Android Mascots At The Google I/O Developers Conference
Android mascots are lined up in the demonstration area at the Google I/O Developers Conference in the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California, May 10, 2011. Reuters/Beck Diefenbach

Google's next major Android update received flak following complaints from users. The Android 5.0 Lollipop firmware has been flagged with performance issues including sudden app crashes. Whereas Google tried mitigating the problems through another Android 5.0.1 Lollipop version, reports suggest that it has brought its fair share of problems as well.

Fortunately, instead of jumping ship to the Android 5.0.1 firmware, users may now have the choice to wait until February 2015 for the 5.1. According to an exclusive report by AndroidPIT, the changelog is as follows:

  • Silent mode added after missing on Android 5.0
  • General improvements in system stability
  • Improved RAM management
  • Fixes for sudden app closures
  • Improved battery management
  • Excessive consumption of network devices when used Wi-Fi fixed
  • Issues with wireless connections fixed
  • Problems with Okay Google function solved
  • Notifications problems solved
  • Some sound problems experience by certain devices fixed
  • Other improvements and changes
  • Changes in the Material Design color palette (after users complaints, possibly for a higher version though)

Google has not provided a thorough explanation of the functions cited. According to Forbes, despite the expected release on the first quarter of 2015, it can be a tricky thing to pinpoint the exact release of the update. Android rollouts especially over-the-air releases need collaboration with and approval of partners. It applies to the whole supply chain even with Google as the main provider. In order for releases to go smoothly, there has to be a joint effort from the carrier, manufacturer and Google.

The agreement ensures that the users will receive the update sooner or later. The faster the correspondence, the faster the access to the update can be granted. As with the 5.0 Lollipop update, most Android manufacturers have clarified their intentions to carry out the release but availability may not be until first quarter of 2015. This will push other follow ups like the 5.1 further into the calendar.

If Android manufacturers will follow a similar approach to the original update then people may receive the Android 5.1 firmware 90 days after companies receive the source code. Google has yet to confirm the official dates and features of the reported update.