Android device updates: Nexus 6P, 5X, get key updates while Sprint's GS6 lands Marshmallow
Each week, we compile all the major software updates to hit the Android ecosystem, including phones and tablets on U.S. carriers, unlocked phones, Android Wear smartwatches, and Android TV devices. Making sure your device is running the latest available software is a good housekeeping practice, ensuring you have the latest features with fewer bugs and gaping security holes.
Android N: The big news of the week was of course the surprise unveiling of Android N. The software is a developer preview, which means it will probably be unstable at times, and it's missing a ton of features that will be in the final Android N release. But if you want to give it a go (you need a Nexus device or Pixel C) you can go register for an over-the-air update now.
Nexus 6P: As part of the March update, a Googler took to Reddit to announce there would be several stability and performance fixes along with the typical security patches. This is rolling out now as an over-the-air update.
Nexus 5X: Same story with the cheaper and smaller model. Fixes for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity issues and some carrier weirdness should soon get squashed.
Sprint Galaxy S6, S6 Edge: The wait for Marshmallow is over. Sprint documentation for the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge say that Android 6.0 is coming in an over-the-air update, so keep your eyes open for that ever-important notification.
One M8: It’s the Verizon-branded model’s turn to get Marshmallow. Verizon says to connect your device to Wi-Fi or a strong Verizon signal in order to download the complete software package.
Priv: This is the first non-Nexus phone to get the March security update. BlackBerry decided to praise itself in a blog post comparing the company’s performance to other unnamed OEMs.
Given that BlackBerry’s longtime claim to fame is security, this is a smart play for those who long for the days of a hardware keyboard but may have been concerned about the sometimes risky security situation in the world of Android.
Xperia Z5 Series, Z4 Tablet, Z3+: Sony tends to push out its updates in huge batches, and here’s another bundle that’s ready to go. Android Marshmallow is coming to this line, which you should see soon in an over-the-air update. If you are feeling adventurous, the good people of Xperia Blog posted the firmware files if you want to grab them right now.
Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact, Z2: Marshmallow isn’t quite ready for the masses, but Sony recently updated its beta firmware for these devices. This indicates that it’s undergoing active testing and should be ready for you soon. We’ll be sure to proclaim the good news when it happens.