Android 7.0 Nougat Beta For Samsung Galaxy S7 And S7 Edge Coming November 9th
Samsung has opened up beta registration for testing an early build of Android 7.0 Nougat on its Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge devices (unlocked version). That means Samsung is one step closer to releasing an official Android 7.0 update for its flagship phones after having begun internally testing the latest version of Google's mobile operating system in mid-September.
It may seem like Samsung is dragging its feet in getting an official Android 7.0 update out the door for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge owners, but these things take time. On top of all the testing and certification that is required, Samsung has been a bit preoccupied the past month dealing with the Galaxy Note 7 debacle that led to two separate recalls, one for the original device and a second for the replacement handsets.
As part of the Galaxy Beta Program, as Samsung calls it, participating Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge users can install and test the latest Android 7.0 builds. In return, Samsung asks that users provide their "feedback and experience about performance, stability, and usability." It's a fair enough deal, and one that Samsung also offered to Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge owners when Android 6.0 Marshmallow was the new OS on the block.
Are you ready for the buzzkill? The beta program is only open to Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge owners living in the U.K. Also, the Galaxy S7 Edge Olympic Edition and Batman Injustice Edition handsets are not supported in the beta program.
For anyone who was hoping to participate but is not eligible, don't be too bummed out. The good news is you'll be chewing on Nougat relatively soon, and that's not something many Android users can say. As of right now, Android 7 doesn't have enough market penetration to register a blip on Google's Developer Dashboard. What it does show is that Android 5.x Lollipop accounts for more than a third (35 percent) of all Android devices, followed by Android 4.4 KitKat at 27.7 percent and Android 6.0 Marshmallow at 18.7 percent. Android 4.1.x through 4.3 Jelly Bean is the only other version of Android with a double-digit market share, that being 15.6 percent.
To participate in the Galaxy Beta Program, go here and follow the instructions.
It may seem like Samsung is dragging its feet in getting an official Android 7.0 update out the door for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge owners, but these things take time. On top of all the testing and certification that is required, Samsung has been a bit preoccupied the past month dealing with the Galaxy Note 7 debacle that led to two separate recalls, one for the original device and a second for the replacement handsets.
As part of the Galaxy Beta Program, as Samsung calls it, participating Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge users can install and test the latest Android 7.0 builds. In return, Samsung asks that users provide their "feedback and experience about performance, stability, and usability." It's a fair enough deal, and one that Samsung also offered to Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge owners when Android 6.0 Marshmallow was the new OS on the block.
Are you ready for the buzzkill? The beta program is only open to Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge owners living in the U.K. Also, the Galaxy S7 Edge Olympic Edition and Batman Injustice Edition handsets are not supported in the beta program.
For anyone who was hoping to participate but is not eligible, don't be too bummed out. The good news is you'll be chewing on Nougat relatively soon, and that's not something many Android users can say. As of right now, Android 7 doesn't have enough market penetration to register a blip on Google's Developer Dashboard. What it does show is that Android 5.x Lollipop accounts for more than a third (35 percent) of all Android devices, followed by Android 4.4 KitKat at 27.7 percent and Android 6.0 Marshmallow at 18.7 percent. Android 4.1.x through 4.3 Jelly Bean is the only other version of Android with a double-digit market share, that being 15.6 percent.
To participate in the Galaxy Beta Program, go here and follow the instructions.
