Η Google announced the immediate availability of Android 5.1 Lollipop for Nexus devices. Although the company isn't too specific about which devices will get the update today, we can safely assume that all Nexus devices will be able to get the update.
What is interesting in Google's announcement is that there are some new features that will be available once you update your operating system version to Android Lollipop 5.1.
New features include, support for multiple SIM cards, Device Protection and support for High Definition (HD) voice on compatible mobile phones.
Basically, Android 5.1 Lollipop will now allow smartphones to use more than one card SIM when the device has multiple SIM slots.
The second news feature of major importance coming in this update is Device Protection, which provides smartphone owners with an extra layer of security.
When stolen or lost, a device that has Android 5.1 Lollipop installed will remain locked until its owner enters his account with Google. This is true even if someone returns the device to factory settings.
According to Google, the protection of the device will be available on most Android smartphones and tablets that will be released "wearing" Android 5.1 Lollipop, except for the Nexus 6 and 9.
In addition, Android 5.1 Lollipop brings HD voice calling to compatible devices such as Nexus 6 from T-Mobile and Verizon.
Last, and also important, is the ability to log into networks Wi-Fi and control of connected Bluetooth devices directly from Quick Settings.
The Android 5.1 Lollipop for Nexus devices will be distributed OTA (over the air) gradually.
If you own one of the Android 5.1 Lollipop-compatible Nexus devices and are planning a factory image upgrade without waiting for OTA distribution, you can find them in the Google developers website to download it.
How to flash the factory image on a Nexus device
First of all, download the correct system image for your Nexus device when it gets released by Google. Then unzip it to a separate folder and connect your device to your computer via USB.
Start the device in fastboot mode and, if necessary, unlock the device's bootloader. Open a terminal and browse the folder with the decompressed system image file to run the flash-all script, which will install the necessary bootloader, baseband firmware, and operating system.
