Android 5.0 Lollipop Starts Rolling Out To Nexus Devices, Firmware Downloads Available For The Impatient

KitKat was a delicious upgrade, there's no disputing that, but Lollipop is even better. We're of course talking about flavors of Android, the newest being Android 5.0 Lollipop, which is a major update to Google's mobile operating system. It's also begun rolling out to Nexus devices, with Google promising robust coverage in short order.

The announcement came via a Twitter post by Google's Android team. As expected, Nexus devices will be among the first to receive the over-the-air (OTA) update, though in a surprise move, unlocked second generation Moto G owners beat them to the punch. That's also notable because the handset only costs $180 outright -- no 2-year service agreement or payment plan required.


For those of you rocking a Nexus device and don't feel like waiting, Google has made available factory image files for Android 5.0, which you can download here. Lollipop images are available for the Nexus Player, Nexus 9, Nexus 5, 2013 Nexus 7 (Wi-Fi model only), Nexus 7 Wi-Fi, and the Nexus 10.

Other device makers are eager to get their customers enjoying Lollipop, as well. That includes LG Electronics, which will also begin doling out Android 5.0 updates this week, starting in Poland and followed by other key markets in the near future.

LG G3 Lollipop

"LG is absolutely committed to giving our customers the best mobile experiences available and bringing Android Lollipop to G3 owners as soon as possible is a top priority," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "The new features and improvements in Android 5.0 will bring a whole new user experience to the G3 and make it even better than it already is."

Android 5.0 Lollipop is the biggest upgrade to Android in quite some time. It brings a ton of new features to the table, including a Material Design that has a flatter, more colorful look to it. The OS is also touted for its battery saver feature, which can extend device use by up to 90 minutes.