Android 7.1.1 Nougat rolls out to Nexus 6, factory image and OTA files released

The Nexus 6 is the last smartphone in the Nexus family to receive Android 7.1.1 Nougat. When the update was released to Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, the Nexus 6 was skipped due to an issue found at the last minute.

However, Google promised it will deliver the Android 7.1.1 Nougat update to the Nexus 6 as soon as it fixes that “last minute bug.” Last month we got word that Google might release the update in early January, but we did not have confirmation from the search giant.

Well, that doesn't matter anymore since Google has just released the factory image and OTA files needed for Nexus 6 to be updated to Android 7.1.1 Nougat.

If you own the Nexus 6 and don't want to wait for the OTA (over the air) rollout, you can simply flash the factory image on your smartphone.

Android 7.1.1 Nougat brings a couple of new features and improvements that were available only on the Pixel phones initially. For example, a new set of emoji that promote gender equality are included in the update, along with the ability to send GIFs directly from the keyboard on supported apps such as Google Allo, Google Messenger and Hangouts.

Also, app shortcuts will be added too, so you can launch actions on your favorite apps, includin Twitter and Google Maps, by long pressing the app icon.