5 Reasons to Install the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop Update Today

Just weeks after rolling out a Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop update, Google’s rolled out another in the form of the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update. While there are reasons to avoid installing the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update when it first arrives. there are also some reasons why you might want to think about installing it right now. Here why’s you should consider installing Android 5.0.1 Lollipop today.

Earlier this week, 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, and a small bug fix update that’s started rolling out to owners of select Nexus-branded tablets.

Two days ago, Google released Android 5.0.1 factory images for the Nexus 9 Wi-Fi, Nexus 10 and Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi. Over-the-Air updates typically follow close behind the release of factory images and just a short time ago, Google’s started pushing out the trio of Android 5.0.1 updates. These represent Google’s first Android 5.0.1 updates though there’s a chance that the update could more Nexus devices as time moves on.

Android 5.0.1 Lollipop isn’t a massive update, nowhere close to the size of Android 5.0 Lollipop, but it’s still an important update and one that could have a big impact on the performance of Nexus devices. Android 5.0.1 is, however, going to be a big update for those that have yet to install Android 5.0 because it will deliver the features and enhancements that arrived last month.

There’s a lot of excitement in the air and for good reason. This is an update that Google needed to roll out given the problems plaguing Nexus users after the Android 5.0 Lollipop release. As we’ve pointed out, there are some good reasons for some Nexus users to avoid installing the Android 5.0.1 update right now. There are also some reasons why you might want to think about installing the Android 5.0.1 update the second it arrives for your device. Here are those reasons.

It Fixes Two Major Android 5.0 Bugs

The first reason why you should consider installing Android 5.0.1 Lollipop the second it appears for your Nexus device is if you cherish the files on board your device. According to sources, the Android 5.0.1 wipes out a bug that could potentially wipe your Nexus device clean. This isn’t too big of a deal if you’ve been diligent about backing your files up but it could have a very negative impact on users that simply haven’t taken precautions.

This bug is not common since there is a chain of events that must happen before it kicks in, but the risk is still there. The update should squash this lock screen bug for good.

It’s also worth installing if you own a Nexus 7 2013. One of the biggest issues that we heard about in the aftermath of the Android 5.0 Lollipop release was a video playback issue plaguing Nexus 7 users. The Nexus 7 is a device geared toward watching video content and without that function, the device, for many people, is a borderline paperweight.

According to Ron Amadeo at ArsTechnica, Android 5.0 Lollipop tackles that particular bug on the Nexus 7 2013. Video playback should work properly after the Android 5.0.1 update is on board. So, if you own a Nexus 7 2013 and you were running into this problem in particular, the Android 5.0.1 Lollipop release is probably worth installing right now.

If You Have Android 4.4 KitKat Problems

If you’re still on Android 4.4 KitKat and you’re dealing with issues on your Nexus 10 or Nexus 7 2013 (or another Nexus device provided Google releases the software for other models), now is the time to make the jump up to Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Android 5.0 Lollipop wiped out some of the critical bugs still on board Android 4.4 KitKat. Android 5.0.1 Lollipop wipes out some of the critical bugs that arrived alongside the Android 5.0 update. Google typically doesn’t release multiple bug fixers in close proximity of one another which means that Android 5.0.1 could be the only option you have for the foreseeable future.

Android 5.0.1 is likely going to be more stable than Android 5.0 Lollipop so if you’ve been thinking about making the jump, and we think the jump is definitely worth it given Android 5.0’s features, now is the time to make the move off of Android 4.4 KitKat. You’ll potentially squash your current KitKat problems while getting Android 5.0’s features and the stability of Android 5.0.1 in the process.

If You Have Lollipop Problems

If you’re having Android 5.0 Lollipop problems, even problems that aren’t listed in the Android 5.0.1 change log, you might want to think about installing Android 5.0.1 Lollipop the second it arrives on your device.

Often times, incremental updates like Android 5.0.1 Lollipop will fix some of the smaller issues, issues that may not be listed among the fixes in the change log. We’ve seen smaller issues wiped away by updates likes Android 4.4.4 KitKat and Android 4.4.3 KitKat in the past so installing Android 5.0.1 Lollipop on day one might be a risk worth taking. Those of you dealing with major Android 5.0 Lollipop problems really have nothing to lose.

We haven’t heard about any major Android 5.0.1 problems yet but the roll out is still very new. Just in case you do run into issues, we’ve put together a list of common Android 5.0 problems and fixes that you’ll probably want to consult.

If You Want Improved Performance

If you’re experiencing bad performance (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, battery life, LTE, overall speed of the software) on Android 5.0 Lollipop or below, you might want to make the move up to Android 5.0.1 Lollipop today.

Again, there’s always a good chance that these problems will get fixed with the arrival of a brand new update. Yes, there are some temporary fixes that you can try if you want to avoid installing Android 5.0.1 but it won’t hurt to try installing Android 5.0.1 to see if things get better on your Nexus device. We’ve seen incremental updates improve all of these areas in the past.

If you’re lingering on Android 4.4 KitKat, know that Android 5.0 performance is solid, at least for us. The software’s material design is extremely responsive and fluid, ART delivers impressive speeds and smoother transitions, and we’ve yet to experience any slow down after installing the massive upgrade. The software also comes with some battery life improvements including a new battery saver feature that we’ve been using nonstop since its arrival.

If You’re Prepared

If you’ve prepared for the Android 5.0 Lollipop update, and or the Android 5.0.1 update, now is the time to get Google’s brand new Android update up and running on your Nexus tablet. Preparation is going to differ from person to person but we’ve offered a few tips to get you started.

Backing up your crucial files is essential, especially if something does go wrong during the installation process. You’ll also want to become familiar with Android 5.0’s features before installing Andrioid 5.0.1. As we’ve noted, Material Design is a massive change for Nexus users and it’s going to take some getting used to. If you’ve done your homework, go ahead and make your move. Android 5.0’s features outweigh the potential for problems at this point.