Google has announced Android 7.1 Nougat on September 4th alongside its Pixel and Pixel XL smartphone. The Google is now making the developer preview of Android 7.1 for Nexus lineup of devices. The android users now can get the new release by downloading the SDK and tools.

According to the Pocket-lint, Google typically announces the next Android preview during its Google I/O developer conference which usually held every year in the month of May. For first time this year the preview was made available early with the aim that, many could test Android 7.0 before its launch.

Another time Google is using a developer preview for Android 7.1, so the Nexus owners can beta test the latest Google stuff Nougat 7.1, prior to its final launch in December.

There are two different routes for downloading and installing the latest OS version in your mobile if your phone is eligible for the same. One is traditional developer route and the other is super-friendly Android Beta Program route.

The Developer Preview:
The developer preview which is a "work in progress" build that is released to developers before the consumer rollout of the final update.

The aim of developer preview is to tease out problems with specific devices and allow developers to update apps to support 7.1's new features. Nexus 5X, Nexus 6Pand Pixel C will get the update in the initial phases after that additional devices will be added to the programme in November, which includes Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player.

Android Beta Program:

Google is offering the Android Beta Program that will allow anyone enrolled to update their Android devices to the developer preview and receive ongoing, over-the-air updates. This program is very much same as Microsoft's Windows Insider programme.

Here's how to install this:

First visit android.com/beta to sign-up to the Android Beta Program.

Then Sign into your Google account. If you are eligible devices will be listed on the next page, click to enrol in the Beta Program. After a couple of seconds Updates will arrive direct to your device.

Als,o if you have used the Android Beta Program in the past, then it will automatically receive the updates when they become available.

While installing the latest OS be sure that you have back up of important data beforehand. Flashing additional Android Nougat preview images will cause more data wipes, and also you will not get automatic OTA updates like you do with the Android Beta Program mentioned above.