Google releases Android Beta Program to developers offering easy OTA access to all Android beta builds

Google has launched the Android Beta Program for developers, which offers quick and easy access to all future Android beta builds. Users can enrol their devices with the scheme to receive over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Google has cautioned that the programme is not suitable to be run on users' primary devices. However, users can opt out of it anytime they so desire to return to a more stable, public version of the operating system.

Google said: "The Android Beta Program gives developers an opportunity to try out pre-release versions of Android. The program is currently targeted towards developers and is not suitable for use on your primary device. The updates that you'll receive as a part of this program are unstable pre-release versions, and may contain errors and defects that affect your device."

Google's beta scheme will use an Apple-like approach in asking its users to sign up with their Google account, without the need to manually download any additional programmes. Once signed up, users will automatically receive OTA updates of pre-released versions of Android maintenance releases as and when they become available.

The Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel C and all smartphones operating on Android One with 4G connectivity are all eligible devices for the Android Beta Program. However, given the unstable nature of betas, it is advisable that users taking part in it not use their primary devices to test out the updates.

Users will receive updates of the latest Android N beta every four to six weeks until Google's public launch of the latest operating system. Users who have signed up for it should receive the OTA updates within 24 hours of opting in.

Although Google allows users to opt out of the scheme, the tech giant also noted: "If you opt-out when your device is running a beta version of Android, all user data on the device will be wiped."