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Android 5.0.1 Lollipop Update Breakdown

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In a matter of weeks, Google and its partners have rolled out not one, but two new Android updates. The first, Android 5.0 Lollipop, the massive overhaul to the Android operating system. The second, Android 5.0.1 Lollipop, a bug fixer for Lollipop problems. With Android 5.0 Lollipop update details swirling for Nexus users and owners of other devices, we want to breakdown Google’s latest update and tell you what you need to know.

Earlier this month, Google released a brand new Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop update into the Android Open Source Project. That update is Android 5.0.1 Lollipop, a follow up to the Android 5.0 Lollipop update that deployed in November.

Android 5.0.1 Lollipop is a small bug fix update that’s currently rolling out to owners of select Nexus smartphones and tablets. The roll out, while nice, makes things a little more complicated for Nexus users, many of whom are still waiting to move from Android 4.4 KitKat to Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Nexus 7 Android 5.0 Lollipop Review Early - 3

When Google first started rolling out Android 5.0 Lollipop, it pushed it to select Nexus users including owners of the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10. Soon after, the update landed for the Nexus 5 and the Nexus 4. The company also rolled out small bug fixers to the Nexus 9 and the Nexus 6 to help shore up their software after launch. We also saw a number of other updates push out including upgrades for the Moto G, Moto X, and several Google Play variants found on the Google Play Store.

Point is, Google still owes some Nexus users an upgrade to Android 5.0 Lollipop and it also owes some Nexus users an upgrade to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. We’ve even started to see some non-Nexus devices get Android 5.0.1 Lollipop ahead of those roll outs. With all of that in mind, we want to take a look at everything we know, right now, about the Android 5.0 and Android 5.0.1 roll outs for Android users.

Nexus 6

Google’s new Nexus smartphone came equipped with Android 5.0 Lollipop on board but that doesn’t mean that we haven’t seen some significant developments take place in the past month.

First, Google rolled out a small bug fixer to the Nexus 6, an update that was just another Android 5.0.1 build. Then, yesterday, Google posted the Nexus 6 Android 5.0.1 update in the AOSP delivering the factory images to developers. Anyone who knows anything about Nexus Android updates knows that OTAs are typically right behind factory images and sure enough, Google’s Nexus 6 Android 5.0.1 OTA is now here on the scene.

Nexus6-2

The Nexus 6 Android 5.0.1 update is rolling out right now and like the other Android 5.0.1 updates, it brings some big time bug fixes to the table. The Android 5.0.1 change log shows us that Android 5.0.1 is an update aimed at some of the larger issues though there are some fixes for smaller Android 5.0 Lollipop problems as well.

For those who are new to the Nexus program, note that Google’s Android update roll outs typically last about a week or so. So if you don’t see the update yet, don’t panic. There’s a very good chance that you’ll see it pop up in your notifications sometime soon.

Those of you who wish to sideload the software ahead of the OTA can find the proper file here.

Nexus 5

Nexus 5 users have been pretty vocal about Android 5.0 Lollipop problems so it’s interesting that the device still hasn’t seen an Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update confirmed for arrival. The Nexus 5 is one of the only devices without an Android 5.0.1 update though there’s always a chance that Google will deliver at a later date, especially now that its heading to a majority of Nexus devices.

Nexus6vsN5-4

If Google does have a Nexus 5 Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update up its sleeve, and it probably does given the fixes that are on board, we’ll likely see the same type of progression. First, it will land in AOSP. Next, someone will find the OTA file. And then sometime after that, the update will start landing for a majority of devices. If we don’t see a Nexus 5 Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update before the end of the year, we’d be surprised.

Nexus 4

Owners of the aging Nexus 4 have also been reporting a series of Android 5.0 Lollipop problems plaguing the device. Yesterday, Google took steps to alleviate these problems and the Nexus 4 Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update is currently rolling out to users.

The Nexus 4 Android 5.0.1 Lollipop factory images are available in AOSP and those who wish to skip the OTA, which is taking place right now, can sideload the software using this file. Per usual, we only recommend sideloading to advanced users. Those of you that don’t have a clue don’t have any business sideloading ahead of the OTA. It will cause more trouble than its worth.

Developers are working on a Nexus 4 Android L port.

Google’s Nexus 4 OTA will likely roll out over the course of a week or so so if you don’t see the update today, don’t panic. It’ll probably show up at some point in the near future.

Nexus 9

The Nexus 9 was one of the devices that initially got the bump up to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop so if you haven’t received the update yet, you’ll probably want to check in your settings. The update’s been rolling out for a number of days now so it should be entering the latter stages of the roll out. Check a few times a day but no more than that.

Nexus9-outdoor2

If you own the Nexus 9 and you’re looking to sideload to Android 5.0.1, you can do so with this file.

Nexus 7

As we’ve noted, the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update is currently rolling out to the Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi. That’s it. The Nexus 7 2012, which currently sits on Android 5.0 Lollipop, is dealing with a number of problems but we simply haven’t heard or seen an Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update. At least not yet. There’s a good chance the Wi-Fi model will get updated though nothing is guaranteed.

Those of you that own a Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi and want to make the move ahead of the OTA can do so right now. If you want to move to LRX22C from KTU84P, you’ll want to grab this file and sideload. If you are looking to move to LRX22C from LRX21P, you’ll want to snag this file. Again, proceed with caution and if you’re not familiar with sideloading, you’ll want to avoid it altogether.

Android-4.4.4-Nexus-7-Review

As for the cellular versions of the Nexus 7, well, they’re still stuck on Android 4.4 KitKat with no Android 5.0 Lollipop release in sight. Now that Android 5.0.1 is out, they’ll probably move to the newest version rather than Android 5.0, though that remains unconfirmed. Our hope is that these devices get upgraded before the holidays but Google remains silent so there’s no telling what its planning at this stage.

If and when an OTA is about to happen, the files will be dumped into the AOSP. So keep an eye out.

Nexus 10

The Nexus 10 is in the same position as the Nexus 9 and Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi. It was one of the first to get Android 5.0.1 and its update should be in the final stages of deployment. If you haven’t seen the update yet, you might want to check in your settings.

Those of you that want to skip the OTA update can do so via sideloading. If you want to move to LRX22C from LRX21P, grab this file. If you want to go to LRX22C from KTU84P, grab this file.

Google Play Edition

The Android 5.0.1 update has begun for select Google Play Edition devices. The first Android 5.0.1 updates landed for the GPe versions of the HTC One. Those updates started deploying last week so if you haven’t received your update yet, you’ll certainly want to check.

Google’s also today pushing out an Android 5.0.1 update for the Moto G GPe. The update takes the device from Android 4.4 KitKat to Google’s latest software which means it comes with the Material Design, performance enhancements, fixes, and a number of other notable additions.

New-Moto-G-Hands-On-3-20141-620x4731

From what we’ve heard, the update is about 380MB so Moto G users will want to set aside some time to get the upgrade on board. Those of you that want to skip the Moto G GPe Android 5.0.1 Lollipop OTA and sideload can do so using this file.

We’re not sure when the remaining Android 5.0.1 updates will roll out though we know that Samsung and Google are working on an update for the Galaxy S4 GPe. That update may not be imminent but there’s a good chance it will roll out sometime in the next few weeks as Google continues its roll out for Google Play Edition devices.

Other Devices

It’s not clear where manufacturers like HTC, LG, Motorola, Sony and Samsung will go from here. Typically, Android manufacturers roll out the latest software with the latest bug fixes so Android 5.0.1 updates for n0n-Nexus and Google Play Edition devices are likely.

To our knowledge, none of these manufacturers have confirmed Android 5.0.1 Lollipop updates but as we’ve noted many times, all of them have confirmed Android 5.0 Lollipop updates so it will be interesting to see if they decide to move ahead of with Google’s current version of Android 5.0 or stick with the older version. We’re leaning toward the former.

6 Comments

6 Comments

  1. Rick

    12/11/2014 at 8:18 pm

    My wifi has been screwed with this 5.0.1 update. I have to reboot every 10 minutes or so to stay online.

  2. Giovanni Ventimiglia

    12/12/2014 at 3:42 am

    Nexus 7 2013 5.0.1 stock no root no tinkering at all.OTA update.
    General drop in framerate even changing between landscape and portfolio,200mb extra ram used.Swipe up browser activates when you don’t want it especially when playing online you loose connection with game servers.Slow boot up.Blurred screen capture.keyboard is atrocious.Brightness adjust flickers.God its awfull and this is after 1 days use.
    I want my KitKat back.

  3. Kathi Jo Brunning

    12/12/2014 at 10:30 am

    I updated my Nexus 7 to 5.0.1 and have some issues. My photo gallery had been completely changed and I can no longer get the date a photo was taken from “details”. wth? Also, the first time I tried to open YouTube after the upgrade no videos would play, had to uninstall and reinstall, still no success. Not sure what made it start working again, but it did… Are there any more issues I can expect? It’s prettier, but…. really? Oh, and my wallpaper is no longer available… wow…

  4. Isaiah (Nexus 7)

    12/12/2014 at 12:10 pm

    Nexus 7 – 5.0.1 update – I have only one problem. Since the update I am no longer able to use “swipe” or “none” as my lock screen… It says: “disabled by administrator, encryption policy, or credential storage”. Can anyone help? I called the google helpline an they couldn’t solve my problem.

  5. Shashi

    12/12/2014 at 10:36 pm

    Still many bugs to be fixed in Android 5.0 on Nexus 4

    1.Calls are dropped and Phone radio turns off even if full signal.
    (Have to restart to start again)
    2.Skype not working
    3.Facebook call not working
    4.Calculator…Divide button not working

  6. BRF

    12/14/2014 at 11:23 am

    Nexus 4 works great AFTER doing a factory reset, so if you install it on a Nexus 4, plan a factory reset.

    Still waiting on it for my Nexus 7 2013 :( Thought it would be here by now, but still waiting…

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