Android device updates: BlackBerry Priv, Verizon Droid Turbo 2 begin Marshmallow rollout

29.04.2016
The BlackBerry Priv is a pretty solid phone, especially if you long for the days of a physical keyboard. It’s even more compelling now that it’s next in line for Android Marshmallow after going through a lengthy beta test. 

The Droid Turbo 2 is also on track for Marshmallow after an earlier misfire. And the Nextbit Robin got some needed improvements in what turned out to be a busy week in the world of updates.

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.

Priv: You now get to pair up Marshmallow with that rugged BlackBerry keyboard. After a five-month beta test, BlackBerry is making Marshmallow official and sending it out now via an over-the-air update. 

Robin: Nextbit has finally solved some nagging issues with an update that includes Android 6.0.1. This brings all the latest emojis and and improvements to audio, the camera, and battery life. 

Droid Turbo 2: It appears the Marshmallow update is actually ready for real this time. The update was supposed to roll out back in March, but it turned out that was only a soak test. Motorola’s David Schuster announced on Google+ that Marshmallow is finally in “full deployment,” so you should hopefully see it soon. 

LG G3: It’s always good to see a phone that’s a couple of generations back get the latest software. That’s the case here, with multiple G3 owners sharing screenshots that they’ve received Marshmallow. There’s no official AT&T notification yet, but there’s a decent chance this update could hit you soon. 

LG G Vista 2: The Marshmallow wait is over, as an AT&T changelog indicates that Android 6.0.1 is coming along with support for AT&T video calling. You’ll need to be on Wi-Fi in order to grab the download from AT&T’s servers.

LG G5: There was much weeping and gnashing of teeth when LG revealed it had killed the app drawer with the latest version of its custom interface. The company has pledged to reverse that decision, and it looks like some with the T-Mobile variant are already seeing this. You can check on your own device by going to Settings > About phone > Update center > App updates. It will be called “Home & app drawer.”

Nexus Player: The first major update to the Android N beta can now be had on your set-top hockey puck. Grab the factory images if you want to try it out, or you can expect a download soon if you’ve already enrolled the Android TV device in the Nexus beta program.

(www.greenbot.com)

Derek Walter