A number of Samsung, Sony and Nexus devices are bound to receive Android 5.1.1 Lollipop updates, thanks to OTA and custom ROM builds.

These updates come prior to the expected release of Android M, the newest version of the operating system. The software's final version is slated to arrive later this year.

A recent report from SamMobile revealed Samsung's plan to roll out OS updates on the Galaxy Note 4, including this year's Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge smartphones. This software version should come in the form of an automatic update (OTA) and would target hiccups seen in previous Lollipop builds.

The Galaxy Note 4, in particular, will be receiving Android 5.1.1 "by the end of July," SamMobile noted.

Meanwhile, Android 5.1.1 custom ROMs are available for the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 3, the Master Herald wrote. According to the outlet, users of the latter should keep in mind that only units carrying model number SM-N9005 will support the firmware. For those who may not know, reviewing model numbers saves unintended devices from getting bricked.

Galaxy S3 phones, on the other hand, should have model number I9300 before installing and running the update. Based on CyanogenMod 12.1, this BlissPop ROM is said to carry various customization features.

Android 5.1.1 is also available for Sony's Xperia Z, thanks to the EuphoriaOS, the Master Herald said. Users should remember to root their devices via SuperSU before installing the update.

Meanwhile, a report from the Gospel Herald revealed that users of Nexus 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10 can expect access to the OS update.

As of press time, Android 5.1.1 factory images are available for the Nexus 6 "shamu" (Sprint, USC and T-Mobile), Nexus Player "fugu," Nexus 9 LTE "volantisg," Nexus 9 Wi-Fi "volantis," Nexus 5 GSM / LTE "hammerhead," Nexus 7 2013 Wi-Fi "razor," Nexus 7 2013 Mobile "razorg," Nexus 10 "mantaray," Nexus 4 "occam," Nexus 7 Wi-Fi "nakasi" and Nexus 7 Mobile "nakasig."

Smartphone and tablet users who wish to update their devices' firmware into the latest Lollipop version may not need to clear internal memory, since it is only 25 MB, the Gospel Herald tipped.

It is no secret that Google, when developing a new version of the OS, rolls out updates to native Nexus devices first. The Gospel Herald informed that non-Nexus devices get updates slower, because such run interface programs that "interfere with Android's functionality."

Meanwhile, the Master Herald noted about how members of the Android community are "working hard" to deliver updates, even to devices not included in Google's list. Custom firmwares, on the other hand, are expected to have additional features not present in the standard OS design.

Flashing custom firmwares and factory images require successful completion of very technical procedures that are best exercised with caution.

The Latino Post will not be responsible for any untoward incidence one may encounter in pursuit of the firmwares mentioned above. Please do not proceed when uncertain of any flashing step. Backing-up of files is always recommended.