Expect Nexus devices to receive monthly security updates from now on
Amid the concerns of Android’s Stagefright vulnerability, Google has commented on the protection of its own devices. Nexus devices ranging from the Nexus 7 to the Nexus 6 will now be covered by monthly security updates. The company pointed out that Android being open source means that potential security risks can be identified and addressed by anyone to strengthen the platform.
Nexus devices have always been among the first Android devices to receive platform and security updates. From this week on, Nexus devices will receive regular OTA updates each month focused on security, in addition to the usual platform updates.
Starting today, at least seven Nexus devices are receiving the first monthly security update. The Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9, Nexus 10, and Nexus Player are all protected from the Stagefright vulnerability in addition to receiving other smaller fixes. Any changes made will be added to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
Google reminds everyone that Nexus devices will receive major software updates for at least years years while security patches continue for as long as three years.
People have long bashed Google and Android for not being secure, but the company notes that its decisions are responsible for there being less than 0.15% of devices with a potentially harmful app installed.
Source: Google
Come comment on this article: Expect Nexus devices to receive monthly security updates from now on
Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 receiving Stagefright fixes
Sprint is pushing an update to its Nexus 5 and 6 devices to fix the Stagefright vulnerability. There is no specific SKU for Sprint on either phone, so the update should apply to all of them.
The new update will be build LMY48I. Sprint and AT&T have also updated many Samsung phones to fix the Stagefright bug as well.
Come comment on this article: Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 receiving Stagefright fixes
Google to roll out security-focused updates to Nexus devices on a monthly basis
Just a few hours ago, we let you know that owners of the Nexus 6 and Nexus 5 should soon be receiving a security patch for the Stagefright exploit. That came as no surprise, as Nexus devices are normally among the first to receive timely OTA updates. It looks like the security patch we saw earlier today is part of a bigger initiative from Google, which the company just announced a few moments ago.
In a blog post, Google explained that from this week on, it will push out monthly security-focused over-the-air updates to Nexus devices, in addition to regular platform updates. These fixes will also be released to the public through the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). The company explains:
Nexus devices will continue to receive major updates for at least two years and security patches for the longer of three years from initial availability or 18 months from last sale of the device via the Google Store.
In addition, Google says the Nexus 4, 7, 9, 10 and Player are all receiving the Stagefright patch sometime today, as well.
Nexus in video
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Thanks to Google’s current security measures, fewer than .15% of all Android devices that solely install apps from Google Play have a potentially harmful app installed. Obviously this is great news for Nexus owners, as this new monthly update initiative will provide more security to users than ever before.
This is what the Nexus 6 would have looked like with a fingerprint sensor
It may have been a while since the Nexus 6 was ‘new’ news having been on the market already for around 9 months, but recent pictures of the device show that the original plan was to incorporate a fingerprint sensor into the Nexus 6 and got scrapped last minute.
You know that dimple where the Motorola symbol sits? That’s not just cosmetic design; that’s where the fingerprint sensor originally was positioned, and the recessed button housed the necessary sensors. However, at the time of the Nexus 6 being manufactured, Apple had lock down on the best fingerprint sensor on the market, forcing Motorola to go with a sensor that had a significantly worse user experience. As such, Motorola was forced to scrap their plans for a fingerprint sensor in the Nexus 6.
Nexus 6 Fingerprint Sensor
Here’s some pictures of a Nexus 6 prototype with the fingerprint sensor positioned clearly underneath that Motorola logo on the back.
So ignoring the fact that Android Lollipop doesn’t come with native fingerprint support, and I suppose if the Nexus 6 had a fingerprint sensor this would’ve changed, but would such a feature have changed the success story of the Nexus 6 as a device? Drop us a comment below and let us know.
Source: GforGames
The post This is what the Nexus 6 would have looked like with a fingerprint sensor appeared first on AndroidGuys.
(Update: multiple Samsung devices, too!) Stagefright patch now rolling out to the Nexus 6 and Nexus 5 as build LMY48I
- Samsung Galaxy S6 – G920PVPU2BOGA
- Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge – G925PVPU2BOGA
- Samsung Galaxy S5 – G900PVPU3BOG1
- Samsung Galaxy Note Edge – N915PVPU4COG1
The update may take a day or two to make its way to your device, but at least we now know that a fix is coming. To check for the update manually, head to Settings>System update>Update now.
Original post: According to a couple of Sprint update documents, the Nexus 6 and Nexus 5 should be receiving an update today carrying build LMY48I. The new build brings security fixes for the Stagefright flaw we first heard about a few days ago. Build LMY48I doesn’t appear to bring any fixes other than the patch for the Stagefright issue.
The Stagefright exploit is a new vulnerability found in the Android operating system that can affect devices running Android 2.2 or later. As of right now, there really isn’t anything to worry about, but we’d still advise you to check out our full explanation on the Stagefright exploit here.
While there are still no new factory images posted by Google for these devices, this is a pretty good sign that the updates should start rolling out sometime soon. Have you gotten the new update for your device? If so, be sure to let us know in the comments section down below.
Last chance to enter the Choose Your Own Android Phablet Giveaway: LG G4, OnePlus 2 and more!
The AA Deals Store offers great deals on the daily, but today there’s something a bit more special for you. Are you feeling lucky? You could win one of the hottest devices in the market, and participating won’t cost you a penny.
The “Choose Your Own Android Phablet Giveaway” is simple to enter, so why not try your luck and see if you can be the proud owner of one of these oversized phones? The winner of this giveaway gets to choose one of the following handsets:
Here’s how to enter: Simply head to the giveaway page and enter your email address in the space provided. That will score you one entry into the contest. If you’d like to enter more than once, you can do that, too. After entering your email address, share on Twitter for additional entries. The more your friends and followers enter, the more entries you receive. Make sure you enter with a valid email address so StackSocial can contact you if you win. Keep in mind only one registration per person is allowed. And you should give a valid email, as that is how the winner will be contacted. Any efforts to skew the selection process will result in disqualification, so let’s play nice!
Now that all the details are out of the way, we’d like to urge you to sign up as soon as possible. This giveaway will end at 11:59 PM (PDT) on July 22nd… so tonight! Go get your phone!
Editor’s Note: This deal is through StackCommerce, in partnership with AA Deals Store and other StackSocial partners — and not an exclusive Android Authority contest.
Project Fi’s Nexus 6 will get Android 5.1.1 soon
The official Twitter account for Project Fi gave an update on the status of Android 5.1.1 for its Nexus 6. There, it was specified that owners of the Nexus 6 with Google’s wireless service can expect to see the software update arrive “over the next few days.”
Good news! Android 5.1.1 – an even sweeter version of Android Lollipop – is coming to all Project Fi phones over the next few days.
— Project Fi (@projectfi) July 9, 2015
Don’t have an invite just yet? The wait is almost over. All invites are said to be sent out by mid-summer and Project Fi currently allows you to check the status of your own invite. For me, I was told about ten days ago that my wait was 3-4 weeks but received it earlier this week. So it looks like Google has been able to get invites pushed out at an increased pace.
Source: Project Fi (Twitter)
Come comment on this article: Project Fi’s Nexus 6 will get Android 5.1.1 soon
Toast review: Real wood covers for your tech devices
Who is Toast?
Stationed in Portland, Oregon, Toast is a company that creates, designs and ships real wood covers for a multitude of devices. They are a small team of 8 who work diligently to put out Toast covers for your favorite tech devices! Toast started back in 2012 after a Kickstarter campaign that was backed by 300 people.
Meet Team Toast!
- Matias Brecher – Founder, Product Designer & “Papa Toast”
- Naiden Read – Laser Grand Master & Head of Production
- Jennifer Wright – Awesomeness & Brilliant Ideas Departments; “Mama Toast”
- Danielle House – Social Media Butterfly, PR Power & Primo Pixel Pushing
- Andre Wilder – Master Controller of Production & Taco Expert
- Barrie Jo Hamilton – You Want It, You Got It Department
- Laurent Vriesman – Toast Divine Oracle & Customer Whisperer
- Robert Coronado – Production Team Whiz, Artsy-Fartsy Business & Life of the Party
“You Want It, You Got It Department“
Moving straight on to the review!
Toast cover
Toast makes covers for a large assortment of devices. They have covers for phones, tablets, laptops and even the Pebble smartwatch! They also carry leather skins for select devices.
The team over at Toast was kind enough to send me a beautiful ash cover for my Nexus 6 for the purpose of this review. Another quick shout out to them for being awesome!
Applying the skin
I am deathly afraid of applying things to my phone. I have a mild case of OCD, and I got crazy if a screen protector is the slightest bit off. It is actually one of the reasons that I prefer cases over skins; I can’t deal with a skin that is off just a little. It doesn’t help that companies like Toast make their cutouts precisely the right size. The camera cutout is the exact size as the camera, that sort of thing.
This preciseness scared me at first. I was horrified that I would miss and forever be stuck with a crooked skin. Luckily, that was not the case. Toast covers were actually surprisingly simple apply to my Nexus 6. The best part is that you don’t have to do it perfect the first time!
I missed the first time while trying to apply the backing. After gingerly pealing it back up, I was able to successfully apply it properly on the second go. However, Toast does note that the covers are not reusable. After you apply the cover and push down firmly on it, the skin is on to stay.
You can peal it off after a while, but you will not be able to reapply it and achieve a similar solid stick.
Looks
First impressions
The skin is downright gorgeous. The color of the ash actually really works with the midnight blue Nexus 6 to great a visually pleasing device.
Toast surprised me by throwing in a front skin cover to go along with the back. Due to the curvature of the screen, the skin isn’t a single, solid piece for the front. It is one piece, but it is sort of cut along the edges to allow it to fold over and match the curve of the screen.
Not only does this help the cover get a better hold on the device, but it also creates a simplistic accent to the skin adding value in both function and fashion.
Wear and tear
Toast is definitely a higher end skin. The ash cover looks amazing! There aren’t really any blemishes on the skin, but even if there were, they would just add to the overall appeal. This is one of those products that will end up looking better with more wear and tear.
At least, that is in my opinion. The more the backing got damaged from sliding around on table tops and even concrete, the better it ended up looking! Each mark on the skin added to the overall natural look of the skin.
Engraving
The engraving is probably the best part. Toast sets itself apart from other skin manufacturers by not only using real wood but by allowing users to add custom engravings into the back of the skin.
For a small fee of around $5, you can customize your skin to make your device even more unique.
The engraving is actually surprisingly legible. I wasn’t sure how clear the text would be when burnt into a wooden back, but it comes out nice and clear.
Toast also offers custom covers. With these, you can order a skin just like before, but now you have the option to upload a design to get engraved into the back of the skin in the same way that the custom text would be engraved into the back.
This is significantly more expensive, but it is worth the extra cash to a lot of people to be able to truly create a device that is their own.
Feel
As I have stated multiple times now, Toast uses real wood. This is the main selling point of Toast skins actually. Toast covers provide a feel that is unique to wood grain.
Despite the smooth overall feel of the cover, the wood grain also provides a solid grip. I wish I had one of these on my M8 before it slid out of my hand and down the stairs.
My phone feels nice and secure in my hand with the wood cover. I am not even afraid of dropping the phone without a case on it because I feel confident in the grip that the cover provides.
Price
Toast charges a premium price for a premium product. With varying prices, around the 25 to 30 dollar range, Toast comes out as one of the most expensive skin manufacturers that I have encountered.
However, their price tag isn’t without a reason. The materials and design well make up for the extra costs. The extra effort that so obviously went into the creation of this skins also adds lots of value to this product.
I am not sure about paying $59 for a custom cover, previously mentioned, but I can definitely see the $29 price tag being well worth it.
Wrap Up
The Toast wood covers offer a lot for what they are. A skin that is applied to your phone. It provides a stylistic way to add grip to your device. Toast also allows you to take personalization to the next level with their custom covers.
The only thing they have me wishing for is a skin for the side of my device. They do provide side wraps, but they don’t make them for the Nexus 6 currently.
I highly recommend getting a Toast cover for your phone if you are one of those people who enjoy going caseless! For any phone, not even just the giant monstrosity that is the Nexus 6. Toast covers will provide grip and extra style to any phone that they currently have in stock!
The best part is that if they don’t currently skin your phone, you can contact them and see about sending in your phone as a model to get a skin based off of! Actually, that is how I first heard about Toast, they were looking for a first generation Moto X to use as a model for their covers!
Toast cover for the Nexus 6
Toastmade real wood ash cover on the Nexus 6…
The post Toast review: Real wood covers for your tech devices appeared first on AndroidGuys.
[Deal] Flipkart slashes INR 9,000 off the price of the Nexus 6
Earlier today, Independent retailer Flipkart significantly slashed the price of the Nexus 6 in India by INR 9,000 ($140), so residents in the region can now pick one up for INR 34,999 ($550).
For those in need of a refresher on its specifications, the Nexus 6 packs a 5.9-inch Full HD display, a 2.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB of RAM and a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera.
If you’re based in India, like the sound of the Nexus 6 and would like to pick one up for the reduced price — hit the source link below.
Source: Flipkart
Come comment on this article: [Deal] Flipkart slashes INR 9,000 off the price of the Nexus 6
The LG Nexus 5 (2015) will not be based on the G4
We’ve known for a while now that Google is set to launch not one, but two Nexus smartphones later this year. One will be manufactured by LG and the other by Huawei. However, if a new report out is anything to go by, it would appear that the LG-built Nexus will not be based on its flagship G4 as previously thought. Instead, the South Korean company has teamed up with Google to design the upcoming device from scratch.
It’s a pretty well-known fact that up until the Nexus 6, all former Nexus-branded devices were adapted versions of popular Android flagships. However, Google wanted a more unique smartphone to flagship its lineup, so when the collaboration began with Motorola for the Nexus 6, the search engine giant broke the mould and asked the company to start from the ground up — which is exactly what it’s rumored to have done with LG.
The report claims that the smartphone is currently being referred to as the Nexus 5 (2015) internally, although the name could change at a later date and also suggests that LG could be working on a more pocket-sized device, whilst Huawei may be developing a phablet for Google, possibly codenamed the Nexus 6 (2015).
Fortunately, we don’t have to wait too much longer before we find out more about these handsets, all Nexus smartphones are launched alongside new Android versions, and Android M is expected to appear on our handsets some point this fall. We do have to commend Google, though. It’s done an amazing job at keeping the leaks under wraps and preventing any potential hardware specifications from seeping out. Well, for now, anyway.
Source: AndroidPIT
Come comment on this article: The LG Nexus 5 (2015) will not be based on the G4
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