Google's first maintenance release for Lollipop Android 5.1 reportedly begins this week to Nexus 7 (2013) tablets. However, according to several recent leaks some other phones also will pioneer Android 5.1 Lollipop, including Motorola's Moto G, LG G4, HTC One M7, and a few other Nexus devices.
Nexus 7 (2013)
Leakster Artem Russakovskii claims solid sources informed him that Android 5.1 will start rolling out to Nexus 7 this week. In his Google+ post, Russakobskii writes: ""Here's a rumor from one of our solid sources. The Lollipop MR1 (Android 5.1) will start rolling out to Nexus devices starting with the N7 (probably 2013) this week, barring anything unexpected."
He furthered: "This release is supposed to make Android battery smooth again, which is something you may have already spotted from videos of Android One devices running it. You're going to want to install it... Google's been having some issues with battery life, which explains the delay, and unless they're already resolved, could possibly delay the rollout. But later this week is the info I have right now."
Nexus 6
Verizon's version of the Motorola-built Nexus 6 is also expected to get a taste of the update sooner than the other brands in the market.
Moto G
Another Google+ user posted that he has spotted Motorola's Moto G running with the Lollipop's first maintenance release. Damian Junior revealed images of what he referred to come from a friend working at Motorola. One of the screenshots shows Motorola testing the Android 5.1 update on the first-generation Moto G handsets, adding that the update is bug-free compared to its predecessor.
Moto X
On Twitter, Motorola posted that its Moto X device is set to get the update. The full tweet reads: ""Moto X (1st Gen) will get L, but chipset requires more effort. We're working to deliver satisfactory experience performance."
In February, Mo Versi, HTC's Vice President for Product Management, posted on Twitter that Google is working in the lab the maintenance release which is set to release this month. This leads to speculation that one of HTC's devices might also be running in test with Android 5.1. According to reports, Nexus 9 will have a first taste of the update.
Google's budget smartphone Android One is currently selling in the Philippines and Indonesia with Android 5.1 Lollipop, the only device openly announced to run the mobile OS. Android 5.1 Lollipop is expected to be a huge update. It brings back the silent mode and improves system stability, RAM and battery management, and fixes sudden app closures, Wi-Fi problems and sound problems.
Other impressive features of Android 5.1 Lollipop include activation lock, an anti-theft mechanism that bricks phones when stolen. This protection allows devices to be locked even if anyone tries to reset it to factory settings. High-definition voice calling is also another killer feature. It offers crystal-clear calling experience via HD voice. However, Nexus 6 devices of T-Mobile and Verizon can only enjoy this for now.
To manually check for updates, go to Settings > About phone/device > Software updates > Check now/Check for updates. If it is already available, follow onscreen instructions and make sure the battery is charged up to at least 50 percent to prevent inconvenience.
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