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 Android 5.0 Lollipop update will have a follow-up via the Android 5.1 firmware. Sources say the new mobile OS version should be released sometime on February 2015, with Samsung's Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge in line to receive the 5.0.1 first.

The Galaxy Note 4 was reportedly tested against the Android Lollipop, but a report from Sam Mobile suggests that it will skip the 5.0 and go straight to 5.0.1. Likewise, its sibling, the Note Edge, may also be in line for the said update. The Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update offers bug fixes caused by the original Lollipop firmware. The site addds that the Samsung Galaxy S5 LTE-A has been running well with the Android 5.0.1 update that Samsung considered adopting it to other devices. This means users do not need to wait for the 5.0 version. Instead, they can jump right in and install the 5.0.1 firmware upon release.

In an exclusive report, AndroidPIT reveals that the Android 5.1 upgrade may be on its way as well, possibly available this first quarter of 2015—around February. The upcoming OS version appears to be a large upgrade with the changelog revealing the following features:

  • "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 OK Google function solved
  • Notifications problems solved
  • Some sound problems experience by certain devices fixed
  • Other improvements and changes
  • Changes in the Material Design colour palette (after user complaints, possibly for a higher version though)."

Google has not provided the exact details of the firmware yet including specific functions.

The new update comes following a series of issues reported by Nexus users from the Android 5.0 and Android 5.0.1 versions. Some of the reported issues include inability to connect to wireless networks, WiFi failure or problems, sudden app crashes, screen rotation issues and even installation mishaps. Google's "OK Google" feature also appears to be malfunctioning. While the Android 5.0 Lollipop has been related to performance issues collectively, the full scale of the problem for Android 5.0.1 is not yet available as only a limited number of devices have received the update, so far.