How to Download and Manually Install Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on Nexus Devices

How to Download and Manually Install Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow on Nexus Devices

The first major update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow has begun rolling out to Nexus and Android One devices. If you are the impatient kind who wants to download the update immediately, then you can do it manually. Google has released Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow factory images for various devices in its Nexus range.

We've listed the new features in Android 6.0.1 and if you have one of the eligible devices, you will get an OTA update soon. The following devices will get Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.

There are several risks involved with manually downloading and installing Android factory images. You could lose all of your data and the process is pretty complex that's best avoided if you are new to this kind of a thing.

Android 6.0 Marshmallow is currently available for the following devices - Google Nexus 5, Google Nexus 6, Google Nexus 7 2013, Google Nexus 9, Google Nexus Player, Google Nexus 6P, and Google Nexus 5X. Here's how to manually install Android 6.0 Marshmallow on these devices.

1) Download and install the latest Android Studio Preview on your Windows computer. This installs the ADB and Fastboot programmes, which can be accessed through the command terminal on your PC.

2) Add the SDK folder to the PATH by following these steps:

3) Right click My Computer and click on Properties.

4) Click on Advanced System Settings.

5) Click on System Properties > Advanced > Environment Variables.

6) In the Window, select Path, then click on Edit, and then type in the name of the directory where you installed the SDK, and remember that each entry is separated by a semi-colon.

7) Enable USB debugging on your device. First, go to Settings > About Phone > Software information.

8) Tap Build number seven times.

9) Go to Settings > Developer options. Tick USB debugging.

10) Download the correct factory image for your device.

Android 6.0.1 for Nexus 5

Android 6.0.1 for Nexus 6

Android 6.0.1 for Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi

Android 6.0.1 for Nexus 7 2013 Mobile

Android 6.0.1 for Nexus 9 Wi-Fi

Android 6.0.1 for Nexus 9 LTE

Android 6.0.1 for Nexus Player

Android 6.0.1 for Nexus 6P

Android 6.0.1 for Nexus 5X

11) Extract the image on your computer. This should give you a tar file. Extract it again.

12) Connect your device to your computer over USB.

13) Start the device in fastboot mode.

The easiest way to do this is to hold a key combination while powering up the device. For Nexus 5, hold the volume up, volume down and power buttons while powering on the device. The full list of key combinations for different devices is here.

You can also boot into fastboot mode using the ADB tool: With the device powered on, go to the command terminal and execute the following: adb reboot bootloader

If needed, unlock the device's bootloader through your computer using the command terminal and executing: fastboot oem unlock

1) Open a command terminal and navigate to the unzipped system image directory.

2) Execute flash-all.bat, which was a part of the unzipped image file. This script installs the necessary bootloader, baseband firmware(s), and operating system. For this to work, you need to have added the folder where ADB and Fastboot are installed to the system's path as described in step 2.

3) When this is done, Google recommends that you lock the bootloader for security. You can do that by booting the device in fastboot mode while still connected via USB, and using the command terminal to execute: fastboot oem lock.

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Google Launches New Chromecast and Chromecast Audio

Google Launches New Chromecast and Chromecast Audio

Two years after Google launched the Chromecast, a flash drive-shaped device that allows users to beam media content and on-screen activities from smartphones, computers, and tablets to TV and other big screens, the company believes it's time it further expanded in your living room. Enter Chromecast Audio, a device that turns any speaker with an auxiliary input into an Internet-capable device.

Priced at $35 (roughly Rs. 2,300), the Chromecast Audio allows one to stream music to their regular speakers directly from a smartphone or laptop. It is similar to the Motorola Moto Stream portable wireless adapter. It supports high-quality audio, 2 watt RMS and an optional optical digital out that sits in the hybrid port. The company said that the Chromecast Audio doesn't compress audio, assuring the audiophile inside you that the device wouldn't compromise on audio quality. It works with Android and iOS devices, apart from PCs.

The original Chromecast is getting a refresh too. The company has launched the second-generation Chromecast that sees a complete departure from the original's construction. The all new design sees an HDMI cable looped inside a circular Chromecast logo-shaped unit.

The company says that it has upgraded the internal components to make the new Chromecast more capable. There are now three antennas inside the device, and the device supports 5GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi for stutter-free high quality streaming.

It comes with a new feature called "Fast Play," allowing the Chromecast to start a video or audio streaming much quicker to start, once users press the Cast button. The company also announced that developers will now be able to render a game on both your smartphone's screen and the large screen (TV). Also new if the Feeds feature, which can be controlled via the new Chromecast app, letting users choose what content the Chromecast will display on screen when on standby. This ranges from social media feeds, to image feeds.

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Android 6.0 Marshmallow Rollout Begins Next Week

Android 6.0 Marshmallow Rollout Begins Next Week 

Google at its Nexus event on Tuesday announced the rollout of Android 6.0 Marshmallow update will begin from next week over-the-air (OTA). The OS update would be hitting the Nexus smartphones, tablets, and other Nexus devices first. This time, the Android One devices are also on the list of first devices to receive the update. The company also gave some statistics on the global Android usage.

Google introduced its Android 6.0 Marshmallow back in May during the Google I/O conference. Some of the new features of Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which has been available as the Android M developer preview since Google I/O 2015, include revamped app permissions; Google Now on Tap feature; new Chrome feature that will change the Web experience for Android users; new ways to handle Web links; integrated Android Pay mobile payment system; new fingerprint APIs for developers to add into their apps and native fingerprint support, apart from battery saver features called Doze that will make Android devices smart about managing power. Some of the other additions include a new memory manager, adoptable storage devices, new app drawer, auto backup and restore for apps, and support for USB Type-C ports.

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Samsung's First Foldable Smartphone in January 2016

Samsung's First Foldable Smartphone in January 2016

The South Korean company in the meantime has launched Galaxy smartphones with curved edge displays. If a new leak is to be believed, we might finally see a foldable Samsung smartphone in January - with the company reportedly already testing the smartphone. Additionally, Samsung's mysterious Galaxy View device has been certified by the Bluetooth SIG claiming it's a tablet.

According to a tipster from China, Samsung's foldable smartphone has been codenamed Project Valley and is being tested with two different chipsets - Qualcomm Snapdragon 620 and Snapdragon 820. Other details tipped by the tipster claim that the handset will feature 3GB of RAM; come with expandable storage, and will come with an embedded battery.

Samsung's mysterious Galaxy View device which was teased during its IFA event and expected to the oft-leaked 18.4-inch tablet from the company has purportedly been certified byBluetooth SIG with model name SM-T670. The Bluetooth SIG listing of the tablet doesn't reveal many details; except that the Bluetooth version will be 4.1.

To recall, Samsung just as it did at the Galaxy Unpacked event last month, teased a new upcoming product at the end of the IFA show - what appeared to be a large tablet. Dubbed Galaxy View, the teaser was mysterious enough to hide most details but a kick stand was visible on the back panel. We will have to wait for Samsung to make the announcement.

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Microsoft Office 2016 Officially Launched

Microsoft Office 2016 Officially Launched

Microsoft said Office 2016 brings new versions of desktop apps for Windows including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook and Access and allows people to collaborate and work together.

"These latest innovations take another big step forward in transforming Office from a familiar set of individual productivity apps to a connected set of apps and services designed for modern working, collaboration and teamwork," Chief Executive Satya Nadella said in a statement.

Microsoft launched its much-awaited Windows 10 operating system in July, designed to work across laptops, desktop and smartphones, as part of Nadella's push towards winning back lost ground in the tablets and mobile arena.

The new Office 2016 apps are available in 40 languages and require Windows 7 or later versions. Starting Tuesday, Office 365 subscribers can choose to download the new Office 2016 apps as part of their subscription, Microsoft said.

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Xiaomi Becomes a Mobile Operator

Xiaomi Becomes a Mobile Operator 

The new MVNO (or mobile virtual network operator) service from Xiaomi will be offering consumers voice and data services and utilising China Unicom or China Telecom networks.

Under the second scheme, consumers will get 3GB data bundle for CNY 59 (approximately Rs. 610) per month. Under this offer, consumers will have to pay equivalent to CNY 0.02/MB (approximately Rs. 0.30) for data and CNY 0.10 (approximately Rs. 1) per voice minute, SMS or 1MB data (after exceeding 3GB data cap). It supports China Telecom 2G, 3G, and 4G networks and will be available in public beta starting October.

Under Xiaomi Mi Mobile's pay-as-you-go plan, consumers will be charged CNY 0.10 (approximately Rs. 1.10) per voice minute, SMS, and 1MB data. The plan supports China Unicom 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. It will be available for sale via the company online store (Mi.com) starting Wednesday.

The Mi Mobile SIM cards will be available as triple-cut SIM card, which means it could instantly usable with phone supporting mini, micro or nano-SIM cards.

The Chinese company on Tuesday also unveiled its new Mi Bluetooth Speaker with aluminium body and 1500mAh built-in battery. The new speakers have been priced at CNY 199 (approximately Rs. 2,000). The speaker also comes with microSD card support.

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LG Nexus 5X Ahead of Launch on Amazon

LG Nexus 5X Ahead of Launch on Amazon

Amazon India has listed the LG Nexus 5X 16GB variant as 'Currently unavailable.' The listing potentially spills the beans ahead of the official unveiling next week. Of course since this is a third-party retailer, one cannot be certain if these will be the official specifications whenever Google launches the smartphone.

According to Amazon India listing, the LG Nexus 5X will feature a 5.2-inch full-HD (1080x1920 pixels) IPS display; 423ppi pixel density; 1.8GHz hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 (MSM8992) processor; 2GB of RAM; 16GB inbuilt storage; no microSD card support; 12.3-megapixel rear camera; 5-megapixel front camera; 3G and 4G connectivity support, single Nano-SIM support, and 2700mAh battery. The listing also claims that the Nexus 5X supports Quick Charge 2.0. The listing also claims that the Nexus 5X will runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow out-of-the-box. These specifications are in line with recent leaks, but nothing's official until Google's announcement next week.

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Xiaomi Mi 4c With Snapdragon 808 SoC Launched

Xiaomi Mi 4c With Snapdragon 808 SoC Launched

The Xiaomi Mi 4C has been launched in two variants: 2GB of RAM and 16GB storage priced at CNY 1,299 (approximately Rs. 13,500), and 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage priced at CNY 1499 (approximately Rs. 15,500).The new Mi 4c supports USB Type-C reversible connector, a highlight of the device. The company has introduced a USB Type-C Adapter which will be available via the company's online store (Mi.com) at CNY 5 (approximately Rs. 50).

The Xiaomi Mi 4c features a 5-inch full-HD (1080x1920 pixels) display, similar to the Xiaomi Mi 4i. The company touts that the handset features a Sunlight display, which means it can be easy to read on the screen of the Mi 4c under the Sun and also comes with night reading mode. The Mi 4c supports Double Tap feature, which wakes up the screen on double tap.

Under the hood, the Xiaomi Mi 4c is powered by a 64-bit hexa-core Snapdragon 808 processor clocked at 1.8GHz. The handset sports a 13-megapixel rear camera, just like Mi 4i. The rear camera features phase detection autofocus and comes with Sony IMX258 or Samsung S5K3M2 sensor. The handset also features a 5-megapixel front-facing camera that comes with 85-degree wide angle lens and self-timer. 

The dual 4G SIM-based Mi 4c is backed by 3080mAh battery. The company confirmed that the smartphone supports Quick Charge 2.0. The handset comes with Infrared that helps the handset to act as a remote for various electronic appliances. It measures 138.1x69.6x7.8mm and weighs 132 grams. It will be available in Black, Blue, Orange, Pink, and White colours.

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iPhone 6s with 12-Megapixel iSight Camera

iPhone 6s with 12-Megapixel iSight Camera

Apple has finally revealed its September 9 event, which was rumoured since earlier this month. The Cupertino-based tech firm is said to announce its new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus smartphones at the event, alongside the next-gen #Apple TV and the formal launch of iOS 9. 

The current models feature an 8-megapixel rear iSight #camera and miss out on the 4K resolution video recording. It is worth noting that, if the rumour is true, this would be the first time since the iPhone 4s that the #iPhone series' camera resolution would be upgraded. Also tipped is an improved image signal processor, alongside the improved A9 SoC.

The report also talks about the handsets' improved FaceTime camera for higher quality videos and selfie shots. Furthermore, Apple is also tipped to add a front-facing flash along with the FaceTime camera. 9to5Mac says that while certain code strings in iOS 9 beta versions have hinted at the inclusion of a front-facing flash, its sources have denied such reports. Instead, the handset might borrow features from Snapchat or PhotoBooth where the handset display would flash a quick white screen when users press the front camera shutter. Other expected features include front-facing panorama shots and HD resolution slow-motion video recording.

Previously, we'd seen the purported iPhone 6s display panel in a video that was posted last month. It is worth noting that some Force Touch feature codes were also found in the iOS 9 beta codes when tested by 9to5Mac. The feature is being said to be used for several functions, one of which is said to be the keyboard trackpad scrolling. cnBeta, which leaked the unassembled iPhone 6s Plus cover box about which we mentioned above, has added that the two upcoming iPhone 6s handsets will be backed by a smaller battery than the ones in current generation. The iPhone 6s Plus is said to feature a 2750mAh battery, down from the current estimated 2915mAh offering.

As for the previously rumours new Pink colour variant, the smartphone is now said to be set to come in the specific Rose Gold colour variant already introduced with Apple Watch. Notably, the Rose Gold colour variant of the iPhone 6s would be more like the copper-hued variation instead of pink, which we saw in recent leaks. Also, mentioned, was that the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus would reportedly bemissing out on sapphire crystal display covers.

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Apps Appear in Android Search Results

Apps Appear in Android Search Results

Google is making it easier than ever to find Android apps through searches. A new update changes the way apps entries appear in the search results when you look for a particular kind of app - say rpg games, or music apps - on Google Now or Chrome (for now) on your Android device. Instead of catering a number of Web links to you, the company is now offering users results in a grid of six apps under the Apps section.

Clicking on the section opens a wider list of apps. Clicking on any entry takes you to its corresponding Google Play link, as you would expect. The search result also follows Material Design guidelines, which the company has been aggressively bringing across all of its apps and services.

The update, which seems to be gradually rolling out to Android users, lists down entries that are placed next horizontally and vertically to each other, replacing the earlier list view of a few relevant apps in search results. Interestingly, if users click on the Apps tab to filter search results, they are shown app results in the earlier list form.

The move could significantly improve user experience as it genuinely improves apps discovery. And for those who don't like this feature, the regular search results and other sections follow right after (and in some cases before as well) the Apps section in results. The change is only on Android, and is aimed at easier search to app install conversions.

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