Are you stuck with an old Nexus 9 that’s no longer receiving software updates or has become slow and outdated? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many users are left wondering what to do with their old Nexus 9 tablets, which were once the epitome of Android technology. Fear not, dear reader, for we’ve got some exciting ideas to breathe new life into your trusty old companion.
Repurpose Your Nexus 9 as a Dedicated E-Reader
One of the most obvious uses for an old Nexus 9 is as a dedicated e-reader. With its 8.9-inch display, the Nexus 9 is an ideal size for reading e-books, and its lightweight design makes it easy to hold for extended periods.
Install an e-reading app: Download an e-reading app like Aldiko, Kobo, or Google Play Books, and you’re ready to start reading your favorite novels, comics, or textbooks. You can even sideload your own e-book collection or download free classics from websites like Project Gutenberg.
Optimize Your Nexus 9 for Reading
To enhance your reading experience, consider these tweaks:
- Adjust the screen brightness: Lower the screen brightness to reduce eye strain and conserve battery life.
- Use a blue light filter: Enable Android’s built-in blue light filtering feature to reduce eye fatigue.
- Customize your reading layout: Experiment with different font sizes, margins, and line spacing to find the perfect reading layout for your eyes.
Transform Your Nexus 9 into a Home Automation Hub
With the rise of smart home devices, your old Nexus 9 can become a central hub for controlling and monitoring your home’s automation system.
Set up a dashclock: Install a dashclock app like Dashclock Widget or UCCW to display important information like weather, calendar events, and notifications.
Integrate with Popular Smart Home Platforms
Many popular smart home platforms, such as:
- Google Home: Use the Google Home app to control your smart speakers, Chromecast devices, and other compatible gadgets.
- SmartThings: Connect your Nexus 9 to your SmartThings hub to monitor and control your smart home devices.
Explore Other Smart Home Options
- Ifttt (If This Then That): Create custom recipes to automate tasks between different smart devices and services.
- Home Assistant: Run Home Assistant on your Nexus 9 to control and automate your smart home devices.
Use Your Nexus 9 as a Digital Picture Frame
Transform your Nexus 9 into a beautiful digital picture frame to showcase your favorite memories.
Install a slideshow app: Download a slideshow app like Dayframe, Frameo, or Digital Picture Frame, and set it to display your favorite photos.
Customize Your Slideshow Experience
- Choose a theme: Select a theme that complements your home décor or personal style.
- Set a schedule: Schedule your slideshow to turn on and off automatically, or set it to display during specific times of the day.
Donate or Sell Your Nexus 9 to Make a Difference
If your Nexus 9 is still in good condition, consider donating it to a worthy cause or selling it to raise funds for a charitable organization.
Donate to a Local Charity: Many non-profit organizations, schools, and community centers accept used tablets for educational or therapeutic purposes.
Sell Your Nexus 9 and Support a Good Cause
- Online marketplaces: Sell your Nexus 9 on platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace, and donate the proceeds to a charity of your choice.
- Trade-in programs: Participate in trade-in programs like Gazelle, Decluttr, or NextWorth, and use the vouchers or cash to support a worthy cause.
Upcycle Your Nexus 9 into a DIY Project
Get creative and turn your old Nexus 9 into a unique DIY project that showcases your skills and imagination.
Turn it into a Wall Clock: Attach your Nexus 9 to a wooden or plastic frame, add clock hands, and hang it on your wall as a conversation-starting timepiece.
Other Creative Ideas
- Weather Station: Convert your Nexus 9 into a weather station by installing a weather app and attaching sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, and pressure.
- Kitchen Companion: Mount your Nexus 9 on a kitchen wall or counter and use it to display recipes, play cooking videos, or stream music while you cook.
In conclusion, your old Nexus 9 can still be a valuable asset, even if it’s no longer your primary device. With a little creativity and imagination, you can repurpose it into a dedicated e-reader, home automation hub, digital picture frame, or even a DIY project that showcases your skills. So, don’t toss that old Nexus 9 just yet – give it a new lease on life!
What is the current state of the Nexus 9?
The Nexus 9, a tablet produced by HTC and Google, was released in 2014 with Android 5.0 Lollipop. Since then, it has received several updates, but the last official update was Android 7.1.1 Nougat in 2017. The device is no longer receiving security patches or new feature updates from Google or HTC. As a result, the Nexus 9 has become outdated and vulnerable to security threats.
Despite its outdated software, the Nexus 9 still has decent hardware specifications, including a 8.9-inch display, NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor, 2GB of RAM, and up to 32GB of internal storage. With some tweaks and modifications, it’s possible to breathe new life into this aging tablet.
What are the benefits of custom ROMs?
Custom ROMs can bring numerous benefits to the Nexus 9, including improved performance, enhanced security, and access to new features. By installing a custom ROM, users can overcome the limitations imposed by the device’s outdated software. Custom ROMs can also fix bugs, improve battery life, and provide a more streamlined user experience. Additionally, custom ROMs can add support for newer Android versions, giving users access to the latest features and security patches.
Furthermore, custom ROMs can provide a level of customization that’s not possible with stock ROMs. Users can customize the look and feel of their device, add new features, and even modify the kernel to optimize performance. With a custom ROM, users can take full control of their device and tailor it to their specific needs and preferences.
What are the risks of installing custom ROMs?
Installing a custom ROM on the Nexus 9 can pose some risks, including the possibility of bricking the device. If the installation process goes wrong, the device may become unusable, requiring a complex restoration process. Additionally, custom ROMs may not be as stable as stock ROMs, which can result in frequent crashes, freezes, or other issues.
However, these risks can be minimized by following proper procedures and guidelines during the installation process. It’s essential to choose a reputable custom ROM, follow the installation instructions carefully, and ensure that the device is fully backed up before attempting to install a custom ROM. With caution and patience, users can enjoy the benefits of custom ROMs while minimizing the risks.
How do I backup my Nexus 9 before installing a custom ROM?
Before installing a custom ROM, it’s crucial to backup the Nexus 9 to prevent data loss. Users can backup their device using Google’s built-in backup feature, which saves data such as contacts, calendar events, and app data to Google’s servers. Additionally, users can use third-party backup apps, such as Titanium Backup or Helium Backup, to backup apps, data, and settings.
It’s also essential to backup the device’s internal storage, which can be done using a computer and a USB cable. Users can connect the Nexus 9 to a computer, enable USB debugging, and use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) to create a full backup of the device’s internal storage. This ensures that all data, including photos, videos, and documents, are safely stored in case something goes wrong during the installation process.
What are some popular custom ROMs for the Nexus 9?
There are several popular custom ROMs available for the Nexus 9, including LineageOS, Resurrection Remix, and CyanogenMod. LineageOS is a popular custom ROM that offers a near-stock Android experience with added features and improvements. Resurrection Remix is a feature-rich custom ROM that provides a highly customizable experience, while CyanogenMod is a well-known custom ROM that offers a unique and intuitive user interface.
Each custom ROM has its unique features, advantages, and disadvantages. Users should research and compare the different custom ROMs to choose the one that best fits their needs and preferences. It’s also essential to check the compatibility and stability of the custom ROM with the Nexus 9 before installation.
How do I install a custom ROM on the Nexus 9?
Installing a custom ROM on the Nexus 9 requires some technical knowledge and caution. Users need to unlock the device’s bootloader, which will erase all data on the device. Then, they need to install a custom recovery, such as TWRP, which allows them to flash the custom ROM. The custom ROM can be downloaded from the developer’s website and flashed using the custom recovery.
It’s essential to follow the installation instructions carefully and ensure that the device is fully backed up before attempting to install a custom ROM. Users should also be prepared to troubleshoot any issues that may arise during or after the installation process. With patience and caution, users can successfully install a custom ROM on their Nexus 9.
What are the limitations of custom ROMs on the Nexus 9?
While custom ROMs can bring new life to the Nexus 9, they are not without limitations. Some custom ROMs may not support all the device’s hardware features, such as the camera or GPS. Additionally, custom ROMs may not be optimized for the device’s specific hardware, which can result in performance issues or battery drain.
Furthermore, custom ROMs may not receive timely security updates, which can leave the device vulnerable to security threats. Users should be aware of these limitations and weigh the benefits against the risks before installing a custom ROM on their Nexus 9. It’s essential to choose a reputable custom ROM and stay informed about any updates or issues related to the custom ROM.