Android N release date, features: Android N can be previewed on Android Lollipop devices through Android N-ify

Flickr/Rob Bulmahn

Google has already released the developer preview of the upcoming Android N platform, and this means that the full version can be expected to roll out soon. However, the developer preview is only available to a select number of Android-run devices.

Some fans have found a workaround for some Android N features to make it to older versions, particularly the previous-gen Android Lollipop.

According to an announcement on the XDA-Developers website, the new Android N-ify module will bring Android N features to devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop and above. This is good news for users who want to check out Android N but are not Nexus device owners, since the Android N developer preview has been rolled out primarily for Nexus lineups.

However, the post also advised users to expect some key differences between the Android N-ify module and the official developer preview, since "currently, the Xposed module is in beta state, meaning you can expect the occasional bug and 'derping'."

In addition, the source materials for the module are built from scratch, and are not taken directly from the official Android N version. "Do note that since Google has not released the source code for Android N yet, the features already implemented and in the works are based on hands-on footage or screenshots and not actual code," the post added.

This means that not all the features supported in Android N are present in the ported module.

Meanwhile, another drawback for the Android N-ify module is that it is an unofficial add-on at this point. MobiPicker points out that for the new module to work, users will need to have rooted devices. Since the module is also in beta mode, the industry follower said that some options from the original Android platform may be missing, and it may take some time for some Android-specific features like the Doze, Night Mode, and updated notifications to be added to the module.