Android 5.1 is official, supports HD Voice, multiple SIMs and more

BY Evan Selleck

Published 9 Mar 2015

image Android 5.1 handset

Within the month of February, two instances of Android 5.1 showed up in handsets running the Android One brand, and now Google has gone ahead and made the newest version of the mobile operating system official.

Android 5.1 is now rolling out to handsets courtesy of an official update to Android Lollipop, and Google says it “improves stability and performance,” while also adding a few features to the mix as well. Specifically, Android 5.1 features the ability to support HD Voice, along with support for multiple SIM cards. The new Android version also includes Device Protection, which will keep an Android 5.1-based handset locked up until it’s logged into with the correct Google account. The lockdown actually works even if the device is wiped, which is a nice level of security for a smartphone.

Utilizing the Quick Settings menu to change Wi-fi and Bluetooth is now an option, too.

Android 5.1 should be rolling out to Nexus-branded devices beginning today, so if you own one, keep an eye out.

[via Official Android Blog]