Category Archives: Google (Nexus)

Nexus 9 with Android M Video Review

For the second time, I am reviewing the Nexus 9. I reviewed the LTE model when it first came out. It was pretty bad. I had heard that the Wi-Fi only model was better. Now, I’ve finally got my hands on a Wi-Fi only Nexus 9.

Of course, I installed Android M Developer Preview on it. That was pretty bad. The actual review of the Nexus 9 running Android M will be at the bottom. First, I’ll add three walk through videos of Android M, which all used a Nexus 9. The first was about new features. The second was about performance improvements where I actually had two Nexus 9s, one with Lollipop and one with Android M. The third video is with Android M Developer Preview 2.

And finally, the fourth video will be the Nexus 9 with Android M review. The first three videos are there for a bit of backstory, but this is really about the actual Nexus 9 with Android M review. The final video is a little long, but I think it’s totally worth your time.

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Hands On with Android M Developer Preview 2

As you may or may not have heard, Google released a second Android M developer preview. This is actually the third hands on video with Android M. The first one was the one where I poked fun at how Android updates don’t get new features and they only get “under the hood” changes. The second one was where I showed the actual under the hood changes and actually ate my words a bit.

Now, it’s time to take a look at Android M Developer Preview 2. Spoiler: it’s pretty impressive.

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Hands On with Android M Part 2: Performance Improvements

By Rich W Woods

A couple days ago, I posted a hands on video with the Android M developer preview. I pointed out that, as with all Android updates, there are really no new features. As Android fans love to point out, it’s all “under the hood”.

Even though I said it in the video, people still seemed to want a video where I show those “under the hood” performance improvements. For this video, I have two Nexus 9s, one with Android M and one with Android Lollipop.

Also, if you watch the whole thing, you get to see me TOTALLY eat my own words.

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Hands On with Android M

By Rich W Woods

Recently, I got my hands on a Nexus 9. I’ve always been a fan of 4:3 aspect ratio tablets. I was very excited to see one with Android, but that’s not the point here. I had to see what Android M was all about.

I also installed the Android M developer preview on the Sony Xperia Z3 Compact, which is AOSP, so you really get to see the difference between stock Android and true stock Android. Have a look.

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Android 5.1 Finally Coming to Nexus 9

By Rich W Woods

After what seemed to be nothing more than Google trolling their users a few days ago when the update for Android 5.0.2 finally dropped, Nexus 9 users will finally be able to upgrade to Android 5.1.

There is still no image listed on the Nexus Factory Images page; however, expect it to come soon. I would also point out that if you do not flash it, it’s going to come in a staged rollout, so only 1% will get it in the first week, 25% in the second week, and so on.

Google Officially Announces their Own Cell Service, Project Fi

By Rich W Woods

Today, Google announced Project Fi, their own venture into mobile communication services. It will be modeled after the Nexus program, partnering with T-Mobile and Sprint instead of making the network themselves.

The way it works is that Project Fi gives the phone to choose between T-Mobile’s LTE network, Sprint’s LTE network, and Wi-Fi for the best available connection. Unfortunately, it only works on the Nexus 6, at least for now. We have to assume that Windows Phones will work on Project Fi at some point right? Oh…no? Ok. I digress…

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Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Rolling Out for Nexus Player

By Rich W Woods

Isn’t it odd how they choose to roll out these Android updates to Nexus devices? First, we had Android 5.1, which came to the Nexus 5, 6, 2012 Nexus 7, and Nexus 10. Weeks later, we finally got Android 5.1 on Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 FHD; however, we still haven’t even received Android 5.1 on Nexus 9, even though in the Android SDK Manager, it lists Android 5.1.1 as the current version of Android Lollipop.

Today, we now are seeing the first Nexus image for Android 5.1.1 for the Nexus Player, Google’s Android TV set top box. The update contains pretty much all bug fixes. After all, this is how versioning goes. Major.minor.bug fix. For example, 5.0 is a major update, 5.1 is a minor update, and 5.1.1 is a bug fix update.

If you want to flash the update, you can download it here.

Android 5.1 Lollipop Walkthrough on the Nexus 7 FHD

By Rich W Woods

After waiting 100 years for Android 5.1 Lollipop, the images were finally made available for Nexus 4 and the Nexus 7 FHD yesterday. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to flash it, since I had just formatted my computer and I didn’t want to junk it up with the Android SDK and 15 minutes later decided to flash it and make a walkthrough video.

There are lots of new features in Android 5.1 Lollipop, despite it being a minor update. Check it out.

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Android 5.1 Lollipop Finally Available for Nexus 4, 2013 Nexus 7

By Rich W Woods

I’ve been seeing the news floating around for the last few days that the Android 5.1 Lollipop image for the Nexus 4 is now available; however, I would go to check on the Nexus Factory Images page, and sure enough, it wasn’t there.

Well, if you’ve been waiting for Android 5.1 on your Nexus 4 or Nexus 7, you’re in luck. You can flash them today or you can rest easy knowing that the OTA is coming. Even the Nexus 7 2013 LTE model has Android 5.1 available, which was one of the last Nexuses to get Android 5.0 Lollipop. If you’re using a Nexus 9, go sit in your corner and wait.

You can download the image for your Nexus here.

You can find instructions on how to flash it here.

Android 5.1 Now Available for Nexus 5, 7, and 10

By Rich W Woods

Are you a 2012 Nexus 7 owner who was jealous of all of the 2013 Nexus 7 owners that got the Android L developer preview? Well, guess what. You get Android 5.1 before the 2013 Nexus 7 does.

Android 5.1 showed up on the Android Factory Images page today for the Nexus 5, 2012 Nexus 7, and the Nexus 10. It will show up as an OTA but in a staged rollout, as usual. About 1% will get it within a week, 25% the next week, and so on.

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