Here’s everything that’s new in Android N Developer Preview 3 [Gallery]

Abner Li | May 18 2016 - 1:48 pm PT

Announced during the keynote, Developer Preview 3 is the first beta version of Android N — and it should be stable enough to use as a daily driver. Major additions include virtual reality and sustained performance modes, but DP3 also squashes several bugs and adds many new features for developers and users alike. Those who have already enrolled in the Android Beta Program will get an OTA update soon, but if you’re impatient you can download new factory images right now.

Keep reading for our complete list of all the changes in Developer Preview 3…

Launcher Shortcuts

As rumored last month, Google has decided not to release Launcher Shortcuts with the initial version of Android N this summer. The 3D Touch-like feature allowed developers to add more functionality to app icons on the homescreen. Various APIs for the feature are still present in DP3, but will be removed in the next preview.

Android Pay Compatible

DP3 is Compatibility Test Suite approved, therefore apps (like Android Pay) that require extra security will now work.

Google Keyboard Themes

Like in Swiftkey and other popular third-party keyboards, users can now select different themes for Google Keyboard. There are 14 preset solid color themes, but users can also use their own image as the background for the keyboard.

Night Mode removed from System UI Tuner

Night Mode has been removed from the System UI Tuner. However, users who previously placed a shortcut in Quick Settings can still access and trigger the mode. With Android apps now having the ability to create a night theme that automatically activates depending on location and time, the removal is strange.

Power notifications controls

“Full importance settings” for notifications have been renamed to “Power notification controls”. Found in the Other section of the System UI Tuner, the importance settings have been changed from Normal, High, Urgent, etc. to Levels 0-5. The section also features a more concise explanation of what each level entails for notifications.

Manual Exposure in Camera

The version (3.2.045) of Google Camera found on Android N is the same as on Marshmallow, but manual exposure controls have returned in DP3. Under Advanced in Camera settings, users will find a toggle to enable the option. The control appears next to the other icons in the top right corner of the viewer and lets users fine-tune the exposure between -2 and 2.

Update Animation

Users who updated to DP3 via the OTA will notice a new circular and colorful system update animation that replaces the old Android figurine.

Daydream renamed to Screen Saver

The old Daydream feature has been renamed to Screen saver to avoid possible confusion with the new mobile VR spec from Google. Functionality remains unchanged.