Motorola's line of Android smartphones have enjoyed early adoption of the latest Android patches as they drop, and the most recent news shows the Moto X 2014 edition grabbing the Android 5.1 Lollipop update as we speak.
The Pure Edition of the 2014 Moto X, specifically, is receiving the very latest update that brings with it the ability to join Wi-Fi networks and control paired Bluetooth devices from quick settings, support for multiple SIM cards, added device protection if your phone is lost or stolen, and high-definition voice calls across compatible phones.
Android 5.1 Lollipop was originally released on March 9, but so far, only Nexus and Motorola devices are getting the upgrade. While many other Android smartphones are getting around to upgrading to Android 5.0, Android 5.0.1, or Android 5.0.2, this very latest patch is heading to Google and Motorola phones first. And take note that this is only available for the Pure Edition right now, but carrier editions through Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, and U.S. Cellular are expected soon.
Android 5.1 is also expected to be the last incremental update on the 5.x line before hitting a new name with Android M, but Google has yet to confirm that rumor.
One interesting new feature that is exclusive to the 2014 Moto X with Android 5.1 is the new "chop twice" feature. With it, you simply make a chopping gesture with the phone in hand to turn the flashlight on or off. This is possible through Moto Actions, which is a series of gestures for handy phone operations like Wave to Silence, Twist for Quick Capture, Approach for Moto Display, and now Chop Twice for Flashlight.
While the Moto Actions can help simply common functions, some users are already concerned that this might result in more dropped phones. Luckily, you can also turn it on or off at any time, depending on your preferences.
In addition to the listed improvements to Lollipop with 5.1, there are also a few goodies that Google slipped in. Silent mode is back, after a brief absence with 5.0, and RAM management is also improved. The various app closures, wi-fi connectivity problems, and sound issues are also fixed, according to users who have been testing 5.1 already.
While the 2014 Moto X is the first to get the 5.1 update, you can expect the Moto G, 2013 Moto X, and Moto E to receive the latest version of Lollipop in the near future.
