Bringing the update schedule down to the just the cellular version of the Nexus 7, Google is now giving its attention to the Nexus 4 by initiating the over-the-air updates to bring the handset up to Android version 5.0 and releasing the image files for those who refuse to wait any longer.
The Nexus 4 joins the Nexus 5, 9 and the Wi-Fi version of the Nexus 7 in getting images of the Android Lollipop.
"#AndroidLollipop rollout has started and will soon be available on most #Nexus devices. Dessert is served," stated Google's Android team via Twitter.
For the uninitiated, image files are archives -- in the case of the Lollipop images, the archives contain binary packages that restore compatible devices to their factory, out-of-the box states.
For those waiting on the over-the-air update for the 2012 Nexus 4, be advised that it could take a week or two before Google hands out Lollipop to everyone. For users of the cellular version of the 2013 Nexus 7, there's still no word on when Google plans to roll out Android Lollipop on the tablet -- but it's coming, eventually.
To move on from KitKat to Lollipop without having to wait for the over-the-air update, Google has released a guide to help users with the process of flashing the latest version of Android onto their smartphones. Flashing, or installing, the factory-fresh version of Lollipop will overwrite all pre-existing data, which makes it essential for users to back up their data beforehand.
To make the move, users must start the mobile device in "fastboot mode," so that it is capable of being flashed, and use a bootloader to install the image file to the smartphone or tablet via a USB connection. Google has laid out the specifics here, but those who feel uncomfortable in tackling any of the steps should probably wait for the over-the-air update.
While the launch of Android Lollipop has gone well for the most part, it hasn't been free of bugs. The Nexus 5 appears to have been experiencing the most problems with Lollipop right now, particularly with Wi-Fi connections.
Some Nexus 5 users reported problems with connecting to Wi-Fi, while others have complained the wireless connection standard has been a bit vampiric in terms of battery usage. Google said it is investigating the reports of Nexus 5 devices being mysteriously drained of battery life whenever Wi-Fi is active.
"Android Engineering is aware of an issue affecting Nexus 5 users running Android 5.0 which causes significant 'Miscellaneous' battery usage while Wi-Fi is enabled. This appears to be caused by an abnormally high number of IRQ wakeup events," said Google Engineer Trevor Johns. On Nov. 5, it was noted the issue was fixed in later releases.
