2013 Nexus 7 LTE, 2013 Nexus 7, Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Lollipop Update: Factory Images, Installation Guide, Features, Rollout Dates

By Staff Writer

Apr 16 2015, 08:57 AM EDT

The Android 5.1 Lollipop update continues to hit privileged Google smartphones as factory images surfaced on Google Developers. Handset models include the 2013 Nexus 7 LTE, 2013 Nexus 7, and Nexus 4.

Google's first maintenance release for Android Lollipop is downloadable through an over-the-air (OTA) update. The latest to receive it is the 2013 Nexus 7 LTE version. The 2013 Nexus 7 LTE with handset build model LRX22G running the Android 5.0.2 can flash the OTA file to begin the update. For a full-fledged software renewal, a factory system image is available. Make sure to back up data since it will remove all the device's data.

Prior the Wi-Fi version, the 2013 Nexus 7 and the Nexus 4 also received the Android 5.1 Lollipop update. The full factory images posted on Google's site can flash the device to get up to date software. All factory images have build number LMY470 and could also flash on top of any ROM or previous version of the Android Lollipop. The update is roughly estimated at 170MB.

The Android 5.1 Lollipop update will bring bug fixes, performance improvements and a good amount of user interface changes and new features. Nexus 9 got a taste first of impressive Android changes and additions, while Android One phones in the Philippines and Indonesia debuted the update outside the U.S.

Based on Android history, 5.1 is the most sluggish to hit devices as there are some devices yet, including Nexuses, have not received the release since its official announcement last March 9. Google's latest mobile operating system Android 5.1 Lollipop is now ready to hit more smartphones as the official rollout has just been revealed yesterday.

Other phones that surfaced previously with Android 5.1 are Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (2012), Nexus 10, and HTC One M7. The Android 5.1 Lollipop update will bring 2013 Nexus 7 LTE, 2013 Nexus 7 and Nexus 4 promising new features and improvements like Device Protection, high definition voice calling, screen pinning, and a lot more.

Device Protection will help handset owners to lock the device if lost or stolen. The device can be reopened only when a registered Google account of the owner will be signed in. The high definition voice calling will give owners "crystal clear" audio call experience. The screen pinning feature gives easier instructions when scrolling up to see the "Pin" icon.