Google surprised developers today with early access to Android N, the first time developers have been able to test their apps this early in the development of a new Android build.

With more time to incorporate developer feedback, Google hopes it will be able to release the final Android N version to device manufacturers this summer, according to an announcement. Previously, N was not expected roll out to devices until fall 2016.

Developers can get their hands on the preview via the new Android Beta Program, which will provide over-the-air updates as new pre-release versions of N become available.

Five major new updates are planned for N so far, including a multi-window feature. Apps built for handheld devices can now run side by side or stacked on top of one another. On TVs, apps can use picture-in-picture mode to continue video playback while users are interacting with another app.

An overhaul of the notifications feature will allow users to respond to messages directly in the notification shade, rather than having to open the corresponding app. This feature is already available on the Android Wear platform. Notifications will also be grouped by the app that sent them.

The "Doze" feature, introduced in Marshmallow to improve efficiency and battery life, also gets an update. In addition to reducing power consumption when sensors detect the device is stationary, Doze can now activate to save the battery whenever the screen is turned off.

Finally, N will support the Java 8 programming language, which will also now be available on devices running Android versions as far back as Gingerbread. Google said it wants to track how Java is used while maintaining backwards compatibility.

There was no mention of enhanced security features, although N is expected to include them. Google also kept mum on the final name for N; its CEO previously hinted that the company might poll users to come up with a new name.