Well, there you go. Not two minutes ago we were speculating on the launch of Android 5.1 and Google has just confirmed that the latest version of Android – Android 5.1 (Lollipop) – will begin rolling out today.
There’s a few new features in Android 5.1 which Google has outlined on the official Android blog, they include better support for Dual-SIM phones, HD Voice, Android Device manager updates which better secure your phone even if it’s been factory reset and refinements to the way you join Wi-Fi networks and control Bluetooth devices.
The full list that Google has acknowledged is in the udpate is included here, but we think there may be a few surprises to find once we get our hands on the update:
- Whether you want to share your phone with a family member or better manage your mobile costs, Android Lollipop 5.1 now lets you use more than one SIM card on a device with multiple SIM slots.
- With Device Protection, your lost or stolen device will remain locked until you sign in with your Google account – even if someone resets your device to factory settings. This feature will be available on most Android phones and tablets shipped with Android 5.1 in addition to Nexus 6 and Nexus 9.
- High Definition voice calling is now on your mobile phone. Get crystal clear calling with HD Voice between compatible Android 5.1 devices like the Nexus 6 on T-Mobile or Verizon.
- Android 5.1 Lollipop also provides enhancements such as the ability to join Wi-Fi networks and control of your paired Bluetooth devices directly from Quick Settings.
We’ll be keeping an eye on the Nexus Factory Images page today as we expect those to appear just ahead of the OTA update push. If you get a notification for an OTA update on your Nexus device, make sure you capture the link and let us know.
I guess this update refers to the Nexus phones. I have been a long time Samsung supporter, but the S5 and the note 4 that I have will be the last Samsung phones I’ll buy. the S6 comes out next month and we don’t even have an update for the S5. I don’t like the S6 from what I have read. I will have a look at it. but to me it’s Samsung’s version of the IPhone 6, glass back, no SD card, Sealed battery more reasons for apple to sue Samsung for breach of copyright in design. Any back… Read more »
Please, for the love of God, fix the performance issues.
I don’t want to go to TouchWiz or the like, but if Lollipop doesn’t improve there’s no benefit in being at the bleeding edge any more.
I sold my Nexus 5 after realising that having the latest isn’t always the best. Flagships made by Sony, HTC and LG have nicer skins and more features, without the bloat that they once had. Having the battery percentage displayed in the status bar and having a clear recent apps button are basic features that are included in all of the above, but aren’t present in vanilla Android. Given the price of the Nexus 6, Nexus phones aren’t especially appealing to me now.
THIS! … is what I’ve realised after jumping ship from a Nexus to the Sony Z3. Also having battery life and a kicka$s camera is such a boon.
x1000. Lollipop is a buggy mess, an absolute dog.
Just to offset all of the lollipop hate. My N5 runs fine on 5.0.1, Battery lasts all day and I rarely restart it.
God…. the most underwhelming release ever….. again…. yawn….. I wonder if my N5 will ever work again!? Lollipop is crud, its always out of memory and killing apps even sometimes when I’m using them!!!!
I’m keen to get this! I love lollipop but the performance without a restart every 1 or 2 days is painful. Let me know if anyone starts getting it OTA.
A lot of people have complained about bugs and poor performance in Lollipop. It’s kind of surprising, given that Google released preview images in advance. Lollipop hasn’t turned out to be the great update that people expected. Perhaps 5.1 will change that.
Pretty content already with Lollipop on my Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 2013… This update will be a bonus!
Good timing. Had planned on doing a flash today.
As long as it improves performance on my nexus 5 I don’t care about the new features. I took my phone back to kit kat due to crappy performance