7 Reasons to Update on the Nexus Lollipop Release Date

Google still hasn’t announce an Android 5.0 Lollipop release date for Nexus 5, Nexus 7, Nexus 10 or Nexus 4 but rumors suggest that OTAs could start this week. With a Nexus Lollipop release date imminent, we want to take a look at some reasons why Nexus owners might want to install Google’s brand new Android 5.0 Lollipop update on release day.

Android L was first announced as Android 4.4 KitKat’s successor back in June. At Google I/O, Google did not confirm an Android L release date or name though it did outline many of its features and offer a pre-release beta to select Nexus users. In the weeks after the early beta release, we saw features teased and release dates rumored and last month, Google finally spilled the beans on Android L.

Google’s Android L update is called Android 5.0 Lollipop. The update will be accompanied by two new Nexus devices including a Nexus 9 from HTC and a Nexus 6 from Motorola. Both devices will help usher in a new era for Google and its Android operating system. Problem is, Google still hasn’t confirmed a specific Android 5.0 Lollipop release date for owners of its older Nexus smartphones and tablets.

The company recently confirmed several Android 5.0 Lollipop updates for arrival including updates for the Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 7 2012, and Nexus 10. And while those updates are confirmed, the Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop release date is not. We’ve heard Nexus OTAs could begin on November 12th though that’s still a rumor.

There’s reason for Nexus users to be be excited about the Nexus Android 5.0 Lollipop release date. And while there are some reasons why you might want to skip the update on its day of release, there are also some reasons why you might want to install it. Here, we take a look at some reasons why you Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 10, and Nexus 7 users might want to think about installing on Android 5.0 Lollipop release day.

If You’re on the Android 5.0 Lollipop Developer Preview

If you are running the Android 5.0 Lollipop update preview on the Nexus 5 or Nexus 7, we highly recommend moving up to the public release of the software, if only to get the upgrade out of the way.

Those of you lingering on an older version of the Android 5.0 Lollipop developer preview would be wise to move to the public release when it rolls out because it should bring added stability to your Nexus smartphone and or tablet. You’re already on Google’s new Android update anyway so there’s no sense in sticking around on the beta. Get the installation process over with and get off of beta software.

If You Have Android 4.4 Problems

We’ve spoken to many Nexus 4, Nexus 10, Nexus 7, and Nexus 5 users who are dealing with an assortment of Android 4.4 KitKat problems on Android 4.4.4 KitKat and below. These Android 4.4 KitKat problems continue to linger in the build up to the Android 5.0 Lollipop release, something that’s left Nexus users looking for answers.

Android 5.0 Lollipop could be that answer. The update is full of bug fixes and it could potentially fix whatever is going on on your Nexus device. It’s not going to fix everything but there’s a very good chance that it will tackle many of the problems that have stuck around since the arrival of the Android 4.4.4 KitKat and Android 4.4.3 KitKat updates this summer.

There’s also a chance that the Android 5.0 Lollipop update will fix Android 4.4 problems that aren’t listed in its massive change log. Software updates have a funny way of doing that. Either way, if you’re unable to find a temporary fix for your issues, and the issues have started driving you insane, it’s probably worth upgrading to Android 5.0 on day one. It has the potential to work wonders.

If You Want Huge Camera Improvements

Android 5.0 Lollipop comes with a ton of changes including a brand new Camera API. This is huge for Nexus users because Google’s camera software for Nexus devices has never been good. In fact, the Nexus 5’s camera was, and still is, one of its biggest flaws. It looks like Google’s Android software is to blame, not the hardware.

This new API should deliver massive camera improvements to Nexus users. A comparison from Forbes suggests that the changes will “instantly” improve the camera on Nexus smartphones. A user on Reddit also offers an in-depth look at how the Android 5.0 camera files should greatly improve the camera on Nexus devices including the Nexus 5.

There is clearly a ton of potential here, potential that we’ve seen ourselves, and so if you want an improved camera experience on your Nexus smartphone or tablet, Android 5.0 Lollipop is probably going to be worth an upgrade. Nexus cameras have been lacking for quite awhile now and there’s a very good chance that Android 5.0 is going to change things for the better.

If You Want Android’s New Look Right Now

Maybe the biggest change that’s coming with Android 5.0 Lollipop is the company’s new Material Design. We’ve detailed Material Design many times in the past and it’s an extensive upgrade, one that’s worth upgrading to on day one.

The update is loaded with new animations, a bold and beautiful type face that’s much easier to read, and redesigned cards that match the overall look and feel of Google’s brand new update. For more on material design, take a look at the Nexus 6 in action above. It will give you a good idea about what to expect and for many of you, these massive changes are going to be worth an immediate move from Android 4.4 KitKat.

If You Share Your Phone

Guest Mode has been a feature on tablets for quite awhile now but Google’s finally bringing guest mode features to Nexus devices with Android 5.0 Lollipop. In fact, Android 5.0 Lollipop will only serve to enhance it.

This new functionality allows phone users to create a guest account for friends or family. This is perfect for those of you that share a device with a child or a significant other. They won’t be able to access your files and you’ll be able to easily monitor what they’re doing on your device.

The service also now includes something called Android Smart Lock which will help to secure your device by pairing it with your car or another Bluetooth device. This is a feature that’s probably been overlooked by a lot of you Nexus 5 and Nexus 4 users but it’s one of the reasons why we’ll almost certainly be upgrading to Android 5.0 on release day.

If You Own a Nexus 5 or Nexus 7 2013

If you own one of Google’s latest Nexus devices (Nexus 5 or Nexus 7 2013), you shouldn’t be too worried about installing the Android 5.0 Lollipop update when it arrives. Typically, newer devices deliver the best performance of the bunch and given that these devices are equipped with solid hardware, we should see them deliver solid performance, at least for the most part.

Yes, you could see some initial bugs and issues but we expect overall performance including speed and fluidity of the operating system to be very solid on Google’s newer Nexus smartphones and tablets. Older devices like the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 2012 will likely struggle a little bit more once upgraded with Android 5.0 Lollipop.

If You’re Prepared

If you’ve done your homework, go ahead and update on day one. If you’ve researched the benefits and changes coming with Android 5.0 and if you’ve ensured that all of your files are backed up, you’re going to come out much better than if you failed to do any preparation for the Nexus Android 5.0 release day. You absolutely must take precautions with this update because it’s a big one and it has the potential to affect the performance on your device.

If your Nexus device is ready and more importantly, if you’re ready, then you might want to consider installing the update the moment that it arrives. If you’re not prepared, you should wait.