Android 5.1 Lollipop Update Release Date For Moto G, Moto X 1st and 2nd Gen, Moto E

May 11, 2015 02:39 PM EDT

Android L, also known as Android 5.0 or Lollipop, has been very slow to roll out for newer versions of Android phones, and now a lot of users want version 5.1.  This is especially true for Motorola phones including the Moto G (both 1st and 2nd generation), the Moto X (also 1st and 2nd generation), and the Moto E, as well as other Motorola Android phones. 

According to the Latinos Post, there are reports that some Moto G (second generation) users are getting a taste of Android 5.1, and there are reports in India of version 5.1.1 being released to the Moto G (2013 edition), according to the International Business TimesMotorola also seems excited about it and is shouting about 5.1 on its website, but nothing really specific. 

As for the Motorola Moto X, there has been an interesting development in the Android 5.1 release for the second generation of this smartphone.  CNET reports that there is a new Moto Action gesture that turns on the phone's flashlight.  Also known as "chop twice for flashlight", this flashlight features is activated when you wave the phone in the air as if you are chopping an onion.  This will turn on the LED camera flash until you "chop" it again in order to turn it off.

So far the Android 5.1 Lollipop update is available for certain Moto X models in Brazil, with a wider rollout to be expected soon, with the United States versions expected soon.  In fact, the Latinos Post has stated that both the Moto X 1st generation and 2nd generation should be receiving the Android 5.1 update "as early as next week". 

Android Police has also reported that Android 5.1 is coming to both versions of the Moto X.  This is quite good, as the Moto X first generation is still running on KitKat in spite of version 5.0 being available for most newer Android devices since late last year.  There is more good news about imminent releases of Android 5.1 as the 2nd Generation of Moto E should be getting Android 5.1 as well. 

According to PC Advisor, Android 5.1 is expected to be "a large update, returning the silent mode missing from Android 5.0, improving system stability, RAM management battery management, and fixing sudden app closures, Wi-Fi problems and sound problems". 

The 5.1 update will also include native support for more than on SIM-card, which works very well for phones with dual-SIM card slots.  The user can also join Wi-Fi networks and control paired Bluetooth devices directly from the Quick Settings section of the notification bar. 

We should be expecting the Android 5.1 L update for the Motorola Moto G, Moto X, Moto E, and other DROID models quite soon, so keep searching your Settings for any updates if you are a user of these Motorola handsets.