Sony brings Android M developer preview to select Xperia devices

Sony is making it easier for developers who want to test their apps in Android M, the next major version of Google's mobile platform.

As part of Sony's Open Device program, the company made a preview of the software available for a number of Xperia phones and tablets on Monday.

While some tech savvy consumers might consider installing the Android M preview on their Xperia device, it's not recommended.

Since the software is built from the Android Open Source Project, it doesn't include any Google services or apps.

And Sony is quick to point out that some of its hardware isn't yet supported: You won't have access to Xperia camera or modem, for example.

Even so, it's a nice gesture by Sony to the developer community that may not have a supported Google Nexus device for the Android M preview build. Google released the software last month but only for the Nexus 5, 6, 9 and Player devices.

The following Xperia devices are supported with this early Android M preview build: Z3, Z3 Compact, Z3 Tablet Compact, Z2, Z2 Tablet, Z1, Z1 Compact, Z Ultra, E3, M2, T2 Ultra and T3. Along with the software, Sony is providing instructions on building the Android M developer preview for Xperia devices.

See also:

• What you need to know about Android M
• Google to give users more control over Android app permissions
• Samsung pushes Android 5.1.1 update to Galaxy S6, S6 Edge phones