Android 5.1 soak test version live for multiple Motorola smartphones: Full version release imminent

The Android 5.1 soak test is now live for multiple Motorola smartphones, which indicates that the full public version of the operating system will be released very shortly.

Announcing the Android 5.1 soak test release for Moto smartphones, Motorola senior director of software product management David Schuster states that users of the following devices can now observe the latest beta release:

• First-gen Motorola Moto G LTE variant
• Second-gen Motorola Moto X subscribed to Verizon wireless networks
• Second-gen Motorola Moto X Pure-Edition variant
• First-gen Motorola Moto E in Brazil and India

Apart from the above devices, AT&T-driven second-gen Moto X users should also notice the Android 5.1 soak test firmware, as per an Android Central report.

Newer enhancements offered by Android 5.1, for existing Motorola smartphones

Current users of Motorola Moto G (LTE), Verizon-driven Moto X (2014), Moto X (2014) Pure-Edition, AT&T-driven Moto X (2014) and first-gen Moto E handsets can check out for the following new functionality post installing the full public release of Android 5.1:

• Notifications and Interruptions: You can now alter notification volume controls while media is playing. With the volume controls showing, a tap on the bell icon will bring up notification volume controls along with adding 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 and the flashlight comes on. To switch off the flashlight, users need to repeat the gesture.

• Device 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 it up to remove it from your screen. It will remain in your notifications tray and you can dismiss it later.

Bug fixes:

Apart from offering newer enhancements, Android 5.1 also fixes multiple inherent issues which are:

• Clock in the status bar isn't updating and alarms are 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 on launch
• Frequent restarts while watching Netflix
• Wi-Fi will not automatically reconnect to your 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
• Can't unlock the SIM with a PIN/PUK code
• Can't play 'pinned' content
• General stability improvements