Droid Life

Tag: Nexus 5X

  • Android 8.1 Developer Preview Now Available! (Updated)

    Android 8.1 Developer Preview Now Available! (Updated)

    We knew that the Android 8.1 Developer Preview was on the way, but we didn’t think it would be here this quickly. And yep, it did just show up!

    This latest Android Oreo build is available for the Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 2, Pixel XL, Pixel, Pixel C, Nexus 6P, and Nexus 5X. All builds are OPP5.170921.005. Again, this is Android 8.1 and is only in developer preview at the moment. As of right now, we have both factory image and OTA files for each device.

    The schedule for this Android 8.1 Developer Preview looks like an initial release now followed by another preview in mid-November before the final, stable build arrives in December.

    Since this is a developer preview and the first release of it, you should expect some bugs. Google says that there could be various stability issues and that some apps may not  function properly (including Google apps). To read the full set of release notes before proceeding, head here.

    To see what’s new in this Android 8.1 DP, we’ve got a brief write-up here.

    The preview site also mentions that you should be able to enroll in the Android Beta Program if you want the update. You can sign-up for that here.

    UPDATE 10/26: Now live on the beta track!

    android 8.1 beta

    NOTE: At this time, we aren’t seeing Pixel 2 devices as eligible for the Android Beta. My guess, that’ll change here in a few minutes.

    If the beta isn’t pushing through you want to get busy manually, you can grab each image or OTA file at the links below. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. For instructions on how to flash an OTA .zip file, here you go.

    Links:

  • October’s Android Security Update Goes Live With Factory Images for Nexus, Pixel

    October’s Android Security Update Goes Live With Factory Images for Nexus, Pixel

    Google just posted the Android security update for October 2017 and the files are already live for a number of devices, both Pixel and Nexus.

    So far, we are seeing 8.0.0 files for Pixel and Pixel XL (OPR1.170623.027, OPR3.170623.008), Pixel C (OPR1.170623.027), Nexus 6P (OPR5.170623.007), and Nexus 5X (OPR4.170623.009). We have nothing yet for the Nexus Player.

    Others receiving updates are the Nexus 6 (Android 7.1.1 – N6F27M, NGI77B) and Nexus 9 (Android 7.1.1 – N4F27P, N9F27M).

    As for notes, Google says that Pixel/XL build OPR1.170623.027 is for Project Fi and Canada, so the other build (OPR3.170623.008) should be for everyone else. The Nexus 6 build NGI77B is for Verizon customers, so N6F27M should be the general update for all others.

    You can grab each image or OTA file at the links below. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. For instructions on how to flash an OTA .zip file, here you go.

    As more files arrive, we’ll update this post.

    Links:

  • Google Gives Nexus 6P and 5X Owners Two Extra Months of Security Patches

    Google Gives Nexus 6P and 5X Owners Two Extra Months of Security Patches

    Who knows why, but Google just extended the security update life of the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X. According to their dedicated support page that shows the schedule of guaranteed updates for both Nexus and Pixel devices, the 6P and 5X will now receive an extra two months worth of security patches.

    Previously, Google set the end date for both the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X at September 2018, or three years from the time that each device first became available on the Google Store. This morning, that date changed to November 2018, giving both phones an additional couple of months of security.

    Google hasn’t updated their Android versions months for the 6P or 5X, so you still shouldn’t expect many big updates past the Android Oreo update you just got. However, an extra couple of months of security support is never something you’ll see us complain about.

    // Google Support

  • September’s Android Security Update (Finally) Goes Live With Factory Images for Nexus, Pixel

    September’s Android Security Update (Finally) Goes Live With Factory Images for Nexus, Pixel

    Google just posted the Android security update for September 2017 and the files are already live for a number of devices, both Pixel and Nexus.

    So far, we are seeing 8.0.0 files for Pixel and Pixel XL (OPR1.170623.026, OPR3.170623.007), Pixel C (OPR1.170623.026), Nexus 6P (OPR6.170623.017), and Nexus 5X (OPR4.170623.006).

    We’ve also got new 7.1.1 files for Nexus 6 (NGI55D) and Nexus 9 (N9F27L, N4F27O). 

    The notes here for each Pixel update indicate that OPR1.170623.026 is for Project Fi and Canada models, while OPR3.170623.007 must be for everyone else.

    You can grab each image or OTA file at the links below. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. For instructions on how to flash an OTA .zip file, here you go.

    As more files arrive, we’ll update this post.

    UPDATE: Nexus Player Oreo files are now up.

    Links:

  • Pixel and Nexus September Security Patches Have Started, We Think (Updated)

    Pixel and Nexus September Security Patches Have Started, We Think (Updated)

    Ever since Android Oreo dropped, Google has pushed the update out in manner best described as, “Who knows wtf Google is doing.” From betas to stable to images and now into our first security patch, I’m not sure anyone knows if the typical rollout pattern has changed or if Google is simply working through some bugs. Either way, we think the September patch is rolling out to some.

    I say all of that because the original Android Oreo stable release was available immediately to those participating in the Android Beta program. Like, almost at the same exact time that the statue and name were unveiled, Beta participants had the goods. And Google made that available by pushing an over-the-air (OTA) update, while also posting up factory image files as build OPR6.170623.013 to a separate, beta program site. Then 9 days later, we saw both factory image and OTA files hit the typical location, as the update then began rolling out to those not in the Android Beta program. Cool!

    So here we are in September and the September security patch should have been here by now. We know that because for years now, Google has released the monthly security patch on the first Monday of each month. Since last week was Labor Day, a Monday holiday here in the US, that didn’t exactly happen. Well, the Nexus 9 saw some builds posted, but no one else. We chalked that up to it being a weird week, which Verizon sort of confirmed on Friday when their support pages for the Pixel and Pixel XL told us that the update was coming on Monday, September 11 as build OPR3.170623.007. Yesterday rolled around, though, and no images were posted by Google, nor did anyone see the update.

    And this morning, Verizon owners pinged us saying that maybe they did! Well, one reader of ours who owns the Nexus 5X said he got it at some point last night, but another who owns a Pixel XL that is already on Oreo, believes his update is a rollback to Android 7.1.2. He is also on Verizon. We’re all confused.

    So if you were on the lookout for the September Android security patch, you might find it if you are on Verizon! If not, then I’m not sure what to tell you just yet. I have a couple of Pixel phones here running the August stable build of Oreo and neither has an update today, including one that has a Verizon SIM.

    Anyone seeing the September update? If so, which phone and which carrier?

    UPDATE: It is indeed the September security patch for the Nexus 5X as build OPR4.170623.006. Also, the Pixel XL reader I referenced above said he didn’t actually get a rollback update, only that Google/Verizon mislabeled it or something. He also received September’s patch.

    nexus 5x oreo september

    UPDATE 2: As you’ll see in the comments, a lot of Verizon owners of Nexus devices are getting the update who had not previously been updated to Oreo. Here is a Nexus 6P user’s info showing build OPR6.170623.019.

    UPDATE 9/13: And the factory image and OTA files are finally live!

    Cheers Alex and Mike!

  • Reminder: Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X Major Android Version Updates Supposed to End This Month

    Reminder: Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X Major Android Version Updates Supposed to End This Month

    In case you had not looked at Google’s support cutoff timeline for Nexus and Pixel updates in a while, you may not have realized that we’re now in September 2017. Why is that a big deal? According to Google, September 2017 is the end of “guaranteed Android version updates” for the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X. That also means that this month’s Android Oreo update could be the last big one for these two phones.

    Not the end of all updates

    So wait, what does this mean for your Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X going forward? Google set the end date for major Android version updates for these phones to September 2017, which is two years after they went up for sale on the Google Store. It’ll work the same with the Pixel phones (end date of October 2018), just like it did for the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 (October 2016). That doesn’t mean updates are done, though.

    Remember, the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X, like other Nexus and Pixel devices, receive security updates for three full years. So even if Google stops pushing major updates to the 6P and 5X after this month, they’ll still be secure for another 12 months with monthly patches.

    Additionally, Google hasn’t officially said just yet that this month’s Android Oreo update for the 6P and 5X is the end. Their support page says “no guaranteed” updates after September 2017, but that wording does leave some wiggle room. We reached out to Google to try and get confirmation on this being the end or if these phones will see an update to something like Android 8.1 in the future, but they had no further info to provide and directed us to this Pixel/Nexus support page.

    Nexus 6 got a bonus update

    The only comparison to this situation we currently have is the Nexus 6, which did see the update to Android 7.1.1 after reaching its October 2016 end date, but not to Android 7.1.2 a couple of months later. In other words, there is still a chance that the 6P and 5X will get additional updates after this month, I just wouldn’t expect many more after 2017 ends.

    Assuming we get the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 in about a month, it might be time to consider upgrading if you are still holding onto a 6P or 5X and want the freshest Android version available.

  • Android 8.0 Factory Images and OTA Files are Ready for Nexus and Pixel

    Android 8.0 Factory Images and OTA Files are Ready for Nexus and Pixel

    Yesterday afternoon, only a few hours after Verizon told us to expect the Android 8.0 “Oreo” update to reach its Pixel and Pixel XL phones, Google posted factory image and OTA .zip files to the standard factory image page we’ve all utilized for the past handful of years. Previously, Google only posted Oreo factory images to the Oreo developer page and also only pushed the update to Android Beta users.

    With this move, we’ve now got proper build numbers depending on phone or carrier variant. As of this morning, we’re seeing Android 8.0.0 builds for the Pixel and Pixel XL (OPR6.170623.011, OPR6.170623.012), Pixel C (OPR6.170623.010), Nexus 6P (OPR6.170623.013), and Nexus 5X (OPR6.170623.013). We do not yet have files at this location for the Nexus Player.

    Google says that build OPR6.170623.011 for the Pixel and Pixel XL is for Bell, Telus, Telstra, T-Mobile, Sprint, US Cellular, and Rogers/Fido, while OPR6.170623.012 is for everyone else. For the Nexus 6P, Google says that build OPR6.170623.013 is not for T-Mobile, US Cellular, or Project Fi, but doesn’t list another compatible file. The Nexus 5X and Pixel C builds have no restrictions.

    As new builds arrive, we’ll update this post.

    You can grab each image or OTA file at the links below. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go. For instructions on how to flash an OTA .zip file, here you go.

    Links:

  • DOWNLOAD: Android Oreo “OPR6” Update for Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6P, More (Updated)

    DOWNLOAD: Android Oreo “OPR6” Update for Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6P, More (Updated)

    OK, then! Moments after posting up news that Google wasn’t quite ready to push out Android Oreo updates to the Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Pixel C, and Nexus Player, they went ahead and not only posted up factory images for each, they are pushing out an over-the-air (OTA) update too. I’m not even kidding – I just got it on my Pixel XL, as did Tim.

    The new Android Oreo build is listed as “OPR6” and is indeed available right now to all expected devices. We’re just trying to figure out if this is stable, another preview build, or something else. Either way, it’s there for you to grab right now. Edit: It looks like this is the stable build that has now gone live at AOSP as build OPR6.170623.013.

    The update, at least on my Pixel XL, is 50MB in size.

    If you aren’t seeing the update push through, you can grab factory image files right here. For instructions on how to flash a factory image, here you go.

    UPDATE: “Installation problem” for everyone or has anyone been able to install over-the-air?

    UPDATE 2: The update keeps coming and going for me, almost as if Google has pulled it. With that said, even if it does show up, it dies. We’ll update this post when it returns and is installable.

    UPDATE 3: Google Tweets that the update is rolling out in phases to your Pixel and Nexus phones. If it’s not working at the moment, try to be patient. ????

    UPDATE 4: The update should be available and working.

    download android oreo update