Google pushes an update to the Nexus 9 and it’s not Android 5.1
Pay attention, Nexus 9 owners! The tablet is currently seeing a software update appear that brings with it…. Android 5.0.2. Oh, you probably thought that Google was finally delivering Android 5.1. Nope, not today.
Google says that performance is improved and bugs have been squashed with this update.
Come comment on this article: Google pushes an update to the Nexus 9 and it’s not Android 5.1
While everyone else moves towards 5.1.1, Nexus 9 finally gets an update to Android 5.0.2
Considering it’s the latest Nexus tablet on the market, one would expect the Nexus 9 to be treated as a high priority when it comes to rolling out new software updates. Unfortunately, that’s far from the case. The Nexus 9 is the only current member of the Nexus family that doesn’t have factory images for at least Android 5.1, and the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 even recently received updates to Android 5.1.1.
So when will the Nexus 9 finally move past Android 5.0.1? The answer is today, as a new OTA update is arriving that bumps the software up to… Android 5.0.2. That’s right, while everyone else is preparing for a move to Android 5.1.1, the Nexus 9 is getting a very minor bug fix (a meager 23.3MB file).
So what’s going on here? We can’t say for sure why Google is being so slow to upgrade the Nexus 9 to the latest version of Android, we can only speculate that something with the hardware maybe causing trouble and Google doesn’t want to push out an update until they get everything running smoothly. Here’s to hoping that Android 5.0.2 update was a necessary one in order to push out 5.1.x, and that it won’t be long before the Nexus 9 catches up with its Nexus brethren.
Nexus 9 owners, are you okay with being stuck on 5.0.x for now, or is this unacceptable? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Nexus devices aren’t selling well, Nexus 6 mostly to blame
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Google has just announced their quarterly financial results for Q1 2015, and while the overall picture is good, there’s a bit of bad new for Nexus devices. Google refers to the money it earns from the Play Store and Google Store as “other revenues”, and while overall “other revenues” has increased to $1.8 billion, up 23% year-on-year, when compared with last quarter, this revenue stream has actually fallen by 3%. In the earnings call, Google CFO Patrick Pichette attributed this decline to the fact that Nexus devices aren’t selling well anymore, in particular the Nexus 6, which hasn’t been the financial success that the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 were.
You can kind of understand why this is the case – the Nexus 5 ($349) and Nexus 7 ($249) were significantly cheaper than their successors, the Nexus 6 ($649) and Nexus 9 ($399), and it’s obvious that the almost double-the-cost Nexus 6 is a bit of a tough ask for what is essentially an enthusiast’s device. Having said that, it’s unlikely that Google will bat an eyelid as the Nexus line, as we all know, is less about being a commercial success but getting quality devices into the hands of developers and enthusiasts – though I doubt they’d complain if it actually made money too. We’ll have to see if Google changes their strategy with the next Nexus smartphone and goes back to a cheaper device.
What do you think about Nexus devices not doing too well? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: 9to5 Google via TalkAndroid
The post Nexus devices aren’t selling well, Nexus 6 mostly to blame appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Google admits that Nexus devices aren’t selling so well, but that’s not what they said 3 months ago
Well how things can change in 3 months time. In an earnings conference call back in January, Google CFO Patrick Pichette stated that they couldn’t keep up with Nexus 6 demand. That implied that the demand was so unbelievably high, but as we have learned with supply and demand, even if demand is low, supply could still be an issue. When I reported that story, I titled the post….They have to be kidding: Google admits they can’t keep up with Nexus 6 demand….because it was obvious that the Nexus 6 couldn’t be selling that well.
Fast forward three months to yesterday and Patrick Pichette is singing a different tune. He is now saying that there has been a “decline in Nexus” year over year. He didn’t call out any specific device so it doesn’t mean the Nexus 6 is the culprit. The Nexus 6 is probably part of the issue becsause I seriously doubt the Nexus 9 is lighting any fires either. The Nexus 6 is priced $300 over ($649 vs $349) what the Nexus 5 went for and the Nexus 9 is a big square 4:3 tablet that is also overpriced. There is also the Nexus Player, but let’s not even talk about that because those sales figures have to represent no more than a pimple on someone’s ass.
Here’s his full statement…
“Other revenues grew 23 percent year over year to $1.8 billion, but were down 2 percent quarter over quarter, driven really by year over year growth in the Play Store, offset by decline in Nexus, and the currency fluctuations. Year over year it hasn’t been as strong given the strength of the Nexus 7 last year.”
I have been saying it for a long time and I know I am in the minority for Android hardcores, but the Nexus line has always been overrated. Everyone goes gaga over stock Android, but it’s just as buggy as anything else. In fact, I don’t think I have ever had a great experience with any Nexus device. They are supposed to be reference devices, but the batteries and cameras generally suck on them as well.
source: 9to5Google
Come comment on this article: Google admits that Nexus devices aren’t selling so well, but that’s not what they said 3 months ago
Quick look: Google Nexus 9 vs Apple iPad Mini 3
Editor’s note: this comparison originally appeared on our sister site TabTimes, your resource for tablets and convertibles running all operating systems.
We’ve spent some time recently looking at the Nexus 7, Nexus 9, iPad Air 2 and the iPad Mini 3. As we’ve been putting these tablets side-by-side to help you determine which is best for your computing needs, it is time we pit the 8-inch iPad Mini 3 against Google’s 9-inch Nexus 9.
Welcome to the Apple iPad Mini 3 vs Google Nexus 9 shootout.
Overview
The overall approach to these two tablets is perhaps similar in that they attempt to offer an excellent overall user experience, and package it up in a fairly mobile device. Neither the iPad Mini 3, nor the Nexus 9 rock the best of specs available, but they are still well equipped and ready to rock.
When we talked about the iPad Mini 3 and the Nexus 7 last week, we presented them as pocket-sized tablets – using that as a reference, I will say that the Nexus 9 is just a little too large for most pockets.
Design
In the basic sense of a modern tablet device, the Nexus 9 and the iPad Mini 3 share similarities in being 4:3 aspect ratio devices with beyond HD displays, house a single power/data port, and have been carefully crafted in shape and materials. Both devices feel solid to the touch, with the minor exception of the Nexus 9’s little back cover loose spot.
When we take a closer look, however, the differences are many. From the top down, the Nexus 9 houses its power button on the right hand edge of the device, where the iPad Mini 3 has a power button that lives up top. Volume rockers are in about the same position on the right edge and are very easy to find by touch on the iPad Mini 3, this is not true of the Nexus 9, as the side has a slight beveling to it that protects the buttons from protruding, eliminating many accidental presses.
Audio is another design difference, while the iPad Mini 3 has speakers on the bottom edge of the device, the Nexus 9 has dual speakers, one at the very top of the device and one at the very bottom, both facing the user. iPad Mini 3 users for whom audio is of the utmost importance may want to check out our iPad speaker docks piece for ideas.
Rear facing cameras live on the back side of each of these tablets, in the top left corner. Front facing cameras are centered above the display on the front. Front bezels are fairly minimal on the sides of the display for both the Nexus 9 and the iPad Mini 3. The top and bottom bezels are a little larger, especially with the Home button in the iPad.
That charging/data port lives on the bottom edge of both of these devices, with the Nexus 9 employing a micro USB port and the iPad with Apple’s new Lightning port.
The back casing of the iPad Mini 3 is of solid metal construction. The Nexus 9, on the other hand, is a full plastic non-removable back cover with a decent soft non-stick finish to it. The full outside edge of the Nexus 9 is where you’ll find metal in HTC’s design.
Display
When Google and HTC put the plans together for the Nexus 9, they decided on a display with resolution of 2048 x 1536. We keep calling it a 9-inch display, but it actually measures in at 8.9-inches, constructed of Gorilla Glass 3.
Viewing angles and brightness are more than adequate for your everyday needs, including when you head into a dark room or head out to enjoy some sunshine. Auto brightness settings are fairly accurate, but you may occasionally need to manually adjust for optimal viewing.
As it turns out, the iPad Mini 3 also rocks 2048 x 1536 on its 4:3 aspect ratio 7.9-inch IPS display.
Auto brightness settings on the iPad Mini 3 will bring you from a dim enough display when viewed at night, to a bright enough display to also see in the sunlight. I find that the auto settings err on the side of darkness, as I’ve only ever had to manually override to turn brightness up.
Performance
As mentioned earlier, the Nexus 9 and the iPad Mini 3 each offer specs that are not exactly what you would call the latest and greatest. This is not to suggest that performance suffers on these devices, on the contrary, each plow through the basics without a stutter and only really show signs of weakness in the heaviest of operations.
The Nexus 9 is one of the first 64-bit Android tablets to hit the market, powered by the Nvidia Tegra K1 Denver, which is a well appointed dual core SoC. With some of the benefits of Google’s latest version of Android, version numbers 5 and up Android Lollipop, the tablet does well with memory management from ART. Admitting that there are some issues with Lollipop right now, we won’t talk too in-depth about the operating system performance on the Nexus 9 ta this time.
Overall, the Nexus 9 performs well, we even ran an AnTuTu benchmark on it once, it scored about 58000.
The iPad Mini 3 is a very snappy performing tablet. The operating system is fast and smooth, which speaks both to the hardware and to the rather simplistic approach to iOS on the home screens. Although only equipped with ‘last year’s’ A7 chipset, it is a well performing 64-bit SoC itself. Most applications load in a snap, while you may notice a slow down with some of the larger and more strenuous of applications and processes.
Recently updated to iOS 8.3, the iPad Mini 3 also performs very well. It has been possible to notice a speed difference between it and the larger, faster iPad Air 2, but you really have to go looking for the differences to notice.
The same goes when opening similar apps on the Nexus 9 and iPad Mini 3 side-by-side, overall performance is fairly similar.
Hardware
In terms of your user experience, the major differences between the iPad Mini 3 and the Nexus 9, aside from the 1-inch of screen size, is that the iPad has a fingerprint sensor and the Nexus 9 has big, loud speakers powered by HTC’s BoomSound.
Certainly, having a physical Home button, as the iPad Mini 3 does, to many is a huge advantage, as the Nexus 9 sacrifices a touch of the display for navigation buttons. That said, there are some, myself included, that now prefer the on-screen controls to a physical button, but that is a personal preference.
The ability to double tap the screen to wake the Nexus 9 is extremely handy, as is the dedicated instant mute switch above the volume rocker on the iPad Mini 3.
Up on top of the Nexus 9 is a standard headphone jack, and out the bottom is that micro USB port. On the inside you’ll find that 64-bit Nvidia Tegra K1 processor with 2GB of RAM and a 192-core Kepler GPU. Sensors on board include an accellerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass and ambient light sensor. In addition, this tablet is NFC capable.
Measuring 8.99-inches tall and 6.05-inches across, the Nexus 9 is a fair thickness at 7.95mm (0.31-inches) in depth. Despite having a plastic back cover, with a bit of a loose spot that bothers many users, the Nexus 9 is also a very solid feeling tablet. Once again, it feels very sturdy and shows no signs of compromise when applying a real world use twist or bending pressure.
Battery life is advertised at 9.5 hours of basic web browsing, music or video playback out of the 6700mAh battery. As most advertised tests go, our results differed, providing roughly half the advertised life. Exact numbers are coming soon, stay tuned.
The iPad Mini 3 houses a standard headphone jack and Apple’s Lightning connector port. Hidden under the Home button is a fingerprint scanner that allows for biometric authenticated access into your tablet. Audio output is by the bottom facing speakers, sound is crisp and more than loud enough for most situations.
The iPad Mini 3 measures 7.87-inches tall, 5.3-inches across and is 7.2mm (0.28-inch) thick. The full metal shell of the iPad provides the utmost in strength. It takes a fair amount of pressure to make it bend, but forgive us for not pushing it too far.
Looking inside, we see other sensors, including a gyro, accelerometer, and ambient light sensor. Keeping everything running on the Mini 3 is a 6350mAh battery. Apple says it will provide upwards of 10 hours of web surfing, music or video playback. In our time with the device, it did not last quite as long as advertised, but you’ll have to stay tuned for our full battery life test to see the results.
Camera
While tablet photography is a taboo subject for many, you’ll still be able to capture fairly nice photos with these devices. The Nexus 9 houses the larger sensor of the two, clocking in at 8MP.
The iPad Mini 3 has a smaller 5MP sensor, but they are both f/2.4 with auto-focus. Video recording is at full HD and the Nexus 9 has an LED flash. Both tablets offer a panoramic capture, with the Nexus 9 also offering Google’s Photosphere.
The front side of these tablets offer up 1.2mp camera sensors, for all of your FaceTime, Skype or Hangouts needs. 720p video capture is not a premium these days, but is more than adequate for a little video conference.
As I’ve said before, there really is no better way to explain the value of the cameras than to simply put them to work. Here are a few camera samples with the Nexus 9 going first and the iPad Mini 3 following in varying good and low light situations.
Software
Android is one of the most common operating systems found on many devices around the globe today. The latest iteration is Android 5+ Lollipop, which is found on the Nexus 9 as we have it. In fact, the Nexus line is Google’s flagship device approach at showing their vision of Android and Android devices, making the Nexus 9 more than just another tablet offering.
Overall, the software performance is solid, smooth and fast. One might complain about battery life before they complain about a poor experience otherwise. There is a good selection of apps installed by default, with many more apps ready to install from the Google Play Store.
The versatility of Android is well represented on the Nexus 9, allowing you to install third party Launchers, add tweaks as might be found in our Android customization series and so much more. The general approach is to keep the device wireless in all operations, allowing you to perform almost any task without wires. Until you need to charge the battery of course.
iOS on the iPad Mini 3 is a solid and very fluid experience. The tablet benefits wholly from the vast number of apps available that are dedicated to the iPad screen sizes. Straight out of the box, one can enjoy basic web surfing and navigation with just the default apps pre-installed on the device. As you might expect, you’ll need to have an Apple ID if you want to download and install more apps from the App Store.
As with your other iOS powered devices, there is no pressing need to connect your iPad to your PC and sync data through iTunes. Although, that connection may prove the best when it comes to transferring files, such as your pictures or music.
Pricing and final thoughts
Although there are more powerful tablets on the market today, the Nexus 9 and the iPad Mini 3 represent two of the most versatile tablets you’ll find, especially if you are looking for something that is easy to hold and take with you on the go.
| Google Nexus 9, by HTC | Apple iPad Mini 3 |
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It is always important to mention that the better choice of these two tablets, for you and your needs, is possibly the one that is most compatible with your other computing devices and accessories. If you have a large iTunes library and have purchased many iOS apps, then the iPad Mini 3 certainly has an advantage for you. Just as a large Google Play library and Android app inventory make the Nexus 9 a strong consideration for your needs.
Also, be sure to watch out for deals on the Nexus 9, you can often save a couple dollars during common deals at your favorite electronics retailers.
There is no question that the larger display of the Nexus 9 lends itself to media consumption, but the pocketability of the iPad Mini 3 makes it a treat to slip into a back pocket and head out the door.
If you have had the pleasure of laying hands on both the Google Nexus 9 and the Apple iPad Mini 3, please tell us which tablet you prefer?
Android 5.1.1 references surface on Google’s own site
Google just recently began rolling out Android 5.1 Lollipop within the last few weeks, but there may be another software version already on its way sometime soon. The next version is Android 5.1.1, and it was recently found running on the Nexus 9 and Wi-fi Nexus 7 (2013) model on Google’s Android Audio Latency information page. The Nexus 9 is running build number LMY47S and the Wi-fi Nexus 7 (2013) is shown running build number LMY47W. We’ve attached a screenshot below so you can see for yourself.
We can’t be sure that an official rollout will happen within the next few days (or weeks for that matter), but since Google is openly flaunting the new version on its own website, it’s tough to imagine we’re too far away from 5.1.1 rolling out sometime soon. There’s been no leaks or rumors about what exactly 5.1.1 will bring, but we’re sure it has something to do with bug fixes.
The Wi-Fi Nexus 7 and Nexus 9 were among the last of the Nexus devices to receive the update to Android 5.1. The Nexus 7 just received its update a few days ago, and the Nexus 9 is still stuck on Android 5.0. We’re hoping a rollout happens sometime soon, because the Nexus 9 needs a boatload of bug fixes.
[Deal] Best Buy takes $75 off the Nexus 9
Want one of the best Android tablets around? Then head over to Best Buy and purchase the Nexus 9. The electronics retailer is selling Google’s flagship tablet for $75 less than its normal price and both 16GB and 32GB models are eligible. That means the 16GB model costs $324 while the 32GB model has been lowered to $404. The Indigo Black and Lunar White color options are available in either storage size with the discount.
Come comment on this article: [Deal] Best Buy takes $75 off the Nexus 9
Nexus 9 International Giveaway!
Welcome to the Sunday Giveaway, the place where we giveaway a new Android phone or tablet each and every Sunday.
A big congratulations to last week’s winner of the Samsung Galaxy S6 giveaway Istvan B. (Hungary).
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This week we are giving away a Nexus 9 Android tablet!
Released in November 2014, the Nexus 9 built by HTC is a 8.9″ inch Android tablet that comes loaded with the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop.
See what we think of the Nexus 9 in our review and be sure to checkout our review of the official Nexus 9 cases.
This week we are using a new giveaway widget to handle entries. See below for entry options.
Join Now!
Nexus 9 International Giveaway!
Terms & Conditions
- The giveaway is an international giveaway (Except when we can not ship to your Country.)
- If we can not ship to your country, you will be compensated with an online gift card of equal MSRP value to the prize.
- We are not responsible for lost shipments.
- You must be age of majority in your Country of residence.
- We are not responsible for any duties, import taxes that you may incur.
- Only 1 entry per person, do not enter multiple email addresses. We will verify all winners and if we detect multiple email addresses by the same person you will not be eligible to win.
- We reserve all rights to make any changes to this giveaway.
- The prize will ship when it is available to purchase.
Full terms & conditions and FAQ | Past giveaway winners [Gallery]
Deal: Pick up a Nexus 9 for $100 off from Best Buy
Google’s Nexus 9 tablet is one of the better Android tablets on the market today, but many folks think that it’s still too expensive. If you’ve been waiting for the price to drop, now may be your chance. Best Buy is currently selling the Nexus 9 for $100 off, but only for a very limited time.
You can pick up a Black 16GB Nexus 9 for only $299.99, or the 32GB variant for only $379.99. If you’re still thinking that’s too expensive and don’t mind going with an open-box item, the 16GB version can be yours for $269.99, or the 32GB for $349.99. This flash sale also includes official Nexus 9 accessories, giving you the chance to buy the HTC Magic Cover for $29.99 ($10 off) and the Keyboard Folio Case for $97.49 ($32.50 off).
If you need a refresher, the HTC-made Nexus 9 comes with an 8.9-inch display with a resolution of 1536 x 2048. It also runs on a 2.3GHz Nvidia Tegra K1 processor, a Kepler DX1 GPU and is backed by 2GB of RAM. It also has an 8MP rear-facing camera, 1.6MP front-facing camera, a 6700mAh battery and comes with loud front-facing speakers.
If you’d like to pick one up for yourself, you’ll need to hurry. The deal only lasts until 4 p.m. ET/3 p.m. CT. Head to the link below if you’re interested!
Deal: Get $50 in Google Play credit with purchase of a Nexus 6, Nexus 9 or Android Wear device
If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, tablet or wearable, the newly-announced Google Store may have a deal for you. From now until March 31st, if you purchase a Nexus 6, Nexus 9 or any Android Wear device, you’ll receive $50 in credit to be used on anything in the Google Play Store. Once you purchase your new device, you’ll get a confirmation email from Google with your promotion code, which can then be added to your Play Store balance.
There are a few rules and regulations to go over before you make your purchase, though. Just to clarify, the $50 credit can be used in the Google Play Store, not the new Google Store where you buy devices. Your $50 credit can go towards anything, whether that be new apps, games, movies, shows, music or magazines. Your Google Play credit must be added to your account by April 20th and used by September 1st.
In addition to this sweet deal, Sony’s SmartWatch 3 can also be yours for a discounted price. Right now, the SmartWatch 3 is being offered at a $50 discount ($199.99), and includes the $50 in Google Play credit. That’s not a bad deal at all!
If you’d like to take advantage of any of these deals, head to the link below to start shopping. Is anybody picking anything up?
AIVAnet 