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Tastier Lollipops for chosen few as Google releases Android 5.1

Minor update's biggest new feature is burglar-proofing 'Device Protection'

Android 5.1 is upon us! Google has announced the updated operating system's release in the usual bloggy way.

There's not an awful lot to get excited about in this release, which adds multiple SIM support, high-definition voice and less-labyrinthine menus for accessing functions like connecting to WiFi networks. The headline addition is Device Protection, a feature that means “your lost or stolen device will remain locked until you sign in with your Google account - even if someone resets your device to factory settings.”

Google's posted some binaries of 5.1 for some Nexus devices here. Other handset makers will deliver the update in their own sweet time, as is usually the case with Android updates.

Don't hold your breath: top-tier vendors like Samsung and HTC are yet to offer Android 5.0 on some of their flagship devices in some corners of the world. Lollipop 5.1 is rather less compelling than its version .0 parent, so there's little need for handset-makers to exert themselves delivering this update. ®

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