While some users of the first and second generation of Motorola's Moto G have already begun to get the Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system update, other have reported that their devices are moving ahead straight to the latest 5.0.1 patch instead.
While the incremental 5.0.1 update only brings minor changes, it's an important step to show that Motorola is on the ball with their flagship devices while most other Android-supported manufacturers have yet to make the switch up to Android 5.0.
According to a handful of users who are making the initial reports, the Android 5.0.1 update for the first generation Moto G (2013) has system version 220.21.25 and build number LXB22.46-25, while the update for the second generation Moto G (2014) has system version 22.21.25 and build number LXB22.46-25. The Android 5.0.1 update is only 50 MB, so it's not too big of a hit to your data plan if wi-fi isn't available.
Of course, as with any Android update, the over-the-air release is being done in stages (especially among the various carriers) and you'll find out when your device is ready when you receive a system update message on the notifications bar. From there, just choose "Download Now," and then "Install Now" to finish the process. Your device will reboot and finish the update from there. If you don't receive the automatic notification and would like to check manually, you can head to Settings > About phone > System updates > Check for updates.
Android 5.0 Lollipop is the latest operating system for devices running the Android platform. It introduces a brand new Material Design language that allows the Android devices to enjoy a cleaner and more user-friendly interface, including improved notifications, and a more responsive layout. Lollipop also optimizes battery usage through a feature known internally as Project Volta that is meant to extend battery life.
The reception to Lollipop has so far been positive, but some lingering bugs on launch day back in November spawned the need for a quick patch, entitled Android 5.0.1. While only Nexus and Motorola devices have seen the latest OTA patch so far, they're also the ones going straight to the 5.0.1 update and skipping 5.0, as seen with the first and second generation Moto G.
The Moto G was first introduced in November of 2013 as a more accessible low-price option for a global market. It features a 4.5-inch screen, a 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 quad-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, and 8 GB of storage standard.
The second generation Moto G, on the other hand, came out in September of 2014 as an upgrade to what became such a popular phone in 2013. The 2014 Moto G features much of the same exact hardware as the 2013 version, including the processor, RAM, battery, and storage, but with the addition of a 5-inch screen and redesigned case.
Both versions of the Moto G are available for several wireless carriers, including Verizon, Republic Wireless, Boost Mobile, Sprint (Sprint Prepaid), Cricket Wireless, U.S. Cellular, StraightTalk and Consumer Cellular. The Pure Edition of the Moto G is not connected to any carrier and is the first to receive new updates, but there's no word yet from U.S. carriers on specific dates when each is expected to roll out the latest update.
If you'd like to check on the update status of your Motorola phone to the latest patch, the manufacturer has set up a handy website that will allow you to check.
