Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Release for 2013 Nexus 7 and Nexus 9 could Happen Soon? Nexus 7 from Asus Shows Failure Unrelated from Firmware Updates?

By Staff Writer

Apr 20 2015, 09:25 AM EDT

Certain models of Nexus 7 and Nexus 9 are currently running on Google's next Android OS. The upcoming OS, Android 5.1.1, is found running on Wi-Fi Nexus 7 (2013) with build number LMY47W and Nexus 9 with build number LMY47S through Google's Android Audio information page.

The latest software sighting has sparked speculations on the next Android's imminent release, despite other devices still waiting for Android 5.1 and Android 5.0 Lollipop rollouts. Because the information appears more like a teaser, as it surfaced last week without any announcement from Google, Android phone users can't help but wonder whether Android 5.1.1. will address issues in the previous OS updates.

Indeed, Google has yet to make an announcement regarding its release date which could happen soon and the details of the issues that the upcoming OS will fix. Device users will also have to wait for the scheduled release from their respective carriers.

While the Android 5.1.1 features are still unknown, what the software sightings confirm is that Google has been working on next OS while trying to complete the Android 5.1 release for different Android handsets. There are even devices that are waiting for Android 5.0 Lollipop update, including the Nexus 9. Google has been working on the next OS since February 16, according to the report.

Nexus 7 is once again on the news today due to reports that the device is failing at an alarming rate. The Nexus 7 from Asus is said to be showing severe lags, random crashing of apps, or, worst, the tablet would freeze up completely.

Attempts at basic troubleshooting would also not work, but even if it has been successful in some cases, the problem won't still be fixed. Some speculated that it could be due to Android 5.0.2 software update, but earlier records of the same problems have been seen a few weeks after the 2013 Nexus 7 from Asus was released. This has made AndroidPolice observes that the device failure is unlikely the result of firmware updates.

Repair cost for the Nexus 7 starts from $150 to $200. Unfortunately, owners of out-of-warranty devices might pay as high as $344 like one owner of affected device did.

Both the 2013 Nexus 7 and Nexus 9 were among the last devices to receive the software updates from Google. But with the latest software sighting, Nexus is apparently skipping Android 5.1 release for the Nexus 9.