Nexus devices are meant to be the reference platform for new Android
versions. As such, Nexus devices are updated directly by Google soon after
a new Android version is released. These devices serve as an open platform
for developers. They have unlockable boot loaders that allow fl ashing custom
Android builds and are supported by the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
Google also provides factory images, which are binary fi rmware images that can
be fl ashed to return the device to the original, unmodifi ed state.
Another benefi t of Nexus devices is that they offer what is commonly referred
to as a pure Google experience. This means that the user interface has not been
modifi ed. Instead, these devices offer the stock interface found in vanilla Android
as compiled from AOSP. This also includes Google’s proprietary apps such as
Google Now, Gmail, Google Play, Google Drive, Hangouts, and more.
