Android 5.0 Lollipop Update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10: What you need to know





There is no doubt that the Android 5.0 Lollipop update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 will be rolled out to the users later this month. Even though the Android 5.0 Lollipop official announcement didn't bring us an ETA, we recently learned that the software update will be released for the Nexus devices on November 3rd.

It was initially reported that the WiFi-only variants of the Nexus 7 2013 and Nexus 10 will be the first devices to receive the new update, but it seems that all Nexus devices will start receiving Lollipop starting this Monday. We are advising you to keep an eye on the notifications panel.

As usual, the Android 5.0 Lollipop update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 will be rolled out in phases, which means that some of you might not be able to download and install the update right away. You know the drill: once the system update message pops up in the notifications panel, tap on it, then follow the on screen instructions. If the system update notification failed to appear you would also want to perform a manual check under Settings > About phone > Software updates > Check now.

It's also worth mentioning that your device must run an official stock Android firmware in order to be eligible to receive the OTA update. You should also know that you will also be able to update your Nexus device using the OTA ZIP files that will be posted online on various forums. You will also be able to flash Android 5.0 Lollipop on your device using the factory images Google will post on their website. Installing Android 5.0 Lollipop using stock factory images also works if you are coming from a custom ROM, but be aware that you will have to perform a full wipe.

Android 5.0 Lollipop is the most major update Android has seen since its debut back in 2008. The new update is even bigger than the transition from Gingerbread to Ice Cream Sandwich.

Android 5.0 arrives with Material Design, which is Google's new design philosophy that focuses on realistic 3D effects and shadows, vivid colors, and responsiveness. The update also promises better battery life, while introducing battery saver mode and better battery statistics. You will now be able to see how much time it's left until the battery is fully charged or how how much time you have left until you need to charge your device.

Lollipop comes with major improvements for the Notifications Panel and Lock Screen, as well. You will now be able to view notifications right on your lock screen and interact with them. Also, you will no longer be interrupted by notifications courtesy of the new heads-up notifications system. You should also notice that the Quick Settings button is now gone. In order to be able to access Quick Settings you will have to swipe down once to access the notifications panel, then swipe down once more to go to Quick Settings. There you will be able to find a couple of new toggles and a dedicated slider for brightness control. You will also be able to enjoy multi-users for phones, guest user profiles, and a new feature called Screen Pining.

Android 5.0 also arrives with security enhancements. The encryption is now automatically turned on, SELinux is enforced for all apps, and you will also be able to enjoy Android Smart Lock. In terms of connectivity, it arrives with improvements such as better network handoffs, better network selection logic, power-efficient scanning for nearby Bluetooth Low Energy devices, and a new Bluetooth Low Energy peripheral mode.

The new Android iteration also promises performance improvements. The obsolete Dalvik runtime is no longer used as it was replaced by Android Runtime (ART) which is supposed to deliver with up to 4 times better in-app performance, smoother animations, and better multitasking. As you may know, the new update also comes with native support for 64-bit processors.

As I was mentioning above, the Android 5.0 Lollipop update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 will be the first one to roll out for the users. The Google Play Edition devices will most likely follow soon after, along with Motorola's supported devices. I remind you that Motorola announced that they are planning to bring the update on all their 2013 and 2014 devices "as soon as possible." HTC will reportedly update One M7 and One M8 in January 2015, Xperia's 2014 flagship smartphones (Z2 and Z3) will get the update early 2015, LG said that G3 will get Lollipop by the end of the year, while Samsung is expected to deliver the update to their Galaxy S5 sometime in December.

What are your expectations for the Android 5.0 Lollipop update? Please let us know in the comments section below.