pushed out Android 5.1 this week, bringing a bunch of bug fixes a few helpings of new features to Nexus devices.
The update is targeted specifically at Nexus devices, it will make a slow rollout to avoid borking anyone’s device. Fortunately, for the convenience of impatient enthusiasts developers, posts the source files. The factory images for Nexus devices are available now for your downloading pleasure.
It’s part of our weekly roundup of major software updates for the biggest devices, including phones tablets on U.S. carriers, unlocked phones, even wearables. Making sure your device is running the latest available software is a good housekeeping practice, ensuring you have the latest features with fewer bugs gaping security holes.
Nexus
Nexus 5, 6, 10: Factory images are at the ready for these devices, though if you’re patient you’ll see an over-the-air update soon.
Android 5.1 brings a lot of much-needed bug fixes, especially to the memory leak issues that were causing multiple apps to crash. There are some nice new features, however, such as device protection that requires you to log in with your account if your phone has been stolen, rendering it useless to a thief.
The update also includes adds multi-SIM support, HD voice, quick settings for toggling -Fi networks or Bluetooth devices.
They’re not there yet for the Nexus 9 or Nexus 7 tablets. ’ll let you know when we see them.
Verizon
G d 10.1: The E-powered tablet is getting a software bump that squashes some bugs. Be on the lookout for update VK10011A, which fixes some freeze ups with ay Movies, improves audio quality in VoIapps, nixes some syncing issues with Verizon’s cloud services.
Interestingly, it corrects a misspelling of Verizon’s name, which was listed as “Verzion” on the device.
Sprint
Nexus 6: There’s a Sprint support page detailing the Android 5.1 update for Nexus 6 phones purchased from Sprint. It was scheduled to go live dnesday, so it may or may not have hit your device yet. ong with all the optimizations in Android 5.1, it also fixes duplicate SMS messages.
