May’s Factory Images and OTA files are now Available for Nexus and Pixel Devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on May 01, 2017       

Every month, Google posts a new security update for the Nexus and Pixel line of devices. The Android security update for May 2017 are already live for a number of devices.

Google has posted both the OTA’s and the factory images for the selected Nexus or Pixel devices. The supported devices includes Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C, Pixel and Pixel XL. 

For now, we have May Security Firmware files based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat for the Pixel and Pixel XL (N2G47O), Verizon's Pixel (NHG47L), Nexus 6P (N2G47O), Nexus 5X (N2G47O), Nexus 6 (N2G47R,),  Nexus Player (N2G47R), Nexus 9 LTE (N4F27B), and Nexus 9 WiFi (N4F27B)

You can grab Factory Image or OTA file at the links below. 

Links: Factory Image | OTA File

Google now lists expiry dates for Pixel and Pixel XL Software updates

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 28, 2017       

We already know that approximate length of Nexus and Pixel Devices to get Android software updates is 18 months and Security Patch is 3 years after available on the Google store. But now Pixel owners can get exact time when their devices will stop getting software updates.

Google has now added the Pixel and Pixel XL to its end-of-life (EOL) support page. As expected, the Pixel and Pixel XL will be getting Android version updates up to October of 2018 (two years after their initial launch), and security updates till October 2019 (3 years after launch).

We already know that the recently launched Android O is the next iteration of Android and will be available for the Google Pixel and Nexus devices by the end of this year (2017). So, eventually Android P (if ever released) will be the last Android software update, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL will see. 

Source: Google

Google accidentally releases confidential test build of May 2017 security update to Pixel XL

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 19, 2017       

Google's Pixel XL users are reportedly getting "Confidential Internal Only" OTA with May 2017 security patch on their devices. The size of the software was just over 62MB in file size and was meant to hit the devices in May.

The screenshot below clearly states that the software update was for Googlers-only, who test the upcoming software updates for Google devices. The screenshot also mentions that the Google employees are not allowed to "discuss or comment" externally regarding the Confidential Internal Only OTA(s).

The update doesn't seem to bring any visible changes or new features. The update comes with build no. N2G470. Like every other security patch update, Google is expected to roll out the May, 2017 security patch to Pixel and Nexus devices on the first Monday of the month.

Via: AndroidPolice

Stable Android 7.1.2 is rolling out to Pixel phones Beta Testers

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 17, 2017       

A little two weeks ago, Google announced Android 7.1.2 Stable build with April 2017 Security patches for the Nexus and Pixel devices. The OTA's and Firmware are already available for selected phones.

Today, Google has started rolling out the Android 7.1.2 Nougat update though the OTA (Over-The-Air) for Google Pixel and Pixel XL Beta testers, while it might still take some time for all Pixel phone owners.



The update weighs in around 31MB with build no. N2G47E and is readily available for the Google Pixel/Pixel XL beta testers on Android 7.1.2 Beta. Along with the Android 7.1.2 goodies, the update brings a number of bug fixes, general performance/stability improvements, and adds new features including Enhanced notification stability, Fingerprint swipe, General connectivity improvements, and Battery usage alerts.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Software updates menu in Settings, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device.


Via: Droid-Life

Android O gets Substratum theme engine support

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 17, 2017       

Substratum, a theme engine based on Sony’s Overlay Manager Service (OMS) is now available for the next iteration of Android. Android O developer preview users who have achieved root privileges can now theme their system via Substratum.

Substratum latest release "670" brings full Android O theming support. Users can now theme on API level 26 resources/Android O Developer Previews. The source code of the same is readily available for themers.



Along with Android O support, Substratum 670 brings "Dynamic Refresh Mode" which automatically refresh the list of themes installed without triggering a refresh by swiping down. The latest build also fix some errors and adds minor new features.

Android O Developer preview is available for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Huawei Mate 9 and the official Android Emulator.



Source: Google+

Sony Xperia X Gets a New Concept Update Based on Android 7.1.2 Nougat

 By Unknown on April 17, 2017       

Sony developers have been doing a great job until now as they are releasing a new Concept update for the Sony Xperia X users. Concept developers are looking to release an update based on the Android 7.1.2. The update will start rolling out next week. 

Developers have been working on the update right from the day when Google released the update for Google Pixel and Pixel XL. You might be wondering what's new in the OS! Well here's the official changelog: 

• Improved fingerprint swipe performance
• Bluetooth connectivity improvements
• Battery usage alerts
• Other fixes

As seen on the other Pixel devices, this update will also come with various bug fixes. And developers claim that they haven't gone through any major issues so far. 

However, they claim that some users might come across some Wi-Fi related issues, which can be fixed through a factory reset of the phone. 

Pixel and Nexus Users Reporting fingerprint sensor issues after Android 7.1.2 update

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 15, 2017       

Google had a promising start to their own smartphones, Pixel and Pixel XL impressing everyone right from day one. However, it was from software side where several users of Google Pixel and Nexus phones complained to have issues. 

That said, here comes another issue. From the last week or more than, 100's of Pixel and Nexus users are complaining about the Fingerprint sensor issue on Google's product forums.



Nevertheless, we believe that the Android 7.1.2 Nougat update might have broke something related to Fingerprint sensor files, which is apparently causing this issue. The actual issue is the 
Fingerprint sensor no longer granting access to the devices, however the swipe down for notifications Moves gesture is still functional.

The issue is reportedly affecting both the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, as well as the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. The cause of the problem hasn't been identified yet, and there's no workaround to make the fingerprint sensor work again.



Via: AndroidPolice | Source  Pixel User Community Forum | Nexus Help Forum

Stable Android 7.1.2 is rolling out to Nexus 6P Beta Testers

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 13, 2017       

A little two weeks ago, Google announced Android 7.1.2 Stable build with April 2017 Security patches for the Nexus and Pixel devices. The OTA's and Firmware are already available for selected phones.

Today, Google has started rolling out the Android 7.1.2 Nougat update though the OTA (Over-The-Air) for Nexus 6P Beta testers, while it might still take some time for all Nexus 6P owners.



The update weighs in around 25MB and is readily available for the Nexus 6P beta testers on Android 7.1.2 Beta. Along with the Android 7.1.2 goodies, the update brings a number of bug fixes, general performance/stability improvements, and adds new features including Enhanced notification stability, Fingerprint swipe, General connectivity improvements, and Battery usage alerts.

If you haven't got the notification of this new software update yet, Just go to Software updates menu in Settings, and It will automatically start downloading the latest update. The update will take around 10-15 minutes to get Installed on your device.


Via: AndroidHeadlines

Huawei is Already Testing the Android O in Mate 9

 By Unknown on April 12, 2017       

Chinese smartphone vendor, Huawei is already testing the next iteration of Android O in its flagship phone, the Huawei Mate 9. As per a report from Xda developers, Huawei, once a partner of Google has ported its EMUI based of Android O. 

Google nearly three weeks ago released the first Developer Preview of Android O for the Google Pixel and Nexus devices. However, it will take ages for OEM's to out the next iteration of Android, but it's surprising how Huawei managed to port the latest OS. 



The report further says that the phone is running rooted version of the Android EUI, but the phone is not usable as a daily driver as it is plagued with issues related to Google Play Services and Wi-Fi. 

One of the prominent features in Android O is the picture-in-picture mode, and the feature is reportedly working fine in the Mate 9. So, will Huawei manage to release the Andriod O before Google does? Time will tell. 

Source: XDA

Android O Breaks Apps that Overlay on top of the Status Bar

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 11, 2017       

The Android O comes with some new features such as notification channels, advanced doze mode, self destructing notifications, and tons of other tiny features. We have already listed the completely new features of the Android O here.

With previous Android versions, apps have been able to operate on top of other apps and system UI elements for certain functions. However, with the arrival of Android O, such apps results in huge UI mess and eventually breaks the status bar.



This happens because the TYPE_SYSTEM_OVERLAY is deprecated and replaced with TYPE_APPLICATION_OVERLAY. This means that, while system overlays will still continue to function for the most part, apps will no longer be able to draw over the status bar.

This feature also stops Twilight (Night Mode) covering parts of the screen like the status bar or keyboard, which would defeat the purpose of the application. 

Since this is just the first Developer Preview for Android O, Google might add new or remove some of the existing features in future builds. 



Via: XDA

Google Nexus 6 Spotted on Google Git Running Android O Preview

 By Unknown on April 10, 2017       

Google's Nexus 6 has been done and dusted. It's been three years since Motorola and Google launched the Nexus 6 and the search giant has already stopped providing software updates to the phone. 

However, it now appears like the phone will receive Android O update. According to the Google Git, Google is testing the phone with the latest Android O Preview, which means that the search giant still has plans to release the update to the phone. 



Google has a knack of testing upcoming Android versions in older phones to test the compatibility. If we're not wrong, the company is continuing the same with Nexus 6 as well. 

That said, Google recently released the Android 7.1.1 update for Nexus 6 owners, concluding it as the last OS update to the phone. Since then, Google did not release the Android 7.1.2 update as well to Nexus 6. 

LineageOS gets new update, adds new Gallery App and Quick Settings tiles

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 08, 2017       

LineageOS is the latest sensation among custom rom lovers and developers. We already know that the Lineage OS is a continuation of what CyanogenMod was, the LineageOS 14.1 is based on Android 7.1.1 Nougat and has same build number system as CyanogenMod's.

Lineage OS is still in formation phase and the community developers are working actively to add new features to this project.
Now, the community has added some interesting new features to the custom rom including a new gallery app, more reliable LineageOS updater, new floating button in the Recorder app, and new Quick Settings tiles.



The new gallery application adds easier navigation between timeline, albums and videos, it also enables fullscreen video playback. The new floating button in the Recorder app allows you to choose when to begin a screen recording. Pressing record will create a floating view, from which you can begin the recording.



In addition to, the LineageOS now supports 15 new devices: Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1, AT&T LG G3, Verizon LG G3, ZUK Z1, International Samsung Galaxy S4, Verizon Samsung Galaxy S4, International LG G5, T-Mobile LG V20, LeEco Le 2, YU Yuphoria, YU Yureka, Lenovo Vibe K5/K5 Plus, GSM LTE Samsung Galaxy Note II, SK Telecom Samsung Galaxy Note II, and Korea Samsung Galaxy Note II.



via: AndroidPolice | Source: Lineage

Android O to Come With Support for Self Destructing Notifications Feature

 By Unknown on April 06, 2017       

A little two weeks ago, Google released the first Developer Preview of Android O to developers. The next iteration of Android is expected to come with some new features such as notification channels, advanced doze mode, etc. We have already listed the completely new features of the Android O here. 

Speaking about the notifications channel feature, Google will allow users to customize what they want to see in the notification shade. For example, you can limit the OS to display a notification when a screenshot is captured.



And now, Google announces a new feature to the developers called 'notification timeout,' which essentially allows developers to push a self-destructive notification. For instance, in India, we love shopping, and there are numerous portals to shop from, and the major one is Myntra. These days, Myntra run several discount offers, and they push notifications for the same now and then. 

Myntra pushes a notification, and you open the app after few hours due to your busy schedule, and by the time you open the app, the offer is long gone. With this self-destructive notification feature, developers can choose a certain time for killing the notifications, and after that time, notifications will be destroyed automatically. 



Nevertheless, this feature will be very much useful for the developers out there. 

Here's what's new in Android 7.1.2 for Pixel and Nexus Devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 04, 2017       

Android 7.1.2 Nougat is now Official and is readily available for the Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, Nexus Player, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. The latest Android version comes with tons of new features, fixes and improvements. Google also shared the Android 7.1.2 Nougat changelog, which some of you will find rather interesting.



Here's the official changelog for the Pixel and Pixel XL:

Today, and over the next few weeks, we will begin the rollout of Android 7.1.2 to Pixel and Pixel XL devices. This update contains a number of bug fixes, added features, and general performance/stability improvements. A few changes and updates that we want to highlight are listed below:

• Improved fingerprint swipe performance
• Bluetooth connectivity improvements
• Battery usage alerts

Some of the other fixes are with the early shutdown issue, a fix for the small number of users experiencing pink banding on the camera, and a fix to the audio popping issue some users were experiencing at high volumes.

With Android 7.1.2 Google improved the fingerprint swipe gesture performance and Bluetooth connectivity, while a new feature has been added as well, Battery Usage Alerts.



Here's the official changelog for the Nexus phones:

Today, and over the next few weeks, we will begin the rollout of Android 7.1.2 to Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, and Pixel C. This update contains a number of bug fixes, added features, and general performance/stability improvements. A few changes and updates that we want to highlight are listed below:

• Enhanced notification stability
• Fingerprint swipe on 5X/6P
• General connectivity improvements
• Battery usage alerts

Android 7.1.2 adds Pixel-exclusive Fingerprint swipe feature to the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, that allows you to "swipe" the scanner to access the notification shade. Google says that they improved notification stability, Connectivity and adds Battery Usage Alerts. You can grab the Android 7.1.2 Factory Images and OTA's for the Google Pixel and Nexus phones here.

Source: Google | 2

[Updated] Android 7.1.2 Nougat Now Available for Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 03, 2017       

Surprise! Android 7.1.2 Nougat with April 2017 Security patch is now available for the Pixel and Nexus Devices. 

Google has posted OTA’s for the selected Nexus or Pixel devices. The supported devices includes Nexus Player, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C, Pixel and Pixel XL. 



For now, we have Android 7.1.2 OTA files for the Pixel (N2G47E, N2G47J), Pixel XL (N2G47E, N2G47J), Pixel C (N2G47D), Nexus 6P (N2G47H), Nexus 5X (N2G47F), and Nexus Player (N2G47H).

You can download the OTA's from the Link below:

• Pixel (N2G47E, N2G47J)
• Pixel XL (N2G47E, N2G47J)
• Pixel C (N2G47D)
• Nexus 6P (N2G47H)
• Nexus 5X (N2G47F)
• Nexus Player (N2G47H)

Download: Firmware Images

Update: The Firmware Images are now live as well.

Update: 7.1.2 OTA's and Firmware Images are now available for the Pixel C and Nexus Player.

[Updated] April 2017 Factory Images Now Available for Nexus and Pixel devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on April 03, 2017       

Every month, Google posts a new security update for the Nexus and Pixel line of devices. The Android security update for April 2017 are already live for a number of devices.

Google has posted both the OTA’s and the factory images for the selected Nexus or Pixel devices. The supported devices includes Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C, Pixel and Pixel XL. 

For now, we have April Security Firmware files based on Android 7.1.1 Nougat for the Pixel and Pixel XL (NOF27D), Nexus 6P (N4F26U), Nexus 5X (N4F26U), Nexus 6 (NBD92G,N6F26Y),  and Nexus 9 (N4F26X). 

You can grab Factory Image or OTA file at the links below. 

Links: Factory Image | OTA File

Update: Android 7.1.2 OTA's now Live for Nexus and Pixel Phones

Screen Pinning: What It Is and How to Use It

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 28, 2017       

Back when Android Lollipop launched, Google introduced "Screen pinning" feature which temporarily locks specific app, and you cannot access any other apps, cannot see notifications, or return to the home screen, until a specific shortcut is tapped to take you out of it.

You may consider yourself a Android master, but chances are even you've forgotten Screen Pinning feature. When Screen Pinning is active, the following behavior happens:

• The status bar is blank, and user notifications and status information are hidden.
• The Home and Recent Apps buttons are hidden.
• Other apps cannot launch new activities.
• The current app can start new activities, as long as doing so does not create new tasks.
• If screen pinning is activity by another app that is not a device owner or by the user directly, the user can exit by holding both the Back and Recent buttons.

Screen pinning feature could be extremely useful, for example, when playing games, you may accidentally tap the home button or back button. This may kill some games, at least it can be very annoying.

How to enable screen pinning on your Android Device?

By default, screen pinning is not enabled. To enable this feature you may follow these steps.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Security and go to Advanced section to enable Screen pinning at the bottom of the list. (Note: You can also set password to protect the screen pinning).

Step 2: After enabling it, open the Recent apps screen and tap on the little push-pin button in the lower right corner of the front-most card to get started.

Tap and hold back button to exit screen pinning. If you request password for unpinning when pinning the app, you will be directed to the lock screen to proceed.

[Download] Android O Preview Images for Pixel/ XL, Nexus 5X, 6P, Player, and Pixel C

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 22, 2017       

Android O was surprisingly announced yesterday with tons of new features. The latest OS's Developer preview is now available for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, the official Android Emulator, and you also get an emulator for testing Android Wear 2.0 on Android O.

Also Read: Google announces Android O: Here's what's new


Download the Android O developer preview firmware images for the Pixel and Nexus devices from the direct link below:

• Nexus 5X "bullhead"
• Nexus 6P "angler" 
• Nexus Player "fugu" 
• Pixel C "ryu"
• Google Pixel "sailfish"
• Google Pixel XL "marlin"

Note that these are strictly development images and they could be very buggy and unstable, and are not suitable for daily use.

You can find the complete instructions of "How to flash a Factory Image" Here

Google announces Android O: Here's what's new

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 21, 2017       

Surprise! Android O is now official with a lots of new features. The latest OS Developer preview is now available for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel C, the official Android Emulator, and you also get an emulator for testing Android Wear 2.0 on Android O.

Here's what's new in Android O

• Notification channels: Notification channels are new app-defined categories for notification content. It let developers give users fine-grained control over different kinds of notifications. It also allows users to block or change the behavior of each channel individually, rather than managing all of the app's notifications together.

• Background limits: Android O puts a big priority on improving a user's battery life and the device's interactive performance. It put additional automatic limits on what apps can do in the background, in three main areas: implicit broadcasts, background services, and location updates.

• Autofill: With Android O. Users can select an autofill app, similar to the way they select a keyboard app. The autofill app stores and secures user data, such as addresses, user names, and even passwords.

• Picture in Picture (PIP): PIP display allows users to continue watching a video while they're answering a chat or hailing a car.

• Adaptive icons: With Android O, you can now create adaptive icons that the system displays in different shapes, based on a mask selected by the device. The system also animates interactions with the icons, and them in the launcher, shortcuts, Settings, sharing dialogs, and in the overview screen.

• Connectivity: For the ultimate in audio fidelity, Android O now also supports high-quality Bluetooth audio codecs such as LDAC codec. We're also adding new Wi-Fi features as well, like Wi-Fi Aware, previously known as Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN).

• Keyboard navigation: Android O adds more reliable, predictable keyboard model for "arrow" and "tab" navigation that aids both developers and end users.

• WebView enhancements: Android O enables multiprocess mode by default and adding an API to let your app handle errors and crashes, for enhanced security and improved app stability.

• Java 8 Language APIs and runtime optimizations: Android O now supports several new Java Language APIs, including the new java.time API. In addition, the Android Runtime is faster than ever before, with improvements of up to 2x on some application benchmarks.

• Partner platform contributions: Hardware manufacturers and silicon partners have accelerated fixes and enhancements to the Android platform in the O release. For example, Sony has contributed more than 30 feature enhancements, including the LDAC codec, and 250 bug fixes to Android O.

You can download the Developer preview images for Pixel and Nexus devices from here.

Which Android O feature are you most excited for?

Source: Android Developers

[Update: Beta 2] Google announces Android 7.1.2 beta for Nexus and Pixel devices

 By Vaibhav Jain on March 21, 2017       

Article: 31/01/2017

Google has just announced Android 7.1.2 Beta, which is an incremental maintenance release focused on refinements, so it includes a number of bugfixes and optimizations, along with a small number of enhancements for carriers and users.

The initial devices to get Android 7.1.2 Nougat Public Beta includes, Pixel, Pixel XL, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, and Pixel C. While, the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 won't get 7.1.2 Update.



Google says to expect the final release of latest Android version (7.1.2) in just a couple of months. For now, users can grab the Beta Factory Images from below link.


Download: Android 7.1.2 Factory Images

Via: Android Developers

Update: 21/03/2017

Android 7.1.2 Beta 2 with build NPG47I is now rolling out for selected Pixel and Nexus Devices

The update adds new Notification Gesture to the Nexus 6P and it also brings Pixel Launcher, Pixel-style nav buttons to the Pixel C.