Samsung galaxy S5
Samsung Galaxy S5 on AT&T gets Android 5.1.1, Android M rollout in pipeline Reuters

Users of Samsung's older Galaxy S5 flagship smartphone who have subscribed to AT&T's wireless services in the US can finally check for the Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) OS update that is currently on an active rollout path in the country. Apart from the fact that the latest enhancement brings multiple new features, the rollout adds substance to rumours that Google's new Android M would seed to Galaxy S5 devices.

With Android M rollout expected to begin sometime in November, the latest Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) update rollout to AT&T-driven Galaxy S5 devices appears to serve as an indicator of the imminent availability of Android M. Owners of Galaxy S5 smartphones may let us know the status of the update (in the comments section).

As for the latest Android 5.1.1 rollout, AT&T-driven Samsung Galaxy S5 (model number SM-G900A) users can check out the newer Lollipop build bearing version number G900AUCU4COI5 and build number LMY47X.G900AUCU4COI5.

Newer features offered by Android 5.1.1 include the much-expected Android for Work and fixes to the Ultra Power Saver mode issues for On Device Encryption-enabled handsets. Many security updates are also brought along by the latest Android Lollipop OS update build.

Apart from these newer (carrier-specific) features, Android 5.1.1 brings along a host of conventional enhancements such as: Newer animation effects, revamped/smooth user interface, tweaks resulting in improved battery life of the smartphone and faster task switcher animation effects. To manually check for Android 5.1.1 OS update, users can carry out a manual search by:

  • Drag down the notification bar and tap Settings.
  • Scroll to the "System" category, and tap About device.
  • Tap Software update.
  • Tap Check for updates.
  • Tap OK.
  • Select Continue or remind me later, after a customised status message is displayed
  • Tap Continue.
  • Tap Done, after the update installation status message indicates installation completion

Android M as an OS update:

Apart from Nexus smartphones, Android M will also be available to a host of smartphones irrespective of manufacturers. Click here to view a list of the eligible smartphones. Multiple Xiaomi smartphones are also said to receive Android 6.0 through an unofficial custom ROM. Owners of Xiaomi handsets such as Xiaomi Mi 4i, Mi 4, Note Pro, Redmi Note 2 and Redmi Note 4G can install TWRP recovery suite within their handsets to check for the Android M custom-ROM.