The Android 7.0 Nougat has been rolling out to Nexus devices for some time now, but owners of a few older Nexus models had to muster more patience than others.
The Nexus 6 came running Android 5.0 Lollipop, but it seems the smartphone will finally get the Android 7.0 Nougat goodies in an OTA update.
Nexus 6 owners saw a hefty delay waiting to receive the Android 7.0 Nougat update, but recent news hints that the 2-year-old Google device will be seeing the latest Android OS "in the coming weeks."
Google made available the factory images for the Android 7.0 Nougat, alongside the OTA update, and users can get them online. Reports are pouring in about Nexus 6 phones receiving the much awaited update.
Keep in mind that the newest Android OS edition comes packed with the most recent security patch for October. The update, which carries the build number NBD90Z, is quite consistent and counts about 860 MB in size. This means that you should make sure you have enough free space and a stable Wi-Fi connection when downloading and installing it. Checking to make sure your phone is charged before updating is also recommended.
Those who are a bit fidgety can manually download and install the OTA update. Google also allows users to get the factory images for Nexus devices in case they would be needed.
Users who don't want to do the installation themselves simply need to wait for the update to reach their phone. Keeping an eye out for the notifications helps, as rollouts happen on a rather constant basis.
Unfortunately, Google did not make any comment about its latest OS reaching Nexus 9 LTE.
The company also kept mum about the reasoning behind keeping Nexus 6 owners from getting the Nougat, but company insiders familiar with the matter are hinting that it has to do with battery drain.
There are quite a few reasons why users are cheering when they see the Android 7.0 Nougat landing on their phones.
The new OS brings a revamped UI and improved notifications, a quicker access to what is important via Instant Apps and enhanced power saving. What is more, Nougat is designed to work on non-flagship devices, meaning optimized system requirements are in store.
Taking a page from the Chrome OS playbook, Android Nougat will feature seamless updates. The developers of Nougat are offering users Google Allo, the new messaging app that reinvents texting, making it more user-friendly and embedding cool features within the app.
Last but not the least, Quick Switch and Multi-Window will open a gateway to multitasking and productivity.
Photo: Sam Churchill | Flickr
