Samsung has been busy with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop updates, which fixes a number of issues from previous updates. Major U.S. carriers have already rolled out Android 5.1.1 Lollipop to the Galaxy S5, S6 and Note 4. In contrast, Note Edge users nationwide are still waiting for the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
Samsung Galaxy S6
Happily for Galaxy S6, Android 5.1.1 updates have been consistent across the board. Subscribers of Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T have reportedly received the new firmware over-the-air.
Verizon users may be pleased to note that their carrier has included Stagefright vulnerability fixes along with the recent Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update for the Samsung Galaxy S6.
To those whom are unfamiliar with Stagefright, it is a potential security flaw that allows hackers a backdoor to devices via the MMS messaging feature. Google has addressed this issue by rolling out a series of fixes. These have yet to be passed on by a number of device manufacturers and carriers. As such, Stagefright continues to be a potential threat.
Samsung Galaxy S5
T-Mobile has already upgraded its Samsung Galaxy S5 to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
Unfortunately, other prominent U.S. carriers have yet to roll out the latest version of Android Lollipop. Hence, the vast majority of American Galaxy S5 users are stuck on the older Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Galaxy Note 4
So far, only Sprint has rolled out Android 5.1.1 Lollipop on the Galaxy Note 4. According to Android Origin, this update patches the Stagefright exploit. Sprint's update also brings bug fixes already provided by Samsung in the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
Galaxy Note Edge
Sadly, U.S. Galaxy Note Edge users have not received the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update. There is no word from either Samsung or the carriers suggesting when the firmware will be available. For now, consumers who own the Galaxy Note Edge will need to wait patiently.
Android Marshmallow Release Date Speculation
In the meantime, Google is poised to release the Android Marshmallow firmware, which is the successor to Android Lollipop. The general consensus in the rumor mill is that the newest Android OS will be available this coming fall. However, no one seems to agree exactly when Android Marshmallow is going to be released.
TechRadar believes that Android Marshmallow will be out in September, while AndroidPit is banking on an early October launch date.
Announced earlier this year, Android Marshmallow brings a number of changes. These include extended battery life, improved app permission controls, standardization of fingerprint scanners, new Google Now features and USBC-C support.
