Tuesday 2 December 2014

Motorola Android 5.0 Update Breakdown

Google’s new Android 5.0 Lollipop update release is now confirmed for a number of Nexus devices including the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 but Nexus users won’t be the only ones getting Google’s brand new update. We’ve seen Android 5.0 Lollipop update details emerge from multiple companies and here, we breakdown what we know about the Android 5.0 Lollipop release for Motorola handsets.

Android L was first announced as Android 4.4 KitKat’s successor back in June during the company’s annual Google I/O developer event. Then in October Google officially unveiled the full Android 5.0 Lollipop update along with the Nexus 6, Nexus 9 tablet, and a new Nexus Player for the TV. Soon after Motorola made some announcements, and they were among the first to update smartphones too.


The Android 5.0 Lollipop update isn’t rolling out to smartphones as fast as Android 4.4 KitKat did, but there are a lot of visual and behind the scenes changes that are making the wait a bit longer than expected. That said, Motorola has already updated two key smartphones to Android 5.0, and more are coming soon. Here’s a breakdown for those with Motorola phones.

Android 5.0 Lollipop was officially released on November 3rd when Google sent the code to manufacturers, and when the Nexus 9 tablet was released to the public. It only took a week for Motorola to get started, and they kicked things off by updating the Moto X 2014 Pure edition to Android 5.0 on November 10th.

Since then we’ve seen progress for multiple devices as well as a few comments and blog posts from Motorola detailing everything owners will need to know about the Motorola Android 5.0 update.

Motorola Updates

The company kicked things off by launching a new updates webpage with details regarding which devices will see Android 5.0, and when. And while there aren’t actual dates, each device will be updated accordingly and the details will evolve and be refreshed once said handsets get updated.

Motorola has confirmed these devices will all receive Android 5.0 Lollipop soon.

Moto X (1st & 2nd Gen)
Moto G (1st and 2nd Gen)
Moto G 4G LTE
DROID Turbo
Moto E
DROID Ultra
DROID Maxx
DROID Mini
It’s highly possible the DROID RAZR HD could see it at a later date, but so far that device has yet to make the list from Motorola. Google demands 18 months of support, which puts it out of reach as the DROID Ultra is over a year old now, meaning the RAZR HD lineup is over the limit. We’ll keep an eye on that, but the above devices will all see Android 5.0 in the near future.

Moto X

The original Moto X was the first smartphone to Android 4.4 KitKat, and the new X was the first to Android 5.0 Lollipop too. However, carriers are mostly still on Android 4.4 and preparing for the latest release. Last week Verizon confirmed the new Moto X 2014 Android 5.0 Update, and it’s available for all users as we speak.

Read: Moto X Android 5.0 Lollipop Update: Hands-on & Impressions

Currently the new Moto X (2014) on Verizon and the Pure Edition have been updated to Android 5.0 Lollipop, but we’re expecting news any day now for AT&T, and others around the globe.

As for the original 2013 Moto X, we’ve yet to receive word from Motorola or any carriers, but as soon as the company finishes updates for the new Moto X owners of the original can expect it to quickly follow. The original Moto X is still a wildly popular smartphone, millions of users own it, and it is one of the top priorities for Motorola moving forward.

Moto G

The brand new Moto G (2nd Gen) for 2014 actually already received Android 5.0 Lollipop, and it was among the first devices to see Google’s latest version of Android. This came just a few days after the Moto X back on November 12th, and if you have a new Moto G you should be on Lollipop, otherwise head into settings > about phone > and check for updates.

New-Moto-G-Hands-On-3-20141-620x4731

As for the original Moto G, it’s coming, but we’re not exactly sure when. This morning the company updated the “Motorola Update Services” app on the Google Play Store with only one change. Stating that it was preparing the app to deliver the Android 5.0 Lollipop update for the original Moto G.

This is a sign that the update is nearing the final stages, and could arrive within the next few weeks. Again, there’s no exact date or timetable yet, but we’ll update once that arrives.

DROID Turbo

Verizon and Motorola have an excellent relationship thanks to the DROID lineup of smartphones, and that’s evident with the recent Moto X Android 5.0 update on Verizon first, before other carriers. The DROID Turbo was made official in late October, and Motorola confirmed it was running Android 4.4.4 KitKat, and would see Android 5.0 “soon”.

Droid Turbo Review -2

The DROID Turbo is arguably one of the best smartphones released in 2014, and has some of the best specs of any device across the board. Big quad-hd display, stunning features, a 21 megapixel camera, and a massive battery. Once it gets the latest Android 5.0 update it will be even better.

We’re expecting the Turbo Android 5.0 update to be delivered sometime in December, but until further details or announcements are made, it’s anyone’s guess for now. Given Motorola and Verizon’s history, it should be here sooner rather than later. Likely before the other DROIDS.

DROID Ultra, Maxx, Mini

In late 2013 Motorola released the DROID Ultra, Maxx, and Mini for Verizon Wireless, and they’re also running the latest Android 4.4.4 KitKat release. Those phones are all important to Verizon, but probably won’t be updated until the Moto X rollout is complete, and Verizon pushes Android 5.0 to the new DROID Turbo first.

Sadly we have no actual date for these three devices either, but know they’re coming soon. Motorola has continued to be one of the best when it comes to software updates, especially with nearly STOCKAndroid on its handsets, so the wait shouldn’t be long. Most likely early next year is the ETA, but if more details arrive we’ll be sure to update accordingly.

Moto E

Announced and released earlier this year is the Moto E, the companies true budget smartphone. Coming in with decent specs offering a 4.3-inch display, powerful dual-core processor, and runs Android 4.4.4 KitKat. This phone also has dual front facing speakers, custom backplate covers and is only $129. No contracts required. It’s a cheap phone, but still good enough to see Android 5.0 Lollipop.



The Moto E is mainly for emerging MARKETS, so it may not be a top priority for Motorola’s update plans, but rest assured, it’s on the list and will be here before you know it. Many who buy the Moto E don’t need the latest and greatest, but they’ll probably get it with an Android 5.0 Lollipop update in early 2015.

Motorola could shock many and deliver updates to all these devices inside the month of December, but that’s quite a load and a lot of work, so be patient, and expect them to start making announcements and pushing updates in the near future.

For now only the new Moto X 2014 and the 2nd Gen Moto G have received updates to Android 5.0 Lollipop, but that will be changing extremely soon as Motorola continues the update push. Stay tuned for any and all details.

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