Android 5.1 Lollipop update released – Here’s what’s new

Google released the Android 5.1 Lollipop update earlier in the day. The new update is a bug fix release that also happens to bring in a few features. The update has been released for a few Nexus devices today, with releases for the remaining Nexus devices being worked on as I write.

1. Nexus 6 – Available! Download here
2. Nexus Player – Not available yet
3. Nexus 9 LTE – Not available yet
4. Nexus 6 Wi-Fi – Not available yet
5. Nexus 5 – Available! Download here
6. Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi – Not available yet
7. Nexus 7 2013 LTE – Not available yet
8. Nexus 10 – Available! Download here
9. Nexus 4 – Not available yet
10. Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi – Available! Download here
11. Nexus 7 2012 (Mobile) – Not available yet

That makes it three devices which have their Android 5.1 Lollipop update released. However, it is worth noting that Android One devices which were launched in South East Asia recently also come with Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box. That was the first time Google debuted a newer version of Android on a device other than a Nexus.

While Android 5.1 is a maintenance release (Google has marked it as MR1 – Maintenance Release 1), it also brings a few features that are a welcome addition to the OS.

1. Native multiple SIM support – One of the best new additions to Android is the support for multiple SIMs natively. Although devices with dual SIM support already exist, Android 5.1 now supports them natively, allowing OEMs to concentrate on other things.
2. HD Voice calling – Compatible devices on compatible carriers will get this feature. As of now, only Nexus 6 is supported on Verizon and T-Mobile in the US.
3. Device Protection – 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.
4. Quick Settings enhancements – 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.
5. Bug fixes – The dreaded memory leak bug has finally been fixed. Or so Google says.
6. Swiping up Heads Up notifications will dismiss the Heads Up but retain it in the notification shade now.
7. Lots of new small animations every where.

To sum it up, this is a nice update for a maintenance release. If you are impatient and have a Nexus device, you can go check for updates here.

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