Surprise! One of the recent trends in getting new versions of Android outside of Google's Nexus product line is changing with the arrival of Marshmallow. We're referring to the fact that a Motorola model won't be the first to get it, as it will be the LG G4, the high-end phone that this company currently has on the market.
As has been officially known, the manufacturer has so advanced the processes and adaptations necessary for the LG G4 be fully functional (and with the adequate stability), which next week will begin the deployment of the new firmware that includes Android Marshmallow. Of course, at first it will only do it in one country to check in a limited way the proper functioning of the ROM.
And which country is the chosen one? Well, as happened with the LG G3 and Lollipop at the time, this is it. Poland. Once the operation is adequate and any faults that may appear are corrected, the company itself has confirmed that it will proceed to global deployment in other regions of Europe, Asia, and America. There's no exact date for this, but it's expected to happen soon (again, referring to what happened last year).
The proximity to Google, key
As you can read in the press release announcing the news of the imminent LG G4 update To the Android Marshmallow version, at first in Poland we remember, the work "hand in hand" of this manufacturer with Google (an example of what we say is the Nexus 5X) has a great weight in getting the corresponding firmware to reach the device we are talking about so quickly. The fact is that LG is becoming a whole referent in the section on quick operating system updates for its devices with the operating system created by those in Mountain View.
This link allows early access to android code, shared optimization, and joint testing. The result: less wait time, agile fixes, and a stable experience from day one on a flagship like the G4.
What's new in Android Marshmallow for the LG G4?
With Marshmallow, G4 owners notice changes focused on autonomy, security and control from experience:
- Better battery usage with automatic optimization (Doze and inactivity management) when the phone and apps are not used for a certain period of time.
- Granular permissions per application: You can accept or deny specific access (camera, location, microphone) when needed.
- Simplifying App Settings to manage storage, permissions and consumption more clearly.
- Google Integration in Settings (General/Google) to centralize services and settings.
- "Do not disturb" mode Replacing Interrupts: ability to silence everything, only alarms or allowed notifications.
- Profile "Silence" available again within sound profiles.
- knock Code More secure: requires at least 6 touches and 3 different patterns to unlock.
- LG Bridge is now called LG AirDrive, maintaining file copy and management options.
- Visible RAM in Settings (General/Memory) to check which apps consume the most resources.
- Persistent notifications for a few seconds at the top for quick interaction.
- QMemo+ becomes Capture+ to take and edit screenshots with direct access.
- Managing background apps: residual activity can be closed to extend autonomy.
- Gmail with undo when deleting or archiving an email, avoiding errors due to accidental keystrokes.
Phased deployment and availability
If you have a LG G4, be attentive to the OTA notifications, as the package arrives first in Poland and then expands to Europe, Asia, and America. Depending on the market or operator, the file may be around almost 1 GB (for example, compilations like V20d (in some custom variants). As always, it is recommended to download via WiFi, with good coverage and sufficient battery.
Unlocked handsets usually receive the update before carrier-based handsets, as the latter undergo additional validation. After installing, it's a good idea to check Settings > Google, the new dashboard. Conference proceedings and the behavior of Do not bother to adapt it to your routines.
How to manually update the LG G4 (model H815)
For those who do not want to wait and have the international model H815There is a manual method designed for advanced users. Keep in mind that this is a sensitive process, and any mistake can render your phone unusable.
- Previous requirements: Battery at 80% or more, backup (e.g. with LG Bridge), USB drivers installed and make sure your device is exactly LG G4-H815.
- LiabilityThe process is technical; if it's interrupted or executed incorrectly, there's a risk of bricking. Only perform this process if you're experienced.
- Install the components of LGUP on the PC (first the DLL package for 8994 and then the main installer).
- Download the file KDZ of Android Marshmallow corresponding to your variant/region.
- Connect the LG G4 to the computer via USB and wait for it to be recognized.
- Opens LGUP, select the BIN file option and specify the path to the downloaded KDZ.
- Choose Update (Update) to preserve data. If you prefer a clean install, use Refurbish at your own risk.
- Balance Start and do not disconnect the phone until the wizard finishes and completely reboots.
Those looking for a different experience than the LG layer can consider custom ROMs such as CyanogenMod 13 (currently LineageOS). This requires root and recovery customized, it implies loss of warranty and carries risks; only recommended for very advanced users.
El LG G4 will become the first model to receive a official firmware outside of Google's Nexus range, which is very good news for users who have one or may be thinking of doing with it. In addition, this shows the good work that the company is doing with respect to the updates of the operating systems of its products (entry and middle ranges included), which allows it to obtain a very good image in the market, don't you think?
Those who already have the notice can enjoy tangible improvements On-demand, permission control, and notification management; those still waiting can opt for the manual H815 method or wait for the OTA to ensure maximum stability, always with a backup and following good installation practices.
