Android L 5.1 Lollipop Update Release Date: Leak Details Bug-Fixing Upgrade Slated for Early 2015 [Rumor]
It's a better time than ever to own a pure Android smartphone or tablet, like the Nexus 6 or Nexus 9. That's because, according to a new rumor floating around the tech blogosphere, Google is already planning to roll out the next major Lollipop iteration, Android 5.1, as early as the end of February 2015.
Most Android users -- even those with major 2014 Android handsets like the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Samsung Galaxy S5 and the HTC One M8 -- haven't even gotten a chance to try out Android 5.0 Lollipop yet, and now Google is purportedly ready to launch an improved version of the highly-recommended mobile OS within months, if the supposed leaks turn out to be correct.
The rumors come from AndroidPIT (via TechRadar) which published an exclusive on Wednesday that purported to detail not only the launch date of the updated Android L 5.1, but also details on the update's change log, including bug fixes, feature improvements, and possible changes to Material Design's color scheme.
Here's the list of improvements Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 owners can look forward to seeing by early spring 2015, if AndroidPIT is correct:
- Silent mode added after missing on Android 5.0
- General improvements in system stability
- Improved RAM management
- Fixes for sudden app closures
- Improved battery management
- Excessive consumption of network devices when used Wi-Fi fixed
- Issues with wireless connections fixed
- Problems with Okay Google function solved
- Notifications problems solved
- Some sound problems experience by certain devices fixed
- Other improvements and changes
- Changes in the Material Design color palette (after users complaints, possibly for a higher version though)
Should We Believe It?
It's not surprising Google is working of bug fixes for a major first-run release of such a deeply redesigned operating system: As we previously reported, the Moto G got its Lollipop with a 5.0.1 version number already.
But for Google to have an update meriting a full decimal place change -- within a month or so after 2014's major Android OEMs are expected to finally begin OTA rollouts of Android L -- is a bit unexpected. And, thus, more difficult to believe.
As TechRadar pointed out, such an exception to the norm of how Google usually runs its Android version name-and-numbering system isn't completely unprecedented. The iterations following Jelly Bean 4.0 kept the candy name but added full decimals to the version number until the pretty big Android KitKat 4.4 hit last year.
But with Lollipop, we already know Google is using a sub-decimal thanks to the Moto G's update, so at the very best, it seems inconsistent of Google.
Or maybe it's not true.
AndroidPIT claimed their source informed them blog about Android 5.1's supposed February 2015 launch, while "a second, completely separate source that is also privy to important information regarding Android updates" confirmed the story.
A leak plus independent confirmation is good, but when both sources are anonymous -- and of indeterminate access-levels to such information -- it's time to pour on the salt for now.
We'll keep you updated as Android Lollipop (whatever versions may be) continues to roll out throughout the non-iPhone community.
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