It's quite difficult to point out Google's reason behind Nexus-brand discontinuation. However, Nexus 6P continues to prove its relevance in this era dominated by its cousins Pixel and Pixel XL phones. The latest Android 7.1.2 Nougat update might be a proof that Google just can't let go of the well-loved and popular smartphone.
Two years ago, Google releases an impressive smartphone that offers Pure Android experience which easily captures the attention of consumers. That device is named Nexus 6P which is considered as unique in its own ways, Know Your Mobile reported.
Two years later, Pixel and Pixel XL phones are born. Branded as "made by Google", the smartphones run exclusive features of Android 7.1 Nougat, offers premium experience, built with high-performing specs but comes with higher prices.
Nexus 6P's cousins continue to dominate the Android world alongside Samsung Galaxy S series handsets which make the two-year old smartphone irrelevant. However, loyal Nexus 6P fans are surprised when Google announced the official rollout of Android 7.1 Nougat to the device including the Pixel-exclusive features.
Google also never ceases to give Nexus 6P regular security updates five months after its official announcement of Nexus brand discontinuation which sparks hope about a possible successor. The clamor continues most especially when Android 7.1.2 Nougat has officially rolled out to Nexus 6P last Monday, Ars Technica reported.
Android 7.1.2 Nougat has minor updates which includes improved fingerprint swipe performance, Bluetooth connectivity enhancements and battery usages alerts. The update also brings fixes to notification stability, fingerprint swipe, general connectivity and battery usage.
While the update has reach other Nexus 6P siblings like Nexus 5X and Nexus Player, Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 have been disqualified. The two smartphones are reportedly falling off the grid of Google's two-year update guarantee as they were released in 2014.
To the loyal Nexus 6P fans, hope is still alive despite the overwhelming presence of Pixel phones, iPhones and Galaxy S series handsets. As long as Google regularly sending updates to the well-loved smartphone, its relevance to the Android community will never fade.
