Google’s Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update is finally starting to make progress as it moves away from its initial release. With the Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 version finally warming up, we take a look at what Nexus 7 2012 and Nexus 7 2013 users need to know about Google’s latest Android 5.0 Lollipop release, Android 5.1.1.
Earlier in March, Google announced an all-new Android 5.1 Lollipop update for Nexus devices. In the weeks after the announcement, Google rolled out Android 5.1 to devices like the Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 10, Nexus 6, and both versions of the Nexus 7. As we now know, the Nexus Android 5.1 update provided bug fixes, a host of feature enhancements, and a host of Android 5.1 issues.
Nexus 7 users have specifically raised their voices about the Android 5.1 issues they’ve encountered in the weeks since the update was released. Battery drains, performance issues and random reboots plagued many Nexus 7 2012 and Nexus 7 2013 users. And it is these issues that prompted Google to release a minor Android 5.1 update called Android 5.1.1.
Android 5.1.1 first arrived in April, but the rollout for Nexus smartphones and tablets has been extremely slow. Last week, Google finally released Android 5.1.1 for the Nexus 7 2012 and Nexus 7 2013, but the update was only available for those who wanted to sideload the software before the company’s Over-the-Air launch.
Today, the Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 update has taken a step in the right direction. With that in mind, we take a look at what Nexus 7 2012 and Nexus 7 2013 users need to know about the Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 update.
Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 Update Available Now
Last week, Google released the Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 update to AOSP, which gives developers and savvy users the ability to install software on the Nexus 7 2012 and Nexus 7 2013.
Nexus users today discovered Nexus 7 2012 and Nexus 7 2013 Android 5.1.1 files lurking on Google’s servers, giving users another way to flash files before the OTA process. The files are listed below.
Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi
Nexus 7 2012 Wi-Fi
Those unfamiliar with the sideloading process will probably want to wait for the OTA update to arrive, but we’ve put together a step-by-step guide that will take you through the sideloading process.
Google still hasn’t released Android 5.1.1 for the cellular versions of the Nexus 7, and it’s unclear when it will be released. When it comes to new Android software, cellular models typically lag slightly behind Wi-Fi variants, so Nexus 7 3G and Nexus 7 LTE owners will want to keep their eyes open as Android 5.1.1 is released.
Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 OTA Released Now
The discovery of these files means that Google’s Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 OTA process has begun. We can confirm that the company has launched Android 5.1.1 for the Nexus 7 2013. We received the update on our device earlier today. The file is small, 18MB in size, but still it is recommended that users take some time to download and install.
Given the size of the Android 5.1.1 update, Google’s Android rollouts usually take a week or two to complete, but it wouldn’t surprise us if the Nexus 7 2012 and Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi rollouts took close to a week. Broadcast to everyone in the world.
Those who do not want to sideload can look at the device’s Settings in the About section of the phone to manually force the update. Users should only check a few times a day, as Google’s OTA offerings are random.
Prepare Your Nexus 7
Now that the Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 launch has begun, it’s time for Nexus 7 users to prepare the device for the arrival of the update.
We’ve outlined some of the steps you should take before installing Android 5.1.1, and we’ve also put together some Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 release day tips to help you out when the update arrives.
Android 5.1.1 isn’t a major update for the Nexus 7, but it still poses some risk. Major and minor Android updates can have a negative impact on performance, so users will want to take extra precautions before the installation process.
As a reminder, Android 5.1.1 update comes with some major bug fixes It should support memory leak issues causing app crashes and random reboots for Nexus devices and for many Nexus 7 users.
Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 Performance
Although we did not spend much time with the 2013 model Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 update, we did not experience any problems in the few hours we spent. We’ll post our first impressions tomorrow, while providing some detailed feedback for those of you concerned about Google’s latest Android 5.1 update.
As we mentioned yesterday, early feedback on the Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 update is good. Although it’s a small sample size, Nexus 7 users say they haven’t encountered any devastating issues with the update. Nexus 7 users are recommended to scan Google’s Nexus Help Forums For feedback from Nexus 7 2013 and Nexus 7 2012 users. As OTA gains momentum, we should see more Nexus 7 users share their thoughts on the software’s performance.
Nexus 7 Android 5.1.1 Issues and Fixes
Some Nexus 7 users are already dealing with Android 5.1.1 issues and expect to see more complaints about Android 5.1.1 as rollout begins.
To be safe, we recommend checking out our list of common Android 5.1 issues and fixes. These should help if your Nexus 7 encounters bugs and issues after upgrading to Android 5.1.1.
We’ve also rounded up some fixes for Android 5.1 battery life issues. Battery draining is common after Android updates, and it’s wise to keep these fixes handy when upgrading to Android 5.1.1.
We will release some fixes specific to Android 5.1.1 in the coming days.