How To Try Android Marshmallow 6.0 Right Now

Today Google revealed Android 6.0 Marshmallow, and with it, they've released a new batch of downloads for Nexus devices. If you have a Nexus 6, Nexus 9, Nexus 5, or Nexus Player, you'll be able to load Android Marshmallow (also known here as Android M Preview 3) to your device immediately. Below you'll find instructions for those users that feel confident enough in their abilities to load a full OS to their smartphone. If you've never heard the term "ADB" before, we recommend you wait until Google sends the update to you directly.

First you're going to want to get the correct system image files. To attain these files, see our Android Marshmallow downloads listing from earlier today. If you do not have one of the Nexus devices listed, you'll need to wait – or be very knowledgeable about how to modify the files to suit your own device.

Once you've got your device connected to your computer with USB and USB debugging is authorized on your device, you may begin. Make certain your device is powered on, and go through the following steps:

1. With the adb tool, execute: "adb reboot bootloader". You can also use a key combination to make this happen – if you have a Nexus 5, you can press and hold volume up, volume down, and power at the same time as the device boots up.2. Execute "fastboot oem unlock" if necessary. Your device will need to have its bootloader unlocked.3. Navigate a terminal window to your unzipped system image directory (with your new Marshmallow files).4. Execute "flash-all".5. You should now re-lock the bootloader by starting the device in fastboot mode, executing "fastboot oem lock".

Again, we recommend you either be seasoned in this sort of OS load to take the steps above OR have someone with you who's done this before. This process can wipe your device clean or brick it entirely if done incorrectly.

Stick around SlashGear for more Android Marshmallow goodness!