Google's next version of Android is now available in beta form — here's what it can do (GOOG, GOOGL)

pulse

May 17, 2017 8:57 PM

At its I/O conference, Google released the first beta version of Android O and talked about some of the new features in it.

null

Good news Android fans: You can now test out the next version of the operating system.

At its annual I/O conference on Wednesday, Google announced that the first public beta for Android O

Google representatives didn't go too deep into new details about the software. The company previously revealed some of the features when it released a developer preview of Android O in March.

Among the new features you'll see in Android O are:

Project Treble
device makers like Samsung or LG to issue their Android updates without having to wait for chipset makers like Qualcomm to certify their chips work with the latest versions of the software.

There are plenty other things, but the gist of the update is that it's focused more on addressing annoyances and fine-tuning performance than on offering flashy new features.

Note that you can sign up for the Android O beta on only a handful of Google devices; the only phones on which you can install it are Google's Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5P or Nexus 6P.

As you should before installing any beta software, be aware of the potential downsides. The Android O beta likely has its share of bugs. And you should back up your phone before installing it, otherwise you risk losing your data if you try to revert back to a previous version of Android.

Despite all its new capabilities, one thing Android O still doesn't have is a name. Our money is on "Oreo."

pulse