Samsung has been busy with Android 5.1.1 Lollipop updates, which fixes a number of issues from previous updates. Major U.S. carriers have already rolled out Android 5.1.1 Lollipop to the Galaxy S5, S6, S6 Edge and Note 4. In contrast, Note Edge users nationwide are still waiting for the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop. Meanwhile, Android "M" release date rumors continue to circulate on the web.
Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge
Happily for Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge users, Android 5.1.1 updates have been consistent across the board. Subscribers of Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T have reportedly received the new firmware over-the-air.
Samsung Galaxy S5
T-Mobile has already upgraded its Samsung Galaxy S5 to Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
Unfortunately, other prominent U.S. carriers have yet to roll out the latest version of Android Lollipop. Hence, the vast majority of American Galaxy S5 users are stuck on the older Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Galaxy Note 4
So far, only Sprint has rolled out Android 5.1.1 Lollipop on the Galaxy Note 4. According to Android Origin, this update patches the Stagefright exploit. Sprint's update also brings bug fixes already provided by Samsung in the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop.
Galaxy Note Edge
Sadly, U.S. Galaxy Note Edge users have not received the Android 5.1.1 Lollipop update. There is no word from either Samsung or the carriers suggesting when the firmware will be available. For now, consumers who own the Galaxy Note Edge will need to wait patiently.
Android M Release Date Speculation
In the meantime, Google is poised to release the Android M firmware, which is the successor to Android Lollipop. The general consensus in the rumor mill is that the newest Android OS will be available this coming fall. However, no one seems to agree exactly when Android M is going to be released.
TechRadar believes that Android M will be out in September, while AndroidPit is banking on an early October launch date.
Google, which traditionally names Android firmware after confections, have yet to announce a nickname for Android M. Theories include macaroon, marshmallow, muffin, milkshake, mousse, molasses, and meringue. Some Android users have advocated "macadamia nut cookie."
Announced earlier this year, Android M brings a number of changes. These include extended battery life, improved app permission controls, standardization of fingerprint scanners, new Google Now features and USBC-C support.
Naturally, Google will first introduce Android M to its proprietary Nexus series devices. Afterwards, consumers will need to wait for their manufacturers and carriers to rollout Android M. So, the imminent Android M rollout is going to take place gradually over a span of several weeks if not months.
