Upgrading the Minix Neo X6 to Android 5.1.
1 Lollipop
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING.
Take note that if the upgrade procedure is not performed correctly the Minix Neo X6 can be
permanently damaged and the warranty voided.
All data stored on the Minix Neo X6 will be erased during the system upgrade process. Please ensure
you have made a backup of any files on the system which you wish to keep.
This is the final firmware update for the Minix Neo X6 as AMLogic (the chip manufacturer) has
stopped developing the SDK for the CPU.
Features that have been integrated into this firmware:
1. Auto refresh rate switching of amcodec (not mediacodec), for both local and online media;
2. New SAMBA server function, based on the latest SMB release;
3. Faked Wi-Fi feature;
4. Latest MINIX launcher;
5. NEO A3 remote support;
6. Working CEC;
7. Final release of MINIX XBMC V16.3
Features that are known to be not supported by this firmware:
1. HD audio passthrough - it's an Amlogic S805 series CPU limitation, lack of I2S channels;
2. Refresh rate of mediacodec - Amlogic haven't make this feature working on Lollipop;
Requirements For Upgrading Minix Neo X6
• Computer or laptop running Microsoft Windows
• USB Male-Male cable (included with Minix Neo X6)
• Straightened paper-clip or pin (to reach the recessed ‘recovery’ button)
Minix Neo X6 Firmware Upgrade Procedure
1. Download the firmware upgrade package from the following link:
https://dbg.co.za/downloads/firmwares/Minix-Neo-X6-Lollipop-Beta.zip
2. Extract the files from the ZIP archive.
3. Run the ‘USB Burning Tool’ setup application. This will install both the upgrade tool as well as
a device driver to enable communication with the Minix Neo X6.
4. From your ‘Start Menu’, or launcher, start the ‘USB Burning Tool’ application.
5. Connect the USB cable to your computer’s USB port and connect the other end of the cable to
the OTG port of the Minix Neo X6 indicated below.
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Upgrading the Minix Neo X6 to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
6. The Minix Neo X6 can be connected to an HDMI display if visual feedback is preferred during
the rest of the process. This is however entirely optional and will not affect the process in any
way.
7. Locate the recessed ‘recovery’ button on the underside of the Minix Neo X6 and while keeping
it depressed, connect the power cable to the Minix Neo X6 and press the ‘Power’ button until
the blue indicator on the front side of the device comes on. It is normal for Windows to display
a ‘new device’ message at this point.
8. Once the Minix Neo X6 has booted into its recovery mode a “Connect success” message will be
displayed in the USB Burning Tool application window (as shown below). The ‘recovery’
button can then be released.
9. Load the firmware image file into the application by selecting File → Import image, and then
selecting the new firmware file named ‘NEO_X6_LOLLIPOP_BETA.img’.
10. Once the firmware image is verified and loaded, please ensure the configuration settings on the
right side of the window are exactly as indicated below; only “Erase Flash” (“Normal Erase”)
and “Erase Bootloader” should be selected.
11. Click “Start” to begin the firmware installation process.
NB: Do NOT disconnect power to the Minix Neo X6 until step 12 is reached! This can cause
irreparable damage to your device. The installation can take up to 5 minutes to complete and the
last 10% may take longer than the previous portions of the process.
12. When the application displays the message “Burning successfully” message the installation
process is complete.
13. The power and USB cable can now be disconnected from the Minix Neo X6.
Booting the Minix Neo X6 for the First Time
After connecting the Minix Neo X6 to your HDMI display, connect the power cable and press the
power button. It is important not to unplug the power cable from the device during boot up as
system apps will be installed during this first boot. This process can take some time to complete;
please be patient while the system initialises for the first time.
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Upgrading the Minix Neo X6 to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
There are also videos of this process available on YouTube which can be found at the following links:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec3Lo2t0HYY
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDzXdDoawmg
Disclaimer
‘FLASHING’ FIRMWARE TO THE MINIX NEO X6 IS PERFORMED AT YOUR OWN RISK
AND DEVICE FAILURES DUE TO MANUAL FIRMWARE UPDATES WILL NOT BE
COVERED BY WARRANTY.
Sources
Firmware announcement: http://www.minixforum.com/threads/x6-lollipop-beta-firmware-july-2017.17181/
Upgrade procedure: http://minixforum.com/threads/how-to-flash-firmware-image-x6-x8-series.116/
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