Google Releases Android 5.1
by Brandon Chester on March 9, 2015 5:40 PM EST- Posted in
- Smartphones
- Android
- Mobile
- Tablets
Today Google has announced the release of Android 5.1 Lollipop. The update is said to improve both performance and stability, as well as including a few new features.
The first feature is official support for multiple SIM cards. This feature is likely to appeal to Android users in emerging markets, and will definitely help Google's Android One initiative. Another new feature is support for HD voice calls on compatible networks and devices, with both T-Mobile and Verizon supporting the feature on the Nexus 6. Google has also added the ability to join WiFi networks and pair Bluetooth devices right from the quick settings menu.
In addition to the above improvements, Android 5.1 has one more notable feature, it's called Device Protection. Similar to Apple's Activation Lock, Device Protection means that a device will remain locked until the owner signs in with their Google account. This lock persists even after a factory reset, which should hopefully make stealing Android smartphones a pointless endeavor for thieves. Police departments in some US cities reported significant reductions in iPhone theft after the release of Activation Lock, and it would be great to see the same thing happen with Android devices.
Android 5.1 Lollipop will be rolling out to Nexus and Google Play edition devices in the near future.
Source: Google Android Blog
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FlushedBubblyJock - Wednesday, March 11, 2015 - link
Oh great, I'll get hammered soon with it. I bet it's goofy as all get out.FlushedBubblyJock - Wednesday, March 11, 2015 - link
Some of us like our original android version, then the update comes and screws it all.Then they update it again, mostly moving crap around to justify their paychecks.
It's a pain.
It's not useful.
This last time they screwballed the 8 open screen icons and split them from bottom only to bottom and top - I guess they thought either thumb reaching all 8 easily was somehow "now stupid".
I shudder to think what the little (expletives) are going to do to screw the next things up.
Pissedoffyouth - Wednesday, March 11, 2015 - link
You can just decline the update?blzd - Saturday, March 14, 2015 - link
No one forces you to update.Shiitaki - Monday, March 16, 2015 - link
A new Android release, definition: Software that will never see the light of day beyond Google devices! Seriously, this is one area where the Android 'market' is a joke.Now I will hear months of bitching on the internet because peeps can't get there update. Ah, but that's what cell phone carriers are best at, screwing their customers.
stjojeam - Monday, March 16, 2015 - link
PLEASE,,,, what is the use of posting Android updates if few, and I mean very few, manufacturers and service providers make them available for most Android phones??? Android Lollipop adoption is around 3% only. Google MUST find a solution to enable updates on phones that meet minimum specifications capable of running the software.