Android 5.1.1 Lollipop Release Date Update On Nexus 7 2nd Gen, Brings StageFright Fix and New Features

Aug 18, 2015 01:06 PM EDT

Verizon, one of the biggest wireless communication providers in the U.S., has just dropped a firmware upgrade to the Google co-branded Nexus 7 tablet. The update will bump the device up to the new Android 5.1.1 Lollipop version and will included the much needed StageFright bug fix.

To be specific, it is the second-generation Nexus 7 that is currently receiving the software bump. The device is a 7-inch tablet co-developed by Google and Asus released back in 2013. This update is a welcome move for Verizon as there have been lots of issues regarding the tablet's launch on the carrier prompting it to delay the availability of the device to its subscribers.

As mentioned above, this new Android version is expected to address the recently controversial StageFright vulnerability. It is a bug that exploits a supposed weakness in the Android system that allows cyber attackers to remotely access and steal private information from devices just by sending a multimedia message (MMS).

Verizon has posted a changelog for its new firmware upgrade, mentioning that users of the Nexus 7 can now enjoy new features such as unified notification settings, Personal Unlocking, and support for Verizon's XLTE service which claims to provide faster peak data speeds compared to standard LTE networks.

Also included is a refreshed Material Design, a new Recent Apps screen, and an improved Batter Saver feature. The latter will let users run their tablet even while some features are turned off. They can also be able to set when they want the Battery Saver to automatically turn on, depending on how much battery capacity is left.

Other improvements that Android 5.1.1 will bring are the "Tap & Go" and "Task Locking" features. The former allows users to transfer content from their Nexus 7 tablet to another Android device by using built-in NFC and by making a single tap on the display. The latter, meanwhile, will temporarily disable notifications so users can focus on a task at hand.

Similar to previous firmware roll-outs, this update from Verizon is being sent out in waves so it might take a while for all users to receive it. For those who are taking note of software builds, this one is labelled as "LMY48L," according to Verizon.

Nexus 7 owners should make sure the device is at least 50% charged and that they are connected to a Wi-Fi network to avoid unnecessary data charges. Should an update notification fail to arrive, users can manually check if Android 5.1.1 is available for their tablet by navigating to Settings > System > About Device, and then choosing Software Updates > Check for Updates.