14 DAY TRIAL // Google has yet to announce Android 5.1 Lollipop update officially, but a bunch of Android One handsets are already shipping out to consumers in developing markets such as Indonesia and Philippines.
Some rumors indicate that the new update will be served to us sometime in March, but for now we don’t have a clear view of what Lollipop 5.1 will bring in terms of improvements.
According to the current hearsay, it is expected that Lollipop 5.1 will be more extensive than Lollipop 5.0.1 or 5.0.2, given the difference in numbering.
A while ago we reported the new build was whispered to add improved RAM / battery management and general system stability features.
Furthermore, the new version is expected to be fixing issues related to sudden app closures, excessive consumption of network devices when Wi-Fi is in use, wireless connection difficulties and notifications misbehaving.
Android 5.1 Lollipop changes start to get detailed
While we can’t vouch that these tweaks will arrive on Android 5.1 Lollipop, the good news is that the first screenshots and videos showing the changes Google plans to impose with the new version have started showing up online (as seen at Android Police).
The most important change appears to be related to the behavior of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings toggles from the Lollipop Quick Settings.
When the update comes, users will be able to switch to different Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection right from the notification areas.
Under the icon of each connectivity option, you’ll be presented with a bunch of small arrows that, once pressed, reveal a list of available connections.
Furthermore, we’re shown that the new Clock app in 5.1 Lollipop has been revamped to include a bunch of cool animations.
The tabs for Alarm, World clock, Stopwatch and Timer can flip intro animations, as the user goes through them – the hour glass flips over while the clock handle spins (see below).
While these aren't massive improvements, we do expect Google to have an extensive list of new features and fixes, which will be revealed in due time.
Something a lot of us have been hoping for, ever since we talked about Android 5.1 for the first time, is the return of Silent Mode, which was eradicated once Lollipop came out into the world.
Update: Android 5.0 Lollipop introduced what’s being touted as heads up notifications, meaning you’ll see notifications appear briefly at the top of your screen when you get it.
So far you had only three choices when that happened: wait for it to disappear, tap on it which take you to the app per see or swipe it to send it off packing into the void.
But with Android 5.1 users will be given the chance of swiping up to get it out of the way, WITHOUT actually losing it in the process. Check out the process in the third video below.
