Android 5.1 OS update for second-gen Moto X: After soak test, full public release for Verizon-driven phones live in US

After the soak test version of Android 5.1 (Lollipop) was made live to second-gen Motorola Moto X in the US, the full version of the OS update is now live for Moto X (2014) phones running on Verizon's wireless network.

Announcing the rollout of Android 5.1 officially to its second-gen Moto X users, Verizon said owners of the smartphone can verify the newer Lollipop build bearing version number 23.16.3.

The latest rollout is a phased one and therefore, could take a while before all Verizon-driven Moto X (2014) devices in the US are covered.

Verizon-driven second-gen Moto X users can check their handsets for new automatic over-the-air (OTA) notifications.

What's new with Android 5.1

Owners of the Moto X (2014) handsets on Verizon can check for the following newer enhancements after installation of Android 5.1:

• Notifications and Interruptions: You can now alter notification volume controls while the media is playing. With the volume controls showing, a tap on the bell icon will bring up notification volume controls, along with added icons to the volume settings panel that match those that will show in the status bar.

• Quick Settings: You can quickly select different Wi-Fi access points or different paired Bluetooth devices with a new pull-down menu on each tile.

• Chop twice for flashlight: To turn on the flashlight, second-gen Moto X users need to hold the handset and flick the phone twice for the flashlight. To switch off the flashlight, users need to repeat the gesture.

• Device Protection aka Factory Reset Protection: Lost or stolen devices will remain locked until you sign in with your Google account, even if reset to factory settings.

• Heads-up notifications: In addition to dismissing a heads-up notification, you can now swipe up to remove it from your screen. It will remain in your notifications tray and you can dismiss it later.

Fixes to multiple known issues:

Apart from the newer enhancements, Android 5.1 also incorporates fixes to the following known issues:

• Clock in the status bar isn't updating and alarms not going off
• Can't delete SMS messages when the SIM card is full
• No ringer audio while making an outgoing call
• Calculator floating point calculations
• Chrome crashes when launched
• Frequent restarts while watching Netflix
• Wi-Fi not automatically reconnecting to home Wi-Fi
• Wi-Fi not connecting after being idle all night
• Wi-Fi connection issues with multiple routers in one location
• Bluetooth discovery is not triggered when you refresh settings
• CPU wakelocks that contribute to heavier battery drain
• Connection and synchronisation issues with MS Exchange servers
• Incorrect default APN
• Cannot unlock the SIM with a PIN/PUK code
• Cannot play 'pinned' content

How to manually search for Android 5.1

Besides updating via automatic OTA notifications, users of Verizon-driven Moto X (2014) handsets can also manually search for Android 5.1 and download/install:

• Select the Settings icon in the apps menu
• Select About phone
• Select System updates
• Select Yes, I'm in. After the software is downloaded, select Install now
• After the software is installed, your phone will re-start automatically.

Apart from second-gen Moto X smartphones on Verizon, a rollout of Android 5.1 is also imminent for Verizon-driven Motorola Droid Turbo in US as these users have already been seeded the soak test version of Android 5.1.