprecedented early access to test the next major Android release. This is a game-changer for app readiness.
At Google I/O 2014, Google announced the L Developer Preview alongside Android Studio Beta. The preview includes SDK tools, emulator images, and system images for Nexus 5 and Nexus 7, allowing developers to explore new features and APIs before the official release. However, apps built with the preview can't be published to Google Play until the full launch.
Key Takeaways
- L Developer Preview includes SDK tools, emulator images, and Nexus device system images
- Material design and Android TV support now available in Android Studio Beta
- APIs are not final and apps can't publish to Play Store yet
- New Android Runtime (ART) available for testing on devices and emulators
- Multiple APK support added for devices like Android Wear
Google is giving developers months of lead time to test and optimize apps for Android L before the official launch, but with the caveat that APIs aren't final and Play Store publishing must wait.
