Google Nexus 6 news: Android 7.0 Nougat update finally rolls out to flagship

Featured in the image is the Google Nexus 6Google Nexus website

After a number of delays and issues, Google has finally started rolling out the new Android Nougat 7.0 update on its older-generation Nexus 6 flagship.

As with previous major Android platform updates, the new Nougat 7.0 download comes via an over-the-air notification. However, it is expected that not all users will get the update at the start of the release since the platform will have a staggered rollout. The update itself comes in as an 860-MB download.

However, Nexus 6 owners who have yet to receive the OTA feedback can manually download the factory and OTA images for a manual update. However, it should be noted that the manual update is more for tech-savvy Nexus 6 owners who want to further customize the new Android 7.0 Nougat platform.

Google starting the platform update, even at this late stage, is welcome news to Nexus 6 users. When the tech giant released a list of Android Nougat-compatible Nexus devices, the Nexus 6, along with the Nexus 9 LTE, is missing from the update-ready list. This made fans wonder about the delay since the Nexus 6 is still considered as a previous-gen flagship.

As it turns out, Google has had difficulties in rolling out the Android Nougat 7.0 update for the Nexus 6. While the company has not confirmed what caused the delay, speculations suggest that the Android Nougat 7.0 was found to induce battery drain on the devices. With the update jump-starting, it is expected that the glitches have already been addressed.

Meanwhile, with the update already available for the Nexus 6, all of the compatible Nexus lineups are already on Android Nougat 7.0. This means that Google will now be pushing for Android 7.1. Although it remains to be seen when this will happen, it is expected that the version update will start soon. Google already has the Android 7.1 platform ready and has even included it as one of the features for the new Google Pixel smartphone flagships.