Android M Developer Preview 2 arrives!

Last year’s Android L Developer Preview marked the first time Google had ever let the general public take part in testing out new versions of Android before they were ready for final release. One thing L didn’t have, however, is regular updates.

Thankfully, with Android M Google announced it would be continually updating the test builds between the first release and final commercial version. And now the very first update has arrived! Android M Preview 2 images are now available for your flashing pleasure. For those that already installed the first preview and are willing to wait, Google also says an over the air update will be making its way over to your device in the next few days.

As for what’s new? In addition to bug fixes and performance tweaks, Google’s official blog post also mentions the following highlights:

• Modifications to platform permissions including external storage, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth location, and changes to contacts/identity permissions. Device connections through the USB port are now set to charge-only mode by default. To access the device, users must explicitly grant permission.
• API Changes:
  • Updated Bluetooth Stylus APIs with updated callback events. View.onContextClickListener and GestureDetector.OnContextClickListener to listen for stylus button presses and to perform secondary actions.
  • Updated Media API with new callback InputDevice.hasMicrophone() method for determining if a device microphone exists.
• Fixes for developer-reported issues:
  • TextInputLayout doesn’t set hint for embedded EditText. (fixed issue)
  • Camera Permission issue with Legacy Apps (fixed issue)

So what are you waiting for? To grab the update and manually flash, click on one of the following links:

• Nexus 5
• Nexus 6
• Nexus 9
• Nexus Player

For those that have already flashed, any noticeable (major) changes in terms of features or performance?