While all eyes were on Apple yesterday, Google decided to silently roll out Android 5.1, the latest version of the mobile operating system. Nexus devices are already receiving the update notifications.
Lollipop 5.1 will bring a number of bug-fixes aimed at repairing some of the damage that the Android 5.0 upgrade did.
But Android 5.1 also brings a number of new features such as support for multiple SIM cards, a very important feature in developing markets, HD voice support, and Device Protection. This latter one is Google’s answer to the Activation Lock found on iPhones.
Just like Apple’s feature, Device Protection locks the phone down until the correct Google account signs in, even if the device is restored to factory settings. This is meant as theft deterrent and will arrive on the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 as well as all future devices that ship with Android 5.1.
If this sounds good to you and you own a Nexus 6 or 9 make sure to check for updates now as the update is probably already available, depending on your location. Factory images for the Nexus 5, 7 and 10 are also available so the OTA should be here soon as well.
Source: Android Blog, Google Devs | Thanks to our forum users Frank B and Zlip792 for the tips!