The official release of Google's recently announced Android M mobile operating system is still months away, but the good news is that developers and curious parties can get an early look through Developer Preview.

Google typically releases early versions of its Android source code so that developers have the time to optimize their apps and take advantage of some new features in time for the public rollout -- this year is no different. The Android M Developer Preview SDK can be downloaded at Google's Developers website for the Nexus 5, the Nexus 6, the Nexus 9, and the Nexus Player.

Make no mistake, you'll need to enter a few lines of code and be relatively competent with flashing to make the Developer Preview worth checking out. The build is fairly barebones and there are many of Android M's new features missing at this early stage, although it's fair to say Google will slowly feed them to developers in later versions before release.

Sadly, this means that some of the new services highlighted by Google during its I/O conference aren't yet available. Many of Android M's main new features such as Android Pay (Google's new payment service) and Direct Share (which allows users to share from an app to contacts easier) are missing. Even Google's highly touted "Now on Tap" is absent. Now on Tap builds on Google's mission to provide information to a user before it is asked. It basically taps into droves of data and pulls up relevant information based on what's said or what's on the screen at the moment.

Developers and early birds will, however, get a look at the new improved app launcher that displays the four most-used apps at the top of a list as well as the new security features. Google made it a point to stress that app permissions were a priority in Android M, and users will find that it's much harder for apps to access information and settings without having specific information.

Last year's Android L Developer Preview was certainly no easy ride, but it seems the Android M Developer Preview isn't as creaky as you'd expect from such an early build. Many report relatively solid performance alongside the usual minor bugs and even wireless reception doesn't seem as spotty as other infant firmwares.

"For something that's very clearly a preview, it doesn't make for a bad daily driver," says Engadget's Chris Velazco.

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