Samsung Latest News: Galaxy Beta Program To Test Android 7.0 Nougat Now Open; Galaxy S7, S7 Edge Users Take First Hand Look On New Firmware

In line with Google's announcement that the official Nougat firmware update will be available next month, Samsung has opened its Galaxy Beta Program for the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. Owners of the Smartphone residing in the United States, United Kingdom and Korea will have a first-hand look at what the Nougat will look like, while China users will have their day soon.

According to Samsung Newsroom, the Galaxy Beta Program is on a "first-come, first serve basis". This means that they must have an active Samsung account and the official Galaxy Beta Program installed on their devices. The app is available through the Galaxy Apps on their Smartphones.

In addition, Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge users can opt to install the Samsung Members app via the Play Store or Galaxy Apps "depending on their country of residence." The Galaxy Beta Program was launched last year to welcome Android 6.0 Marshmallow, said Engadget.

Android Authority meanwhile reported that users in the United Kingdom must have an unlocked Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge to take part in the program. On the other hand, United States owners must be under a Sprint, T-Mobile or Verizon carrier contract. Unfortunately, those with the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Olympic Games and Injustice Edition "are excluded from the program."

The South Korean tech conglomerate added that the Beta software is not the official version of the Android 7.0 Nougat, so users might meet "unexpected errors or malfunction" during their experience. Further, it recommends for users to backup their data using the Smart Switch PC version. The Galaxy Beta software can be used until the official Operating System will be launched by Google in December, although its end date might differ by country.

SamMobile recently posted several screenshots of the Nougat running on a Samsung Galaxy S7. It features a "blue light filter", as well as four new modes to be in par with the software performance. There's also the new Always On Display and a Device Maintenance option that enables users to tweak the performance of their devices.