Android

Google finally releases the first Android M update for Nexus devices

Android MUsers who have been running Android M on a Google Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9, or Nexus Player have something to look forward to today: it is getting the first of two updates that are expected before it is ready for a wider release to consumers.

The newest M build is MPZ79M for all devices except the Nexus Player; that one gets updated to build MPZ79N. It comes with the latest Google Play Services 7.6 build, and is available as a factory image to download and flash right now. You can also wait for an OTA update, if you prefer.

Here is the official changelog, straight from Google:

  • Permissions changes
    • The android.permission.USE_FINGERPRINT permission now has “normal” protection level, so it is no longer necessary to request this permission directly from the user. The USE_FINGERPRINT permission enables fingerprints to be enabled for authentication, but does not give the requesting app access to the enrollment/fingerprint administration flow.
    • The android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission has protection level “dangerous”, meaning that apps wanting to write to external storage will need to request permission from the user at runtime. BothWRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE and WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE are members of the STORAGEpermission group.
    • Remote Bluetooth/Wi-Fi MAC’s now require either theandroid.permission.LOCATION_FINEorandroid.permission.LOCATION_COURSE permission.
    • Some accounts and identity permissions are moved to CONTACTS permissions group and others are removed or granted based on account type. In particular,android.permission.USE_CREDENTIALS,android.permission.MANAGE_ACCOUNTS, and android.permission.AUTHENTICATE_ACCOUNTS are ungrouped pending further changes in a later release.
    • The Wi-Fi permissionsandroid.permission.CHANGE_WIFI_STATE,android.permission.CHANGE_WIMAX_STATE, andandroid.permission.CHANGE_WIFI_MULTICAST_STATEnow have protection level “normal”.
    • The Bluetooth permissions android.permission.BLUETOOTHandandroid.permission.BLUETOOTH_ADMIN now have protection level “normal”.
    • Bookmarks and subscribed feeds permissions are removed.
    • Apps included in the system image are no longer granted dangerous permissions automatically. All apps should check for and request permissions at runtime.
    • Introduces the utility methodActivity.shouldShowRequestPermissionRationale(String), which lets your app see whether users have previously rejected a permission request. This lets you know that your app should explain the the user why it needs that permission. For more information see the Permissions developer guide.
  • Other changes
    • The android.app.AssistContent and android.app.AssistStructureclasses are moved into a new package, android.app.assist.
    • Bluetooth Stylus APIs are updated and include new callback events. TheView.OnStylusButtonPressListener class is renamed toView.OnContextClickListenerandGestureDetector.OnStylusButtonPressListener class toGestureDetector.OnContextClickListener.
    • TextInputLayout doesn’t set hint for embedded EditText. (fixed issue)
    • Camera Permission issue with Legacy Apps (fixed issue)

Google has also provided us with a list of known issues:

  • General issues:
    • The system Messenger app crashes on the 64-bit emulator.
    • After updating to Developer Preview 2, Contacts sync experiences intermittent issues. The workaround is to clear and re-sync Contact Storage data after update. To clear data, go to Settings > Apps > Show system > Contacts Storage. Select “Storage” and then Clear data.
    • In YouTube app, it’s not possible to share a video. The share window is blank.
    • Android For Work Profile setup is not working properly, so you won’t be able to create a new Work Profile after you update. As a workaround, make sure to create the Work Profiles you need in Developer Preview 1 before updating to Developer Preview 2.
  • Issues specific to MPZ79N on Nexus Player:
    • Bluetooth share crashes after clearing data. Please do not clear Bluetooth share data, otherwise you will need to Factory Reset your device
    • There are issues with remote control connectivity. Remote can drop from Bluetooth pairing when left idle.
    • Movies show black screen with some ANRs on exiting the video.
    • In YouTube app, lower-resolution videos have a green bar at the top and some color-ghosting
[Google via Android Police]
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John F

John was the editor-in-chief at Pocketables. His articles generally focus on all things Google, including Chrome and Android, although his love of new gadgets and technology doesn't stop there. His current arsenal includes the Nexus 6 by Motorola, the 2013 Nexus 7 by ASUS, the Nexus 9 by HTC, the LG G Watch, and the Chromebook Pixel, among others.

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