Keeping up with the promised schedule, Google started rolling out the new Android 6.0 Marshmallow for Nexus devices yesterday, Oct. 5.
Owners of Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, and Nexus Player can now download the factory images for these devices to manually flash the new OS update. Before you do so, take note that flashing will wipe your device so you would want to create a backup of your personal data and settings.
To flash a new system images, follow these instructions from Google Developers:
1. Download the system image for your respective device: Nexus 5 (GSM/LTE), Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013; LTE), Nexus 7 (2013; Mobile), Nexus 9 (LTE), Nexus 9 (Wi-Fi) and Nexus Player. Unzip the file.
2. Connect your Nexus device on your computer using USB.
3. Set the device in fastboot mode. Turn off the device and turn it on to the bootloader by pressing and holding down the appropriate key combinations:
Nexus 5: Volume Up, Volume Down and Power
Nexus 6: Volume Down and Power
Nexus 7: Volume Down and Power
Nexus 9: Volume Down and Power
Nexus Player: Power
4. Unlock the bootloader of your device by running fastboot oem unlock.
5. Open the unzipped system image folder and execute flash-all.
6. Once the process is finished, your Nexus device will restart.
7. For security, lock your bootloader by starting your device in fastboot mode again and executing fastboot oem lock.
If you don't feel you're techy enough to do the manual installation, just wait for the over-the-air (OTA) update which is surely coming soon for Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, and Nexus Player.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow comes with several key features, such as a more efficient use of battery through Doze that automatically puts your device into sleep when not in use. It also has an App Standby feature that limits the impact of seldom used apps on battery life. Marshmallow also gives the user more control with the App permissions feature and simplified security with the use of fingerprint to unlock the device and make payments on Android Pay and the Play Store.
