Now that Android 6.0 Marshmallow is out on the new Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, it is time for the many non-Nexus devices to start getting their upgrade. Everybody must sit and now wait to see if their device gets on the ‘list.’ How far back the smartphone manufacturers go with their updates is what everybody wants to know. We got a small glimpse this week from Telus and Rogers when they updated their software upgrade schedule and included Android 6.0 Marshmallow. We must say upfront that both Telus and Rogers will tell you that all dates are approximate and subject to change – after all, when you are dealing with software, a ‘bug’ can always show up and must be dealt with before any release.
When Google conjures up a new Android upgrade, the very first devices to receive the upgrades are the Nexus devices – after all that is one of the benefits of owning a Nexus device. Earlier this month, Marshmallow rolled out on the Nexus 5, 6, 7 and Nexus 9, as well as landing on the newest Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P and the new HTC One A9. Next up are the big manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Motorola and HTC, although Motorola has a good track record for getting out fast updates. They have all promised to push out Android 6.0 to certain devices, and the good news is that Canada looks like they are getting some of the first updates.
The list below is right off of Telus’ website and as you can see the HTC One M8 and the Moto G (2015) are on their list for December TBD (to be determined). Rogers has the HTC One M8 and the HTC One M9 under the “Coming Soon!” for ‘Expected Availability.’ While we still do not know exactly when these devices will receive Marshmallow, it is nice to see them start showing up on the carrier’s list – at least we know the updates are in the works. It is also nice to see HTC jumping to the forefront to push out Android 6.0 Marshmallow…now if Samsung and LG jump on board to push out their upgrades. As we well know, once an upgrade is pushed out by the manufacturer, the carrier must also put it through their own rigorous testing before they approve it to be pushed OTA…more time, but they are coming.