Pros and Cons of Updating from Android 5.0 Lollipop to 5.1

The transition from Android 5.0 Lollipop to 5.1 is a minor but significant update aimed at addressing bugs and flaws in the previous version. This update was primarily focused on enhancing user experience and ensuring smoother performance for Android devices. Although the updates might seem incremental, they have brought several notable changes to the Android ecosystem, both for users and developers. This article delves into the pros and cons of moving from Android 5.0 to 5.1, while also exploring user experiences and the impact on popular applications.

Introduction to Android 5.1 (Lollipop 5.1)

Android 5.1, also known as Lollipop 5.1, is a minor update to the Android 5.0 Lollipop platform. It aims to fix bugs and improve the overall stability and performance of the system. The purpose of this update is to refine the user experience by addressing various issues that cropped up during the usage of the previous version, such as lag, automatic application closure, and frequent reboots.

Why Update from 5.0 to 5.1?

The update to Android 5.1 is crucial for users who experienced bugs and glitches in Android 5.0 Lollipop. Developers have worked to rectify these issues, making the new update more reliable and efficient. However, the update is not without its limitations. One major drawback is that some applications may not yet be compatible with the new operating system, which could cause bugs from those apps to persist even after the update. As a result, troubleshooting and checking for application updates is essential.

Changes in Android 5.1

The following are the key changes introduced in Android 5.1, which were essential for improving user experience:

1. Quick Settings Tweaks

The quick settings in the settings menu have undergone significant changes, offering users more control and customization options.

2. HD Voice, Dual SIM Support, and New APIs

The update introduces HD voice support, dual SIM functionality, and new application programming interfaces (APIs) to enhance the user experience.

3. Revamped Screen Pinning

The screen pinning feature has been revamped to provide a more secure environment for users.

4. Device Protection Features

Device protection features have been enhanced to prevent thieves from factory resetting the device.

5. Changes to Volume and Intermittent Sliders

The volume and interruptions sliders have undergone changes, improving user control and accessibility.

Other minor changes include:

6. New Animations in Clock App

The clock app now features new animations, enhancing its visual appeal.

7. Removal of Colored Overlay and Google Linkage

Contacts no longer have a colored overlay and are unlinked from Google, enhancing privacy and personalization.

8. Sticky Soft Keys Fix

Haptic feedback and sticky soft keys have been addressed for a better user experience.

9. Hide Heads-up Notifications Without Dismissing

Users can now hide heads-up notifications without dismissing them, adding flexibility and convenience.

10. New Status Bar Icon for No SIM Inserted

A new status bar icon indicates when no SIM is inserted, improving the visual feedback for users.

11. NuPlayer as the Default Streaming Player

NuPlayer is now the default player for streaming audio and video, offering better performance and stability.

12. Memory Leak Fix

A memory leak issue has been resolved, reducing the risk of system crashes and instability.

User Experiences and Bugs

My personal experience with the update from Android 5.0 to 5.1 on a Nexus 6 has been mixed. Despite the improvements, some bugs and glitches persisted. Here are the improvements and issues I encountered:

Improvements

Reduced lag in swiping screens Improved battery usage Fixed charging issues Cured the disappearance of home buttons issue Enhanced task manager to close running applications properly

Issues

Screen sleeping during calls Lagged notification panel Keypad frame disappearing issue Continued battery drain problems Occasional non-functioning home buttons Google Play Music malfunction Stock battery saver mode issues

While the issues are inconvenient, they are not unprecedented. As with any major update, there's a period of adjustment and resolution of bugs. Most users have found that the overall experience of the Lollipop OS is better than the previous KitKat, and that these bugs will likely be resolved in future updates.

Conclusion

The update from Android 5.0 to 5.1 is commendable for its aim to resolve issues and provide a more stable and efficient user experience. However, it's critical to be aware of potential incompatibilities and issues that may arise from older applications. Moving forward, users should stay updated on further patches and updates to enjoy the best possible performance and functionality of their Android devices.