Nexus 2015 Release Date Shapes Up As Google Makes Available Android 5.1.1 Factory Images For Nexus 7, 9 & 10

Google’s release date plans for the Nexus 2015 appear to be shaping up as factory images of Android 5.1.1 for existing Nexus devices are surfacing one by one. In previous years, Android updates pointed to key step ups not only of the Google mobile operating system but also of the company’s Nexus models.

The case this year is the next Android version that will replace Lollipop 5.xx. In many reports, it is being referred to as Android Muffin or version 5.2 or even higher. The possibility of a huge jump to Android 6.0 also floats around and all these discussions are being fuelled by the batch arrival of OS updates from Google.

Android 5.1.1 factory images

Last week, owners of the Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013 builds) and Nexus 10 tablet computers were given access to factory images of Android 5.1.1. According to 9to5Google, the software is downloadable via Google’s developer site and is all set for the devices mentioned above in the Wi-Fi variant. It was not indicated in the same report on when the update for the cellular models will be deployed.

As for the Nexus 9, which was rolled out last year with the Motorola Nexus 6, factory image of Android 5.1.1 for the HTC-made tablet is coming very soon. In a separate report, 9to5Google said that over-the-air or OTA arrival of the software is forthcoming. The blog report cited a Google employee with knowledge of the matter as the source of its information.

For the uninitiated, an Android factory image is a pure version of the software that users can get directly from Google channel. It can then be used to downgrade from the latest official version or upgrade without waiting for the software’s OTA or other official channels distribution.

Next Android form and Nexus model

But the bigger hint really that is extracted from these factory images or any other Android updates is the notion that they pave the way for new big things to come from Google – the next Android version and the new Nexus devices that they will power. If indeed Lollipop is programmed to be bumped off by Android 5.5 or 6.0, the earliest that this pack could arrive is June 2015 by way of Google’s annual I/O Developers Conference.

Or the Internet search giant can follow the release template it has established – providing major update of its mobile OS twice a year. This could mean that part one would be via the I/O gathering then the second instalment is packaged with the Nexus 2015 unveiling in the second half of the year.

Along that line, Android Muffin or version 6.0 could be line up to debut with the Nexus 2015 release date either in October or November this year. Likely serving as a precursor is the follow up to Android 5.1.1 that Google should unpack using its I/O event as a platform.

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