14 DAY TRIAL // Google is expected to release the factory images for the Nexus 7, Nexus 10 for Android 5.0 Lollipop, but while we wait on that, the search giant is serving us with something else.
Google has just posted the factory images for the Nexus 9 tablet, which is the first device of its kind to arrive in the wild with Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box. It is build LRX21L and you can go grab it now from Google. We’re still waiting for the binaries, but they shouldn’t be lagging far behind anyway.
Nexus 9 and Nexus Player factory images now available
What’s more, it appears the Nexus Player “fugu” has received its factory images as well, and if you’re interested, you can head to the Factory Images for Nexus Devices page and pick it up from there.
At the moment, we’re not exactly sure when the OTA update for the Nexus 7 (2012 & 2013) and Nexus 10 is going to start rolling out, but the rumor mill said the event would happen on November 3.
Since the date has already passed, we have to assume Google will be taking a little bit longer to provide send Material Design to our older tablets.
Actually, according to word on the street, the launch date might have been pushed back to November 12, because Google found some bugs that needed to be fixed.
So starting today, you have the Nexus 9 factory images at your disposal and you can go ahead and flash if you desire. Here’s a little tutorial for you to help you do it.
Instructions on how to flash:
1. First stop, download the factory image corresponding to the tablet;
2. Extract the zip file to your computer;
3. Copy the resulted files and paste them in SDK / Platform-tools folder;
4. Open Command Prompt window from the Platform-tools folder;
5. To flash Android 5.0 Lollipop, type in the following command line:
- flash-all.bat
- press Enter and let the installation process run its course;
6. While Android 5.0 Lollipop is installing, be careful not to press any buttons;
7. Once it’s done, your device will reboot in normal mode. You can then close Command Prompt and disconnect it from your computer;
8. Turn on the device and enter your Google Account credentials and start using it!
Factory images are necessary tools for those of you who want to reset their device to stock, after installing a custom ROM or anything similar on your tablet.
So just to be on the safe side of things in case you need it at some point, go download the factory image for your Nexus 9.