Android Lollipop 5.1 Update Featuring Device Protection, HD Voice Calling Rolled Out; Check Out The Devices Slated To Get Their 5.1 Upgrades!

Google has officially unveiled the much-awaited Android 5.1 Lollipop after weeks of teasing.

According to Android Official Blog, the search engine giant rolled out Android 5.1 on Monday, March 9. The latest update to Lollipop enhances stability as well as performance, besides offering a slew of new features such as support for multiple SIM cards, high definition (HD) voice on compatible phones and Device Protection. With Android Lollipop 5.1, users can now use more than one SIM card on devices with multiple SIM slots.

Engadget noted that users can now control their WiFi networks and Bluetooth devices from the quick settings area.

Device Protection - Google's Answer To Apple's Activation Lock

With Device Protection, users' lost or stolen device will remain locked until the user signs in with the Google account even if the device is reset to factory settings. In other words, it will not be possible for a thief to simply wipe the device's storage and pawn it off.

The feature will exclusively be available on hardware shipping with Android 5.1 as well as Nexus 6 and Nexus 9, and this could reduce the incentives to swipe your data in the long run.

HD Definition Voice Calling

Users can now get crystal clear calling with HD voice between compatible Android 5.1 devices such as the Nexus 6 on Verizon or T-Mobile.

In addition, Android 5.1 Lollipop also provides enhancements like controlling your paired Bluetooth devices directly from Quick Settings and the ability to join WiFi networks, according to the post by Dave Burke, VP, Android Platform on Official Android Blog.

According to the message delivered by Sony Xperia's official Twitter account, only the Xperia Z series is slated to get the Android 5.1 Lollipop update. On Monday, March 9, the tech giant Sony opted to a "no comment" method of deflecting the question to users asking if their Sony devices would be getting the upgrade to Lollipop.

Samsung, HTC and many other smartphone makers are still finishing their 5.0 rollouts, implying it could be a long wait before they catch up.