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Google’s been trolling Nexus 9 owners for quite some time by bringing out maintenance upgrades while others were long enjoying Android 5.1. Well, the trolling stops here — Google has announced that the upgrade is officially rolling out to the big tablet from today onward.
Android 5.1 didn’t bring any amazing changes, though it did squash a great deal of bugs that fell under Google’s radar when Android 5.0 Lollipop was first released. These changes should contribute to better battery life and an overall smoother device.
We’re not sure when the rollout will begin or if it’ll be staggered, but we’re sure there will be flashable OTA files to get you going on the latest and greatest before too long. For now, keep smashing that update button in the Settings menu!
[via Twitter]
I guess you can’t really say Nexus owners guaranteed to get updates quickest anymore. So why are people buying these again?
Considering it’s stock Android and pretty well built it’s still the #1 tablet I’d buy if I was in the market for a tablet.
I have done 4 N9 exchanges at BB and I still have volume rocker issues
I’ve always wondered how people would have the same issue happening when swapping devices out like that.
I just assume that on the assembly line, the few that were together were probably badly made. Then when they go in stores, that little bunch is together.
I am confused myself. I gave up on it and simply control the volume from the screen
I love my N9, and wouldn’t trade it for any other tablet.
Same here. My N9 is flawless and the 5.0.2 update caused no problems at all.
The Nexus 5 and 6 were the first to get 5.1 so.
And Stock is the cleanest ui.
It’s a little buggy on the 5 tho
It’s buttery smooth at the cost of battery life and oddly enough performance of stock apps
Well with all those bugs, I wouldn’t *want* to update. I actually don’t know why people jump on updates as soon as they come out. I assume there will be bugs, so I wait anyways.
Though, I always says, someone has to be the guinea pig.
Sometimes there’s no option not to. My Nexus 7 bricked after it gave up waiting for me to install the OTA and decided to do it for me. My phone (non-Nexus) also installs updates regardless of whether I choose to or not. That’s why I went ahead and attempted the 5.0.2 OTA when it arrived last night, since I knew it’d get forced upon me anyway. Now I have a non-working device.
The Nexus 7, 10, and now 9 are the only tablets running 5.1 that I know of.
How many non-Nexus tablets have 5.1? Zero
Other benefits of Nexus include stock Android, an easily unlockable bootloader, excellent specs for a decent price, and no bloatware.
It’s about time. Still thinking about sending it back because of th backlight bleed
I can download the 5.0.2 update but when I install and do the reboot I keep getting the error message showing the android laying on his back. Can I skip the 5.0.2 update and go right to the 5.1 update?
Try clearing the cache from recovery.
SUCH BS. Now not they bricked my Nexus 9 device with 5.0.2.
Factory Reset, doesn’t work. Recovery setting, command error. Nexus 9, bricked… Called Google, they were worthless. They connected me to HTC support. Their number is 1-866-963-0960. I have to send my device in. HTC said I will get it back in 7-10 days. What a load of CRAP!!!! They will probably give me back one of their “manufacturer refurbished” pieces of junk that won’t last a week. Grrrrr!!!!
I’m in the same boat. =(
I had the same issue and just fastboot flashed 5.0.1 onto my N9 and wiped it. Problem solved. Did you try that before sending it back?
Won’t work. Device has to be unlocked to flash the device. If the tablet is not put in developer mode, the command “fastboot unlock” will not allow you to flash the device. It will give you a permission denied message.
5.0.2 was the worst OTA ever… stuck on the startup screen. Ended up having to reflash the entire device in order to get the damn thing to work
Did reflashing from the factory image clear up your problem. It didn’t for my N7 so I’ve been scared about trying it on my N9. If I knew that’d work or that HTC wouldn’t decide to not honor my warranty if it didn’t, I’d try it right now.
I reflashed 5.0.1 and wiped the device. After startup, it was able to take the 5.0.2 update without issue. Others have reported clearing the cache as a successful approach.
Luckly a reflash worked. I left userdata unformatted and everything started back up, but it was a totally manual fix. I REALLY hope 5.1 doesn’t soft brick again
Sorry to hear that. It worked flawlessly for me.
I hope 5.1 updates without issues for you.
I got my update to my N4 weeks ago..and finally today I am now getting the OTA on my N9… the funny thing that I realized is that it was upgrading from 5.0.1 to 5.0.2 ! it worked up with no issues at all.. I just did the process.
So, it’s been over 1.5 days since “today”, has anyone received 5.1.1 on his/her Nexus 9?