A Google employee poses with Nexus 7
A Google employee poses with Nexus 7 tablets at a promotional event in Seoul September 27, 2012. Reuters/Kim Hong-Ji

Google's Android update series has run into a series of roadblocks forcing other users to look for alternative OS updates. Consequently, the CyanogenMod has become the most popular custom Android build out at present. As if to address the increasing and constant attention from developers, Android enthusiasts and others, the CyanogenMod has now released its 12.1 builds. The question now is whether it is worth upgrading or not. The build is based on the Android 5.1's AOSP.

Users who have been using the nightly builds are aware of how unstable they can be. For first timers utmost care is advised.

Disclaimer: Providers of the update cannot be held responsible for what happens to the device following installation. Users can update at their own risk.

The CM 12.1 nightly rollout is accessible to devices such as Google Nexus 4 (mako), Nexus 6 (shamu), Nexus 7 (2013), HTC One Max, One Plus One, the Motorola Droid Razr and the Droid Razr HD among others. One downside of getting access to the Android 5.1 through the build is that Google Apps or Gapps may have to be installed manually due to compatibility issues. Users can stay tuned for the final version of the builds as the team provides regular updates. To check out the builds and downloads, click here.

Meanwhile as other manufacturers have yet to catch up to the Android 5.1 release, Google has already been working on the Android 5.1.1 software. The Nexus Player already received the factory image for the update so there are expectations of the release to other Nexus devices soon. According to Google, the Android 5.1 is to provide big fixes and system stability whereas the Android 5.1.1 promises more features. The Nexus 9 will skip the Android 5.1 update and go straight to the Android 5.1.1 build.

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