Neurealm upgraded an embedded platform’s Android OS from KitKat (4.x) to Nougat (7.x) on an NXP i.MX6 development board, executing bootloader and kernel enhancements and enabling multimedia application support to validate the port.

Business Context

A hardware provider using an i.MX6 development board required modernization of its software stack to support newer Android releases and richer multimedia features. Upgrading Android ensured robust support for advanced drivers (camera, display, touchscreen, networking) while enabling applications like live video playback—critical for extending product life and enabling richer embedded experiences.

Solutions

Neurealm performed deep embedded bring-up work including modifying U-Boot for correct UART, SD/eMMC, and GPIO/IOMUX handling, adapting the Linux kernel for peripherals (touchscreen, camera, Ethernet), and ensuring Android framework compatibility. They also developed a sample application to demonstrate live video playback on the upgraded platform, validating the port end-to-end.