Google is now directly offering OTA (over the air) files for Nexus devices. With the latest inclusion Nexus owners can download links to OTA update files in addition to the full factory images.
The Google Developers site now features OTA files right next to the factory images. With these OTA files, you can quickly update your Nexus phone or tablet using the “adb sideload” command via your connected computer without downloading a full system image. Users need to first agree to Google’s terms and conditions before being able to see the OTA images. The website currently shows two most recent Android 6.0.1 OTAs for Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013), Nexus 9, Nexus Player and the Pixel C.
This is a welcome move from Google as prior to this, users had to have an unlocked bootloader in order to flash the factory images.