After a series of beta testing, finally, Google released the stable version of Android P– the next big Android OS update. Named Android Pie (Android 9.0.0), it is an update that brings noticeable visual change along with some quite dramatic gesture controls. Android 9 Pie system images and OTA update are now available for Google Pixel, Pixel XL and Google Pixel 2, Pixel 2XL.
Android 9 Pie brings new Gestures, Menus, Settings and new Adaptive features (adaptive battery and brightness) to users. Gesture Navigation, Recent App Switcher, New Material Design, Improved Notification system, Digital Wellbeing, Display Cutout, etc. are some of the important changes in Android 9 Pie.
Currently, the Android Pie update is available for Google Pixel and Pixel XL series devices. Users can download and flash the firmware right away, without waiting for the OTA (over-the-air) update.
Here is a quick guide on how to flash Android Pie (OTA/Factory Image) on Pixel phones. Note that to install factory image, you need unlocked bootloader on the phone, which will wipe your device, so backup data before proceeding.
How to Download and Install Android 9 Pie on the Google Pixel and Pixel 2
OTA Update Method
1. Download Android 9.0.0 OTA image (PPR1.180610.009) for your device from here.
2. Save the downloaded firmware zip file inside the ADB/Platform tools folder (set up ADB, if you have not already)
3. Open a command window and type the command “adb reboot recovery” to boot into recovery.
4. Select the option “Apply update from ADB”
5. Type the command “adb sideload ota_file.zip” (where ota_file.zip is the name of the file you have downloaded)
6. Finally, reboot your phone.
Factory Image Method
1. Download Android 9.0.0 factory image (PPR1.180610.009) for your device from here
2. Extract the factory image zip on your PC (save the content inside ADB/Platform tools foder)
3. Execute the flash-all script. This script installs the necessary bootloader, baseband firmware(s), and operating system.
4. Finally, reboot your phone.
Not only Pixel devices, non-Google devices will also get the Android Pie update in the coming months. It is expected Samsung, LG, HTC, Huawei, Motorola, Nokia, Essential, etc push their first Pie update before the end of the year. (Source – Google)
