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.