Google VPN service spotted hidden within Android 5.1
Android 5.1 features a number of tweaks and changes to Lollipop, but a whole new Google service has also been spotted lurking within the operating system running on a Nexus 6. Although not functional right now, Google appears to be working on a VPN (virtual private network) service.
If you have Android 5.1 installed on your own Nexus 6, you should be able to spot a new system application called “Google Connectivity Services”, located in the list of apps installed on your handset. I won’t go through all the steps of discovery, you can check out the source link for that, but eventually getting it to run reveals that this is a Google VPN application, designed to protect users connected up to an open Wi-Fi network. You can go all the way through to a setup screen, however connections don’t seem to be working at this time.
This could all be linked to Google’s wireless carrier service, which is said to rely heavily on open Wi-Fi connections when cellular services from T-Mobile and Sprint are not available. Keeping your personal data secure when connected to an open-WiFi network is quite an important feature, which is where the Google VPN service likely comes into play.
On the other hand, there’s also the possibility that this is a left-over feature that may never launch. Interesting though.
Android 5.1 update brings full quad-core optimisation for Nexus 6
Renowned Kernel developer Francisco Franco has shared on his Google+ page that after the Android 5.1 update the Nexus 6 is now running on all four cores engaged constantly.
The result? No more stutter or lagging on the Nexus 6 thanks to what Franco describes below:
1 – thread moves from cpu0 to cpu2
2 – driver is notified
3 – reads the current cpu0 frequency
4 – if cpu2 current frequency is less than cpu0’s read frequency it boosts cpu2 to that freq, or, if the origin freq is lower than the threshold (which is 1.7GHz by default AFAIK) it boosts to that threshold value.
5 – the boosted frequency on cpu2 stays there for at least 20ms
Have you noticed an improvement in the speed of your Nexus 6 after Android 5.1? Drop us a comment below.
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Google Looking to Launch VPN Service for Android
There is talk spreading that Google may be considering creating a VPN service for Android users everywhere. This talk stems from a secret hidden beneath the new Android 5.1 update for the Nexus 6. If you currently own a Nexus 6 running Android 5.1, follow along and see if you can find what we’re talking about.
Included in the update for the Nexus, there is an app called Google Connectivity Services. Don’t check your app drawer; you won’t find it there. It can only be found in the list under Settings > Apps > All. It is possible to run it after tweaking it a bit. (If you are interested, follow the link below.) Once it is run, you are alerted that Google VPN is being run to keep your data transmitted securely. If you select, “Got It,” you will be taken to a Connection request window that requests your permission to set up a VPN. If you select, “OK,” the app will stop running, so it is far from finished.
While no one can be certain what exactly Google has in mind, there are plenty of things to consider. Will this service be freely available to all Android user, or will there be a charge to use it? Will there be unlimited bandwidth, or will we have caps to our VPN usage? Is Google only planning to use this feature in relation to the Mobile Network it is trying to run? Leave your comments below and start a discussion on what you think is happening.
Via: GSM Arena
Source: Pocketables
Come comment on this article: Google Looking to Launch VPN Service for Android
Android 5.1 OTA update now available to download and flash for Nexus 6
Android 5.1 is now rolling to several Nexus devices and it can take up to a couple of weeks for all devices to receive the update. If you’re rocking a Nexus 6 and you don’t feel like waiting, then we have the direct OTA link (from Google) for you to download and flash.
If you need a refresher or you’re new to flashing an OTA update, just hit up our very extensive guide on how to do it.
Nexus 6 (shamu) From LRX22C to LMY47D (5.1)
Come comment on this article: Android 5.1 OTA update now available to download and flash for Nexus 6
Nexus 6 arrives at Verizon starting March 12
After months of waiting, Verizon customers can finally get the Nexus 6 on “the nation’s largest and most reliable 4G LTE network” starting on March 12 online, and March 19 in stores.
There seems to be no indication in Verizon’s announcement as to why there was a wait, other than they say “Thank you for your patience”. However, with Verizon’s push of their new Advanced Calling capabilities, or Voice over LTE (VoLTE), it’s possible they wanted to push their technology on the Nexus 6. However, this ability has only become available with the release of Android 5.1 and its High Definition Voice capability. Still, one wonders why they didn’t just promote it when the software became available for the Nexus 6.
The Nexus 6 will cost $249.99 on a new two-year contract, or $27.08 per month for 24 months on Verizon Edge. Consumers also receive 6 months of free Google Play Music All Access when purchasing a Nexus 6 with Verizon.
Source: Verizon Wireless News Center
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Verizon makes it official, announces Nexus 6 available March 12th
Consistent with earlier leaks of promotional materials, Verizon officially announced today the availability of the Nexus 6 starting on March 12th. If it is any consolation for those who have been waiting, Verizon will release the Nexus 6 with Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box, so users will benefit from the work Google has been doing to fine tune Lollipop since its release last fall.
As the leaks indicted, Verizon is pricing the Nexus at $249.99 with a 2-year contract. Buyers can also get it for $27.08 per month for 24 months on Verizon Edge. Consumers may not need much of any additional inducement to pick one up if they were already interested, but to help push people over the edge, Verizon is offering six months of access to Google Play Music All Access if the Nexus 6 is purchased before March 31st.
Verizon will start taking orders on-line on March 12th and the device should be available in stores starting on March 19th.
source: Verizon
Come comment on this article: Verizon makes it official, announces Nexus 6 available March 12th
Android 5.1 said to be rolling out to Nexus 6 today
Earlier this week, Google formally announced Android 5.1 and immediately made factory images available for the Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2012) and Nexus 10. So when might we see the latest version of Android come to other Nexus devices? While the image has yet to hit, Sprint has now updated its Nexus 6 support page to indicate that the update will hit N6 users starting today.
For those that aren’t on Sprint’s network, don’t worry, this update will apply to you as well. After all, there’s only one SKU for the Nexus 6, and so the update should be hitting everyone in reasonably short order. It’s also probable that the Nexus 6 factory image will be showing up sometime soon, at least if Sprint’s 3/11 release target proves accurate.
While we already have an idea of what’s new in Android 5.1, including the quasi-return of silent mode, Sprint’s changelog specifically points out the following:
• Factory Reset Protection
• Enhancements to sending MMS messages in the UK
• Fixed duplicate SMS messages being sent
We’ll be sure to update readers as soon as we get confirmation that the update is rolling out over the air, or if the factory images hit. Anyone get 5.1 on their Nexus 6 yet? Let us know in the comments.
Verizon Nexus 6 finally arriving March 12th, with Android 5.1 in tow
Despite launching quite some time ago on other carriers, the Nexus 6 has yet to come to Verizon Wireless — until now. Starting tomorrow, March 12th, the Nexus 6 will be sold online for $249 on contract or $27.08 a month through Verizon Edge with 24 monthly payments. Those wishing to buy in store will need to wait until March 19th.
So what took so long? Was Verizon just being Verizon? As it turns out, it might have more to do with Big Red waiting it out for Android 5.1. After all, there are a number of Verizon-specific tweaks in the Android 5.1 changelog that might have been needed for the Nexus 6 to play nicely with Verizon’s network. Conversely, Verizon might have just been slow to roll out the device as is typical from the carrier, take your pick.
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Aside from including Android 5.1 out of the box and the addition of Verizon branding on the back, there’s really nothing different about the Nexus 6 on Verizon’s network. For those that need a remind of what to expect, be sure to check out our full review, as well as some of our great Nexus 6 hands-on videos.
For those on Big Red’s network, are you still interested in the Nexus 6 or have you instead turned your attention to the coming crop of 2015 flagship devices?
It’s official: Nexus 6 launching with Verizon online March 12th and in stores the 19th
We all knew Verizon would be launching the Nexus 6 eventually. We heard rumors of a March 12th launch date, but until today, they were just that, rumors. This morning Verizon took to the net and made the announcement official. The 6-inch, 2.7GHz quad-core toting thing of beauty will make its debut online on March […]
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Sprint starts rolling out Android 5.1 Lollipop update to the Nexus 6
Yesterday was a big day for Google, Android users and the Nexus line. A number of T-Mobile devices started to see the updated tot he latest Android OS, Android 5.1 Lollipop. While the list was long, Nexus 4, Nexus 5 and Nexus 7, it didn’t include the Nexus 6. This morning Verizon announced the Nexus […]
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