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HTC has stopped producing the Nexus 9
As has often been the case with larger Android tablets, the Nexus 9 never quite lived up to its potential. And, it's relatively long in the tooth, first launching back in October of 2014. Google stopped selling the device about a month ago, and now HTC has confirmed that its days are numbered. While you can still buy most models of the tablet on HTC's site, the company says that it is no longer manufacturing the tablet. Once the stock on HTC's site and across various other random retailers runs out, that'll be the end of the line.
Google lets you download Nexus upgrades without waiting
Google has long made Nexus and Pixel C factory images available for people who just can't wait to install new Android versions (or want an alternative restore option). However, they've always come with a big gotcha: since it's a complete system image, you have to wipe your phone clean. You won't have to start from scratch after today, though. Google has posted over-the-air update images for all its currently supported Nexus and Pixel C devices, giving you the satisfaction of an immediate upgrade (no weeks-long waits here) without nuking all your data.
You can get the Nexus 9 for 40 percent off, but only today
Just in time for Valentine's Day, HTC is offering the Nexus 9 at a deep discount. The US-only promotion, available until 11:59PM PT/2:59AM ET tonight, takes 40 percent off of Google's flagship tablet. That includes the 16GB, 32GB and 32GB with LTE models, which are priced at $239, $287 and $359, respectively, until the deal ends. Now, if you decide to go for the cellular version, HTC will throw in a free Logitech Bluetooth keyboard for good measure. You'll have to act fast, though, since supply for this Hot Deal is likely limited.
Android Marshmallow reaches devices next week
Anxious to know when Android 6.0 Marshmallow will reach your existing devices? Google is more than happy to oblige. Existing Nexus devices will start getting Marshmallow next week, including the 5, 6, 7, 9 and Player. And of course, if you spring for the shiny-new Nexus 5X or 6P, you'll get Marshmallow right out of the box. There's no word on third-party device updates just yet, but we'd expect news from some manufacturers in the near future. Be prepared to wait longer than Nexus owners, though -- other companies' customized takes on Android typically require more time in the oven. Get all the news from today's Google event right here.
Android 5.1 arrives with HD calling and safeguards for stolen phones
After weeks of teasing, it's here: Google has officially unveiled Android 5.1 Lollipop. The new release focuses on support for features that usually depend on extra software to work, such as multiple SIM cards (handy for prepaid service in countries like China and India) and higher-quality HD voice calls on networks like T-Mobile or Verizon. You can control your WiFi networks and Bluetooth devices from the quick settings area, too.
T-Mobile's Nexus 9 comes with LTE and a $600 price tag (update: AT&T too)
The Nexus 9 didn't completely knock our socks off, but HTC's inaugural Lollipop tablet just got a little better... if you're willing to pay a premium, anyway. T-Mobile's now selling an LTE-enabled version of the tablet on its enthusiast-only Underground store for $600, or $25 a month for the next two years if smaller, drawn-out payments are more your speed. Other than its compatibility with T-Mobile's LTE network, this version of the tablet is identical to the $479, 32GB WiFi model we reviewed last month, but we're still curious what those faster data speeds mean for this little guy's battery life. Nothing good, we'd wager. And if you're not the biggest fan of T-Mobile's posturing? Fair enough: It shouldn't take too long for an unlocked model to pop up in the Google Play Store, though the tab will make an appearance there before the holidays is anyone's guess. Update: Not ready to go magenta? AT&T writes in to note that this slate is compatible with its LTE network as well, and available via the Google Play store for the same $600 price. There's a $100 credit available if you're willing to lock things down with a two-year contract, and prices start at $10 per month if you're adding it to an existing plan.
Engadget Daily: Nexus 9 and Parrot Zik 2.0 reviews, a tour of Android Lollipop and more!
Google's Nexus 9? Check. What about Android Lollipop and Parrot's super-fly Zik 2.0 headphones? We have you covered. Read on for the rest of our news highlights from the last 24 hours, including Taylor Swift's breakup with Spotify and our review of Google's set-top box, the Nexus Player.
Google Nexus 9 review: The first taste of Lollipop is a sweet one
It's been nearly five years since Google released its very first Nexus device, and by now we all basically get what the Nexus name stands for. It's all about building devices to show off the bleeding-edge version of Android, to give us a better sense of Google's vision of our collective mobile future. That future isn't just phones, either: It's about screens of all sizes, and that's why Google and HTC teamed up to build the new Nexus 9. Now that ancestors like the Nexus 7 and 10 have been forcibly shuffled off this mortal coil, the 9 stands alone as the sole tablet in Google's Nexus hardware lineup. So, does it live up to the standard geeks expect from the Nexus name? And more importantly, is it actually worth the asking price?
Nexus 9, riding a real-life hoverboard and other stories you might've missed
That's right, folks. Our own Sean Buckley took Hendo's real-life Hoverboard for a spin, and yes, it was pretty awesome. But if that's not enough for you, we also reviewed Apple's new tablets and went hands-on with the Nexus 9 -- click on through for the rest of our news highlights from the last seven days. Oh, and be sure to subscribe to our Flipboard magazine!
Engadget Daily: Nexus 9, Google VP sets new space-jump record, and more!
It's Friday, ya'll. But before you checkout for the weekend, check out all our news highlights from the last 24 hours, including our hands-on with the Nexus 9, a new high-altitude jump record, the best gaming mice you can buy right now, and more.
The Nexus 9 wasn't designed to be an iPad killer
The Nexus 9 wasn't designed to be an iPad killer; it was designed to inspire Google's Android partners to create one instead. Though you'd be forgiven for thinking otherwise: It was announced one day before the iPad Air 2 and mini 3, comes with a powerful 64-bit NVIDIA chip and will be competitively priced with Apple's tablets. But Alberto Villarreal, head of the Nexus 9's industrial design, insists that this wasn't the purpose. "We wanted to accelerate the premium market for Android tablets," Villarreal said. "[The Nexus 9] has a lot of attributes and definitely will bring the quality for other companies to do better."
Apple's new iPads, the Nexus 6 and other stories you might've missed
Get ready, ya'll. It's been a doozie of a week. Not only did Apple unveil new iPads and a Retina iMac, Google took the wraps off the Nexus 6 and its own media streamer. That's not all we have on deck, though -- click on through for the rest of our news highlights from the last seven days. Oh, and be sure to subscribe to our Flipboard magazine!
Amazon UK and Google open Nexus 9 pre-orders: prices start from £319
Google may have finally made its latest Nexus devices official, but it's kept UK pricing for the Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player under wraps. Fortunately for us, Amazon is keen to highlight that it'll range the 8.9-inch HTC tablet, and has now started taking pre-orders for both black and white variants of the device before they've even appeared on Google's Play Store. The online retail giant has revealed that the 16GB Wi-Fi model will cost £319, with its 32GB counterpart coming in at £399. After the 4G-equipped 32GB Nexus 9? Expect to pay £459 for the privilege. If you decide to take the plunge today, Amazon says it will get it to you by November 3rd. Unfortunately, Amazon nor Google have confirmed UK pricing for either the Nexus 6 or the Nexus Player, but we'll bring you the very latest as soon as we get it.
iPad Air 2 vs. the competition: Is it the tablet to beat?
There was a time when it was hard to find someone who would argue with Apple's claim that the iPad was heavyweight tablet champ. But now Android slates like the Galaxy Tab Pro 10.1, the Xperia Tablet Z2 and the recently announced Nexus 9 are making a run at the title. Sure, the iPad still has some great apps, but how does the latest iPad Air compare to the competition under the hood? Check out the tale of the tape below, and decide for yourself if the iPad Air 2 has what it takes to stay on top.
Google's Nexus 9 available early next month with Android 5.0, starts at $399
Today's the day Google fans have been waiting for: the announcement of this fall's Nexus lineup. It's essentially an annual tradition at this point, since the last few Nexus devices have arrived at the same time of year. Along with a 6-inch smartphone and a media streamer called the Nexus Player, Google's introduced an 8.9-inch tablet built by HTC aptly called the Nexus 9. This slate, which is available for pre-order this Friday and in stores on November 9th, starts at $399 for the base 16GB WiFi model; $479 for the 32GB WiFi; and $599 for a 32GB LTE variant that comes packed with penta-band HSPA+, quad-band GSM/EDGE and CDMA. As is often the case with brand-new Nexus phones and tablets, the 9 is among the first to get the latest version of Android -- in this case, it's Android 5.0 Lollipop. The Nexus 9 will be the first in the lineup to come with 64-bit support, thanks to the dual-core 2.3GHz NVIDIA K1 chipset inside. You'll also get 2GB of RAM; an 8MP rear-facing camera with autofocus, BSI and f/2.4 aperture; a 1.6MP selfie camera; dual-band WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac; and a 6,700mAh battery. HTC was also able to slide in its signature BoomSound stereo speakers, which have been impressive on its flagship devices. Sadly, wireless charging isn't included. The 7.9mm-thick slate will be available in black and white and weighs in at 425g (436g for LTE).
Leaked image purportedly shows HTC's Nexus 9 tablet
A new image from @upleaks, along with an apparent trip through the FCC has provided solid evidence that Google is set to release the Nexus 9 tablet built by HTC. If real, the pic clearly shows Nexus and HTC branding on the back, which appears to be made of some kind of grippy, Nexus 5-like plastic material. An HTC tablet matching recent Nexus 9 rumors also just passed through the FCC in a WiFi-only variant. To top it off, an NVIDIA lawsuit last month revealed that HTC would build a Nexus tablet with a Tegra chip, likely a 64-bit K1. Google may be prepping the Nexus 9 (and possibly a rumored Nexus 6 handset) as the first devices to get Android L, which supports 64-bit CPUs via the ART runtime. It should be unveiled soon, and given Google's Nexus history, expect nothing less than a cutting edge Android tablet on the cheap.
NVIDIA hints at an HTC Nexus 9 tablet coming within weeks
Remember those hints of HTC returning to tablets? Yeah, the cat's out of the bag. As part of its patent lawsuit against Qualcomm and Samsung, NVIDIA has revealed that it expects a Tegra K1-powered "HTC Nexus 9" sometime within the third calendar quarter of the year. That would theoretically put the launch sometime before the end of September. However, don't get your hopes up for a release that soon. HTC just sent out invitations for a "double exposure" media event on October 8th, and there's still no guarantee that the Nexus 9 will surface at that gathering. Given that the slate is supposed to be running Android L, any unveiling will likely hinge as much on Google's progress as it does HTC's.
HTC's first tablet in years pops up in a trade group filing
HTC hinted that it would get back into tablets this year, and there have been detailed rumors covering the effort. However, tangible evidence of that hardware has been hard to come by -- until now, that is. The Wi-Fi Alliance has certified the "Flounder," a tablet that would run Google's upcoming Android L. While the listing doesn't say much by itself, the model numbers match those in an @upleaks post mentioning that there would be a WiFi-only model as well as LTE variants for both the world at large and American CDMA carriers (think Sprint or Verizon). These tidbits don't confirm many of the other rumored aspects of the slate, such as the 8.9-inch display, Tegra K1 processor or Nexus badging. However, they at least suggest that HTC is close to releasing its first tablet since 2011's Flyer and Jetstream -- if you've spent years hoping for a follow-up device, you may well get your wish.
