Some weeks, it seems as though the deluge of updates for Android phones tablets is never-ending. And then there are weeks like this one. If you don’t count the update to Developer eview 2 of Nexus phones running the Android M beta, there just isn’t a whole lot to be excited about. Fortunately, some older phones from 2014 are on the update list this week.
Each week we compile all the major software updates to hit the ecosystem, including phones tablets on U.S. carriers, unlocked phones, Android ar smartwatches, Android TV devices. Making sure your device is running the latest available software is a good housekeeping practice, ensuring you have the latest features with fewer bugs gaping security holes.
HTC
One M9 Developer ition: If you happen to have the unlocked Developer ition of HTC’s latest flagship, you should have gotten an update to Android 5.1.1 this week. The update brings a slew of other improvements too; battery life, call data performance, camera performance, thermal management.
T-Mobile
G Stylo on: These two very similar phones (the biggest difference is size) get a bump from Android 5.0 to 5.1.1. In addition to the improvements inherent with that are tweaks to improve battery life with -Fi calling.
AT&T
Moto X (1nd gen): The first Moto X is getting a bump to Android 5.1 on AT&T’s network. It’s technically a “soak test” deployed to a limited number of users, but AT&T has made the update available to anyone who wants to pull it down themselves. You can find more details on Motorola’s site.
Nvidia
Shield Console: Nvidia’s high-end, high-price Android TV box gaming console just got a bump to Software upgrade 1.3. It’s a minor update, -Fi controller connectivity. The update notes also promise a vague “Optimized for Newly Released Apps Games.” So…a graphics driver update, maybe?
Nexus 5, 6, 9, ayer: has released the 2nd Developer eview for Android M. It adds a few new features, fixes lots of bugs, adds a ton of As for developer to work with. If you want to try it out, you don’t need anything but a recent Nexus device the will to work with unfinished software. Check out our guide for instructions on how to install it.
Verizon
G3: Verizon’s version of the 2014 flagship gets an update that adds a Bluetooth toggle button to the in-call menu, HD Voice, the ability to toggle between native Android 5.0 notifications or ‘s skinned notifications.