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5 Last Minute Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop Release Date Tips

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After weeks of rumors and speculation, the Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop update is finally rolling out to select Nexus smartphone and tablet users. With the Android 5.0 Lollipop release upon us, we want to relay some last minute Android 5.0 release date tips that should help Nexus 5, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, and yes, Nexus 4 users as the update pushes out.

In October, Google announced a number of new products including a Nexus 6 smartphone from Motorola, a Nexus 9 tablet from HTC, and an Android 5.0 Lollipop update for the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, and Nexus 5. It also confirmed Android 5.0 Lollipop for its stable of Google Play Edition devices. At the time, the company said that the updates would begin rolling out in the “coming weeks.”

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Yesterday, Google’s Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop release date arrived for owners of several Nexus variants including the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7. The update, one of the biggest in the history of the Android operating system, takes Nexus users from Android 4.4.4 KitKat to Android 5.0 Lollipop and it delivers a number of new features including the update’s new Material Design.

Nexus users we’ve spoken to are extremely excited and many are eager to install the latest update from Google. We don’t blame you. The Android 5.0 Lollipop release has been a long time coming and after using the update for several months now, we’re confident that you’re going to like what Google’s done to its popular operating system.

That said, we want to provide a few last minute words of wisdom to those of you thinking about making the jump up from Android 4.4 KitKat. These last minute Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop release date tips apply to Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 users and those who own a Nexus 4 and cellular version of the Nexus 7 will want to keep them in mind as we inch closer to those two release dates as well.

You Don’t Need to Install Android 5.0 Lollipop Right Now

First off, while the Android 5.0 Lollipop update is tempting, you do not need to install the update right now. In fact, some of you shouldn’t install the Android 5.0 Lollipop right now. We’ve outlined a number of reasons why you might want to think about skipping the Android 5.0 Lollipop update but we’ll alert you to a few of the more important reasons right here.

Do not install this update if you’re concerned about bugs. While Google’s beta process probably wiped more than a few issues out, there’s a very good chance that the update is going to bring some problems to Nexus devices. Our advice is to wait a few days to see what’s what before installing the update. We haven’t heard about any catastrophic issues yet but that doesn’t mean that we won’t hear about smaller, widespread issues in the coming days.

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Do not install this update if you’re traveling or if you need your phone for an important project or meeting. You do not want it to mess up your work flow or your vacation. You’ll also want to be at home base in case something goes wrong. That way, you’ll be equipped with the proper resources to handle the problem quickly and efficiently.

Do not install this update if you’re unfamiliar with Android 5.0 Lollipop. Just because you’ve heard that it’s great or that you probably will like the changes doesn’t mean that you should dive in head first. Get familiar with it, learn about it, and that way you’re going to be extremely prepared for the switch from Android 4.4 to Android 5.0.

Don’t Skip the Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop OTA If…

Nexus files have been discovered lurking on Google’s servers which means that you Nexus users can sideload the software, right now, ahead of the OTA update. It’s an extremely tempting proposition given that Google’s OTAs typically take a week or more to roll out but many of you are going to want to skip out on this process.

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We’re already seeing complaints and issues pop up on Google’s Nexus Product forums. This doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Sideloading can cause problems, especially for those of you that are trying it out for the first time. If you are unfamiliar with sideloading, you probably don’t want to give it a shot here with a massive update like Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Instead, wait for the OTA to roll out. It’s not the fastest way to get Android 5.0 Lollipop but it’s the safest way. There’s no reason to take the risk. Android 5.0 Lollipop will get to you soon.

Do Some Clean Up on Your Nexus

You’re going to need free space to install the Android 5.0 Lollipop. Nexus 7 users, for instance, are required to have 500MB of free space on board to get the update up and running. This is going to present some problems for those of you that are using Nexus smartphones and tablets that are jammed up with files on the internal storage.

Nexus 4 Android L System Image MIA

Use this as an excuse to perform some much needed maintenance on your phone or tablet. If you’re like us, you’ve probably accumulated a ton of unnecessary files over the last year, files that can be deleted forever, files that can free up some valuable space pre-Android 5.0 Lollipop update and post Android 5.0 Lollipop update.

Figure out what you don’t need ahead of the OTA upgrade and you’re going to be in much better shape once the Android 5.0 Lollipop update becomes available for your device.

Do Not Do This

Do not use the Google Framework Services “trick”. We repeat, do not use the Google Framework Services “trick” that other sites and other Nexus users will almost certainly recommend. It’s not a trick and it can harm your device. In fact, the problem’s gotten so bad that Google itself warns against using this method when trying to update.

Google Services Framework (GSF) streamlines how Android apps work with data.

Since Google Services Framework deals in the authenticating, handling, and passing of app data, it’s possible that the clearing of this framework can negatively impact your experience. The following are a few examples:

  • Account authentication. You may receive Account action required notifications prompting you to re-enter your username and password multiple times.
  • Google Cloud Messaging (GCM) and apps. GCM is the infrastructure that powers notifications for Google apps and other third-party apps that have chosen to use Google’s infrastructure. If GSF data is deleted, messages for apps that use GCM may stop being delivered to your device.
  • Random misbehavior. Some Google apps and third-party apps could randomly misbehave.

If you cleared your Google Services Framework data and are concerned that this is affecting your Android device, you can reset your device to factory settings. Note that performing a factory reset permanently deletes all data on your phone or tablet.

If you don’t want to take our word for it, take Google’s

Be Patient

Finally, be patient. Google’s OTAs don’t happen overnight. They typically stretch for a week or more as the company works to ensure a smooth delivery to Nexus users all over the planet. Go ahead and check for an update a couple times a day but any more than that is going to be overkill. When the update is ready, it will show up in your notifications so you don’t have to manually check if you don’t want to.

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There is no reason to lose sleep over the timing of the Android 5.0 upgrade. Year after year we see people complain and moan about the speed. Google’s slow update process is actually a good thing if you think about it. One, it helps it determine if there are serious issues before spreading it to every Nexus device on earth. And two, it gives you ample time to prepare. Think of it like that and you’re going to be much better off.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Lutz

    11/22/2014 at 9:18 am

    > One, it helps it determine if there are serious issues before spreading
    > it to every Nexus device on earth. And two, it gives you ample time to
    > prepare. Think of it like that and you’re going to be much better off.

    Thought about it. Still sucks.

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