Android 5.0 Lollipop Update: Galaxy S5 Gets New Software In UK; HTC And Motorola Coming Soon

It looks like that Samsung employee on Reddit was accurate with his leak, detailing that the Galaxy S5 would get an update to Android 5.0 Lollipop starting in January. Samsung Galaxy S5 handsets in the U.K. are now receiving the new Google software.

A few Galaxy S5 models have previously received the update, including those in Poland, Russia, Malaysia and Spain, but most markets are still waiting for the software. Android 5.0 updates for the Galaxy S5 in the U.K. could indicate that other large markets (such as the U.S.) may soon begin seeing updates on the Galaxy S5 and other Samsung smartphones -- that is, if the manufacturer adheres to its usual schedules.

Samsung has sent out the Android 5.0 update over the air, meaning it should reach the smartphones wirelessly. Users should be prompted to update their devices automatically once the software hits, but they can also access Settings > More > About Device > Software Update to see if an update is available. Savvy users can also download the Android 5.0 software, which is available for those who want to install the update manually.

The system build or exact system version is called LRX21T, which includes Samsung-specific enhancements to Android 5.0 such as heads-up notifications, a feature that makes notifications show up as a tile on top of an application and updates to the devices’ fingerprint scanner.

In late December, a Reddit user claiming to be a Samsung employee shared a document that indicated Samsung was preparing for a mass rollout of Android 5.0. The user said that Galaxy S5 handsets would begin to update first followed by the Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy Note Edge. Samsung also reportedly has plans to update older smartphones and tablets, including the Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Tab S, to Android 5.0.

Samsung isn’t the only manufacturer expected to start sending out Android 5.0 to its devices. Updates for various Motorola devices should also be near. Software engineer Luciano Carvalho announced via Google Plus Monday that a number of 2013 and 2014 devices are scheduled to receive Android 5.0 “soon.” There have also been several leaks of Android 5.0 software updates for HTC devices such as the One (M7) and the One (M8), suggesting an update is near. HTC has promised users a speedy Android 5.0 update for all of its flagship devices.