If you have a bootlooping Nexus 6P, there’s finally a fix

Late-last year, many folks reported of a software issue where the Huawei Nexus 6P entered a bootloop stage where the device wouldn’t proceed past the “Google” Logo upon firing up the device. Not even factory resetting the device would fix the issue.

An unofficial fix has come from XDA members: XCnathan32 and rchtk. The fix required you to download and flash a few modified system image files which circumvent the bootloop by disabling the larger CPU cluster. For some reason (which is still unknown), the larger CPU cluster isn’t let the phone function properly, so the modified boot.img file only lets the phone use four of its eight CPU cores, which means you’ll notice much lower performance.

Nexus 6P

Regarding the bootloop issue, Google never issued an official fix but instead stated that customers should RMA their bootlooping devices for a replacement. Of course, those who were out of warranty or were in an unserviceable area can at least revive their dusty paperweights using this workaround.

Check out the Via link for more context about the bootloop issue on XDA-Developers or hit up the Source link for the full tutorial.

Source | Via

Someone upgraded the RAM on their Nexus 5X to 4GB

Almost a year ago, there was a successful Nexus hardware upgrade: swapping the internal 32GB storage chip of a Nexus 5 with a 64GB unit. This was one way to circumvent running out of space with no microSD expansion slot.

Today, another success story comes from XDA-Developers (where else can you hear about this stuff?) where XDA Member Cathair2906 successfully upgraded his RAM while getting a necessary CPU replacement.

A Nexus 5X with 4GB of RAM is born. Here are screenshots of the memory screen in the phone’s settings. Cathair2096 was also able to perform an OTA update to the latest 7.1.2 without any issues.

  
LG Nexus 5X with 4GB of RAM

LG’s customer service center in Hong Kong had denied service to repair a bootlooping LG Nexus 5X. This is where the XDA Member took matters into his own hands and got in touch with a repairman in China. Since the CPU had to be replaced in order to solve the bootlooping problem, the repairman suggested that he should also upgrade the RAM (since the RAM is part of the CPU assembly).

There should be more independent repair shops that are willing to tinker with these expensive devices because a smartphone with a bad component is still a good device if the bad component it fixed. They just don’t fix ‘em like they used to.

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Nexus 6 March security update breaks Android Pay

Ever since the March security update for the Motorola Nexus 6 was made available, several users have been reporting that they are unable to use Android Pay after installing the update.

Google recently confirmed the issue in reply to a user query on Twitter, saying they are investigating the problem.

The update was temporarily pulled. Although the factory image and OTA file for the update have been uploaded again, the company is said to have disabled SafetyNet API for now - the API was affected by the March update (which in turn broke Android Pay).

Source | Via

Android 7.1.1 Nougat will likely hit Nexus devices on December 6

Amid the ongoing Nougat update frenzy in the smartphone realm, it appears Nexus owners will, once again, be blessed with bragging rights for running the latest and greatest Android version. This is all thanks to Google and the decision to thankfully continue supporting the Nexus line with bleeding-edge AOSP builds, even after the company threw its glove into the smartphone market with the Pixel and Pixel XL. Frankly, it was the right thing to do and Google is sticking by it, at least for now, that is, with many Nexus devices already running Android 7.0.

Earlier this month, it also became clear that many recent Nexus devices will go on to receive Android 7.1 as well. Today, Vodafone Australia finally spilled the beans and stated the Nexus 6P will be getting said OTA starting December 6.

This does fall in line with previously cited time frames, as well as the Developer Preview 2 Android 7.1.1 release, posted for Nexus hardware earlier this week. If everything goes according to plan, the final version will eventually be seeded to the Huawei Nexus 6P, LG Nexus 5X, Pixel C, as well as the Motorola Nexus 6, HTC Nexus 9 and Asus Nexus Player.

That being said, the only question that remains is timing. We can only assume that the 5X and Pixel C will start getting the update on December 6 as well, alongside the already confirmed 6P. However, that is more or less an educated guess at this point. Hopefully, the other eligible devices will follow soon as well. There are even rumors that supported Android One devices will start getting the OTA soon. However, don't necessarily expect the same features.

Speaking of which, since both Daydream VR and the new seamless updates require compatible hardware, they are really unlikely to appear on older hardware. At least officially, that is. Still, the new OS version is sure to bring some other neat stuff universally, like the new circular icon look for the launcher and long press app shortcut menu. Also, the new Storage Manager and image plus GIF support for the AOSP keyboard, among others.

Source | Via

Carrier reveals Android 7.1 update roll-out date

If you recall, back in October this year, when Google made the Android 7.1 Nougat OS official, it was revealed that the final update will be rolled-out to the general public sometime early December.

While Google is yet to reveal an exact date for the final roll-out, looks like the update will be pushed out on December 6, at-least in Australia. The information comes courtesy of Vodafone Australia.

A dedicated page on the carrier's website reveals that the update (Android 7.1.1) includes the December security patch and weighs in at around 650MB. The Nexus 6P will be getting it on the aforementioned date.

The roll-out will happen in phases, with the process taking around 2 weeks to complete.

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Nougat update starts hitting Nexus 9 LTE

If you recall, last month, Google said that the Nexus 6 and LTE Nexus 9 will get Android 7.0 in a few weeks. Inline with that, the Nexus 6 started receiving the update earlier this week. The good news is that now the HTC-manufactured tablet has also officially started getting Nougat.

The update bumps the build number to NRD90R, and also includes Android security patch for the month of September - the security level, post update, shows a date of September 6. For comparison, the Nexus 6 Nougat update brought along a security patch dated October 5.

It's worth mentioning that Factory and OTA images aren't yet available from Google.

Via | Google

The Nexus line is dead, Nexus 5X and 6P pulled from the Google Store

Been living under a rock? If so, then you don't know that today Google has officially announced the Pixel and Pixel XL, its first own-brand smartphones. The duo is already up for pre-order in a few markets.

So now that this has happened, what about the company's long running Nexus line? In a way, the Pixels can be considered the successors to the LG Nexus 5X and Huawei Nexus 6P from last year, after all. So will there be any more Nexuses, perhaps that rumored Huawei built small tablet?

The answer is a resounding no, and it comes straight from Google. The company says it has "no plans" to out any more Nexus products, so RIP Nexus. To add insult to injury, the aforementioned Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X are gone from Google's online store - all traces of them have been removed. You can still order them from other retailers of course, but it's unclear how long that option will remain open. It's also a mystery if they will ever get the full Pixel software suite, including the new Google Assistant functions. For now anyway, if you want any of that you're going to have to shell out a pretty large amount of dough and purchase a Pixel or Pixel XL.

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Google's Marlin and Sailfish will not have Nexus or HTC branding

If a new report allegedly coming from "several people familiar with Google's plans" is to be believed, then the Nexus program is dead. The Huawei Nexus 6P and LG Nexus 5X from last year have been the last Nexus-branded smartphones ever.

The highly anticipated (and much-leaked) two handsets built by HTC that we thought would be 2016's Nexuses will instead have different branding, the same unnamed sources go on to claim. This isn't detailed any further, so it could just be that they will be called Google phones or something like that.

Furthermore, the Marlin and Sailfish won't have HTC's brand anywhere on them either, despite the fact that the Taiwanese company is producing them. With Nexus handsets, the manufacturer's brand featured alongside the Nexus logo. This won't be the case anymore.

All of this kind of fits with what Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in June, namely that the company would get involved in phone design more than before. The Marlin and Sailfish handsets will ship with "additional software and a tweaked interface atop vanilla Android", differentiating their user experience from the Nexus phones which basically all shipped with 'pure' Android. We've already heard that such alterations to the OS include a new launcher, a new design for the software navigation buttons, and the integration of Google Assistant throughout.

Finally, one source was apparently able to confirm that Google is also working on two smartwatches that will be released before the end of the year, something first uttered in a leak from July.

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Android 7.0 Nougat factory images and OTA zip files are now available

Following the start of the over-the-air rollout of theupdate to Android 7.0 Nougat for supported devices yesterday, Google has now made factory images and OTA zip files available for those who don't like to wait for the update notification.

This is no surprise in itself, since it's Google's usual way of doing things. What is slightly different than usual is that it took the company a whole day to do this, and also that for the time being factory images and OTA zips are only available for three of the supported devices.

These are the HTC Nexus 9 (Wi-Fi-only), theGoogle Pixel C, and the Asus Nexus Player. Still nothing for the Huawei Nexus 6P, LG Nexus 5X,Motorola Nexus 6, or the LTE-capable version of the Nexus 9. Clearly, the factory images and OTA zips for these are on the way, but it's unclear what's taking so long.

Anyway, if you have one of the three devices lucky enough to have images and zips available for them right now, and you know how to flash these manually, then head on over to the links below to grab what you need.

Factory images | OTA zip files | Via

Nexus 'Marlin' scoped by AnTuTu, QHD screen confirmed

The Nexus Marlin - that's the bigger 5.5" model - has joined the Sailfish over at AnTuTu. The benchmark confirms specs that were rumored earlier and basically shows that both Nexus phones will be built on the same platform.

That means Snapdragon 820 with 4GB of RAM and 32GB storage (a 128GB option is rumored, a 64GB middle step was ruled out). The same cameras are used too - 13MP on the back, 8MP on the front.

 
Google Nexus 'Marlin' specs by AnTuTu

The major difference is the screen - 5.5" with QHD resolution (up from 1080p) to compensate for the increase in diagonal. There were murmurs about AMOLED too, but there's no way for AnTuTu to detect that.

We've already seen a photo of the Marlin, but it only shows the screen (the About screen specifically, showing Android 7.0 Nougat).

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Nexus Sailfish stars in yet another blurry photo

Nexus Sailfish and Marlin rumors are thriving lately probably due to the closing premiere. The two HTC-made Nexus smartphones were spotted in benchmarks, live photos, renders, and even FCC listings.

To complete yesterday's photoshoot of the Nexus Sailfish, we have yet another photo of its sides. It brings us nothing new and still can't confirm the choice of materials (glass and metal, or glass and plastic), but you may find it interesting.

The Sailfish should be the smaller Nexus with a 5.0" 1080p display, Snapdragon 820 (or later) chip with 4GB RAM, a 12MP main camera, and a 2,770 mAh battery. Its Marlin sibling will up the screen size and resolution to 5.5" and Quad HD, while retains the same chip, camera setup, and connectivity options. The storage and battery capacity will be beefier, of course.

More leaks will be coming in the next few weeks for sure, so we'll know more soon enough,

Source • Via

HTC Nexus Sailfish and Marlin pass FCC certification

We all know HTC is making not one, but two Nexus smartphones scheduled for release later this year. Both Nexus Sailfish and Nexus Marlin have starred in various leaks already revealing some specs and design through leaked pics and mockups.

Now, we have evidence both Nexus smartphones have passed through FCC and are approved to work within the USA. Verizon is set to offer both devices, so that's hardly a surprise, but it means that their development is close to completion.

The Nexus Sailfish should be the Nexus 5X successor with a 5" 1080p display, Snapdragon 820 (or later) chip with 4GB RAM, 16/32GB storage, 12MP/8MP camera setup, and 2,770 mAh battery. Pure Android 7.0 Nougat will oversee the Sailfish, of course. Today we saw new leaked pictures of the Sailfish and while we still can't lock the choice of materials, it's a nice update.

The Nexus Marlin will offer a 5.5" Quad HD display and run on the latest Snapdragon 820 (or later) chip with 4GB RAM. It should offer the same camera setup as Sailfish, but bump the storage options to 32GB and 128GB, and the battery up to 3,450 mAh.

  
Nexus Sailfish • Nexus Marlin

We'll know more later this year, but the Nexus fans may want to start choosing teams right now.

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Live photos of Google Nexus Sailfish leak out

It may still be a month or two before Google officially announces this year's new Nexus smartphones, but the devices are not exactly mysteries to us. Codenamed Sailfish andMarlin, the two next-gen handsets are reportedly made by HTC, and should have many common features. Moreover, it's said that they also have one and the same design (though in different sizes). 

Android Police today revealed live photos of what seemingly is the Nexus Sailfish - the smaller of the two upcoming phones, which should sport a 5-inch 1080p screen. The photos - included below - show a device that certainly resembles the alleged Nexus Sailfish spotted in previously leaked renders. Admittedly, these are not the best leaked images we've seen, but they're enough to prove that the Sailfish doesn't really look like any of the older Nexus handsets (and neither should Marlin). This particular Sailfish model that we can see today has a two-tone, black and grey appearance, obviously featuring a fingerprint scanner on the back, below the rear camera.

A recent rumor had it that the Nexus Sailfish would be a plastic-made device. However, Android Police notes that both Sailfish and Marlin should be made out of metal (and possibly glass on the top half of the rear shell). 

The Google Nexus Sailfish and Marlin will run Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, reportedly featuring Snapdragon 820 processors, 4 GB of RAM, and 32 GB of internal memory. Unlike the 5-inch, 1080p Sailfish, the Nexus Marlin will probably offer a 5.5-inch Quad HD (1440 x 2560 pixels) screen, in addition to a larger battery. 

Besides the Nexus Sailfish live photos uncovered by Android Police, we also want to show you another image of the unannounced phone, one that appears to be snapped from a promo video, Check out the slideshow below, and let us know if you like what you're seeing!

Google Nexus Sailfish

1. Nexus Sailfish live photos

2. Nexus Sailfish in a promo video (maybe)

sources: Android Police, Twitter

Verizon will offer both 2016 HTC Nexus handsets

At this point, after many leaks on the matter, it seems pretty clear that the 2016 Nexus lineup will consist of two smartphones, both made by HTC. The smaller, 5-inch model has been referred to by its codename Sailfish, while the 5.5-inch handset goes by Marlin. Both should have pretty much the same high-end specs, save for screen size, resolution, and battery capacity.

The two devices might launch in early October, and you'll obviously be able to purchase them unlocked from Google's online hardware store. However, according to a new rumor, the HTC Nexus Sailfish and Marlin will also be offered by Verizon, marking this carrier's return to partnering with Google for Nexus device sales.

This information has been shared by notorious leakster Evan Blass (aka @evleaks), and it's been sort of confirmed by another source speaking to Android Police. Verizon will thus sell the phones in its stores, and not just activate them on its network if you ask it to.

The 2016 HTC Nexus handsets may end up looking like what the render above shows - the subdued design of the Nexus line might be "enhanced" by Verizon's well-known propensity for plastering its logos everywhere. Or not. Hopefully the latter. There's no telling whether other carriers will join Verizon in selling the new Nexuses, as we haven't heard anything about such moves yet.

Source 1 • Source 2

August security update for Android is out, factory images and OTA files available for Nexus devices

As a new month begins, Google has unveiled its monthly security update for Android. The August update is once again split in two (something that started happening with July's patches). The first part will take your Android security patch level to August 1, and this includes major software fixes that can be applied to any phone, while the August 5 level has all of that as well as fixes for drivers, components, and kernel-related fixes mainly for Qualcomm hardware.

Nexus devices will all get the August 5 patch, of course. As for what you'll see on other products, it's all up to the manufacturer. The experience with the July updates was that even for the same handset in some regions you'd get the first part only, while in others you got the entire thing. Regardless, even if you only have the August 1 security level, your device is considered current, so there probably isn't much to worry about.

What's more, none of the vulnerabilities fixed this time around have been exploited in the wild yet. If you're interested in details about each one, thenGoogle's security bulletin will happily oblige.

The search giant will begin rolling out the August security update over-the-air to Nexus devices within the next few days (and from that point on the rollout will take around 10-14 days). If you can't wait, the company has already published the latest factory images here, and OTA zip files here, so you can manually install the update on your device.

Via

Google to send update to fix Nexus 5 volume control bug brought on by the latest update

The latest security update loaded onto theNexus 5 added something to the phone that Google wasn't planning on. That would be a bug messing around with the handset's volume controls. These problems date back to the dissemination of software version MOB30P, sent to the Nexus 5 earlier this month.

Some of the issues that users are complaining about include the inability to adjust the volume during a call, even though the slider does move. Another complaint found on the AOSP Issue Tracker includes one from a Nexus 5 user who is unable to move the volume slider under the second lowest position. One Nexus 5 user found that those on the other end of a call can't use the speakerphone because of an annoying echo.

You can find all of these complaints by clicking on the sourcelink, which will take you to the AOSP issue tracker. This is issue 215483. You can fix this immediately by reverting back to the previous build. To do that, you need to go to the Nexus 5 Factory Image (see link below) and flash the next -to-last update (MOB30M). When the next security update comes, your phone will be caught up.

Another possibility, and the easiest solution, is to wait for a fix from Google. A verified community manager on the Nexus 5 subreddit page says that an update will be pushed out by Google, possibly as soon as this coming week.

Flash the previous Factory Image (MOB30M) for your Nexus 5

July security patch is now out for Nexus devices

OnePlus and Samsung may have been faster than Google at outing Android's July security update, but the company that makes the OS has now commenced the rollout to supported Nexus devices.

These are the 6P, 5X, 6, 5, 7 (2013 model), 9, and Player. After having applied the update you'll be on build version MTC19X for the Nexus 6P, MTC19Z for the 5X, MMB30K or MOB30O for the Nexus 6, MOB30P or MMB30M for the Nexus 7 (2013), and MOB30P for the Nexus 5, Nexus 9, and Nexus Player.

As usual, the over-the-air rollout of this update should conclude in a couple of weeks or so, since Google simply loves taking its time with these things. Thankfully however, the company has made both factory images available for all devices, as well as the OTA files that you can use if you're impatient and need to manually install the new release as soon as possible.

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Nexus 6P now available for purchase from Best Buy

Consumer electronics retailer Best Buy has started selling the Huawei-made Google Nexus 6P in the US through both its online as well as physical stores. As of now, only the 64GB aluminum variant is listed on the retailer's website, carrying a price tag of $500.
That's a $50 discount as the model usually retails for $550. In case you aren't aware, Google Store also started offering a similar discount on the handset (as well as the Nexus 5X) last week.
As you might already know, the gold color model of the Nexus 6P isn't available in the US yet. However, recent reports are suggesting that the variant - which is officially called as Nexus 6P Special Edition and is currently only available in Japan and India - will be launched in the country soon.

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Nexus 6P Canadian launch delayed by a week due to supply issues

The launch of the Huawei-made Nexus 6P smartphone in Canada has been delayed. While it was earlier supposed to go on sale in the country on October 26, the device is now expected to hit the shelves on November 2.
An internal Bell note (shown above), which was accessed by Canadian tech blog MobileSyrup, reveals that the reason behind the move is "supply issues." While it isn't yet clear what exactly these issues are, going by the language of the note, it's safe to assume that the issues will affect other Canadian carries as well, although there's no official confirmation on the same.
This comes just a few days after the smartphone was taken off from Google Play in Canada. Those who managed to place orders for the device prior to that are now being told that they will receive it between October 29 and November 5.

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LG Nexus 5X, Huawei Nexus 6P now up for pre-order in India

Google held a press event today in India to officially launch its latest smartphones in the country. Listed for pre-order starting today, the LG Nexus 5X and the Huawei Nexus 6P have been split between Amazon and Flipkat respectively, and they'll start shipping on October 21.
Pricing is the same as originally shown on the Google Store India website, meaning quite a bit more expensive than in the US, but that's also the case in Europe. In India, the high-end Nexus 6P costs INR 39,999 ($613) for the 32GB version or INR 42,999 ($659) for double the storage. Compare that to the $500 and $550 figures in the States. The 128GB version is not available for the time being.


Meanwhile, over on Amazon you can pre-order a 16GB Nexus 5X for INR 31,990 ($490) and we're sure you won't mind the 90-rupee difference from the initially listed INR 31,900 price. The 32GB version will set you back an additional INR 4,000, for an equivalent to $552. For comparison, US prices start at $380.
Google is throwing in a few freebies to sweeten the deal, though. With the Nexus 5X you're looking at a Plantronics M70 Bluetooth headset, free screen replacement and a few gift cards. Pre-ordering a Nexus 6P on Flipkart will net you a free Chromecast, while signing up for one offline means a Bluetooth speaker. So there is a silver lining of sorts to the 20-30% price difference versus the US market.
Source 1 Source 2 | Via