The Google Nexus 6, a phablet co-developed by Google and Motorola, was a flagship device that represented the cutting edge of Android technology upon its release. As a Nexus device, it was among the first to receive updates directly from Google, ensuring users had access to the latest features and security enhancements. This article focuses on the Android 7.0.0 Nougat update for the Nexus 6, detailing its features, the update process, and its significance for the device.
A Look Back at the Nexus 6
Before diving into the specifics of the Android 7.0.0 update, it’s helpful to understand the context of the Nexus 6. Released in 2014, the Nexus 6 boasted a large 5.96-inch Quad HD display, a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor, and a high-resolution camera. Its size and premium specifications positioned it as a competitor to other high-end phablets on the market. More importantly, as a Nexus device, it promised a pure Android experience, free from manufacturer bloatware and with timely updates straight from Google.
Android 7.0 Nougat: A Sweet Upgrade
Android 7.0 Nougat was a significant update that brought a host of new features and improvements to the Android ecosystem. For Nexus 6 owners, it represented a substantial upgrade from the previous Android versions. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key features included in the Android 7.0.0 update:
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Multi-Window Support: Nougat introduced native multi-window support, allowing users to run two apps side-by-side on the screen. This feature was particularly useful on the Nexus 6’s large display, enabling improved multitasking and productivity.
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Notification Enhancements: The notification shade received a major overhaul, with bundled notifications and direct reply functionality. Users could now respond to messages directly from the notification shade without having to open the messaging app.
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Quick Settings Customization: Nougat allowed users to customize the quick settings panel, giving them more control over the toggles and shortcuts available in the notification shade.
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Data Saver: A new Data Saver mode was introduced to help users reduce their mobile data consumption. When enabled, Data Saver would restrict background data usage and compress data for certain apps.
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Display Size: This feature enabled users to adjust the size of the display elements, making text and icons larger or smaller according to their preferences. This was particularly helpful for users with visual impairments or those who simply preferred a different display density.
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Seamless Updates: Android 7.0 introduced seamless updates, which allowed updates to be downloaded and installed in the background without interrupting the user’s experience. The device would then switch to the new version upon rebooting.
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File-Based Encryption: This security enhancement provided more granular encryption at the file level, improving the security of user data.
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Direct Boot: Direct Boot enabled apps to start in a limited capacity even before the user unlocks the device after a reboot. This allowed alarms and other critical services to function even if the device was restarted unexpectedly.
Obtaining and Installing the Android 7.0.0 Update on Nexus 6
The Android 7.0.0 update for the Nexus 6 was initially rolled out as an over-the-air (OTA) update. Users would receive a notification on their device prompting them to download and install the update. However, for those who preferred a manual installation or needed to restore their device to its factory state, Google provided factory images.
Factory Images: Factory images are complete system images that can be flashed onto a Nexus device using the fastboot tool. This method is useful for users who have rooted their device, installed custom ROMs, or otherwise modified the system software.
The original article provides the following filename for the factory image: shamu-nbd91u-factory-1aca1562.zip.
Download Link (Original): You can download the factory image for the Google Nexus 6 Android Update 7.0.0 from the following link: Original Factory Image (This link points to an image, the proper download link is mentioned below in alternative download link)
Flashing Instructions: The original article also provides instructions for flashing the factory image. Here’s a summarized version:
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Download the Fastboot Tool: The fastboot tool is part of the Android SDK Platform Tools. You can download it from the Android Developer website.
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Set up USB Access: Ensure that you have set up USB access for your device, as described in the Android developer documentation.
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Unlock the Bootloader: Before flashing a factory image, you need to unlock the bootloader of your Nexus 6. To do this, boot your device into fastboot mode (usually by holding the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously) and run the command
fastboot oem unlock. Warning: This will erase all data on your device. -
Flash the System Image: Extract the contents of the downloaded factory image ZIP file. Open a command prompt or terminal window and navigate to the directory where you extracted the files. Run the
flash-allscript (or execute the individual flash commands manually). -
Lock the Bootloader (Optional): After flashing the system image, you can relock the bootloader for security by running the command
fastboot oem lock. Warning: Locking the bootloader will wipe the data on some devices.
Important Considerations:
- Flashing a factory image will erase all user data on your device. Be sure to back up any important data before proceeding.
- Ensure that you have the correct factory image for your device model. Flashing the wrong image can damage your device.
- Follow the instructions carefully and proceed at your own risk.
Alternative Download Link:
While the original download source is valuable, having alternative download locations can be beneficial in case the original link is unavailable or slow. Here’s an alternative link to download the Android 7.0.0 Nougat factory image for the Nexus 6 (shamu-nbd91u-factory-1aca1562.zip):
- Android File Host – Nexus 6 Android 7.0.0 (This is just an example link, verify file integrity before flashing)
Always verify the integrity of the downloaded file by comparing its checksum (MD5 or SHA) with the value provided by the source.
The Significance of the Update
The Android 7.0.0 Nougat update was a significant milestone for the Nexus 6, bringing a range of new features and improvements to the device. It enhanced the user experience, improved performance, and provided the latest security patches. While the Nexus 6 has since been superseded by newer devices, the Android 7.0.0 update remains an important part of its history, showcasing Google’s commitment to providing timely updates for its Nexus devices. The Google Nexus 6 Android Update brought significant changes to the device.
The Legacy of Nexus 6 and Android Updates
The Google Nexus 6 and its updates represent a crucial part of Android’s history. The device showcased the potential of a pure Android experience, directly from Google, and set a standard for timely updates. The Android 7.0.0 update, in particular, highlights the continuous evolution of the Android operating system and Google’s dedication to enhancing the user experience. Although the Google Nexus 6 Android Update cycle has ended for this device, the principles it embodied – a clean Android experience, prompt updates, and close collaboration between hardware and software – continue to influence the Android ecosystem today. The Google Nexus 6 Android Update allowed users to experience the latest Android features at the time. The Google Nexus 6 Android Update was a major upgrade for the device.