Android Lollipop arrives for HTC's Google Play handsets this week
HTC is preparing to release Android 5.0 Lollipop to its Google Play edition devices this week, joining the rollout already underway for Nexus handsets, LG's G3 flagship, and newer Motorola smartphones.
Android users with the Google Play Edition (GPE) HTC One M7 and M8 likely bought the devices because they come with purer versions of Android, without HTC's Sense customisations, and so offer faster software updates.
While HTC is still a few months away from delivering Android 5.0 to unlocked and carrier-tied handsets in the US, it will be delivering them to GPE devices this week.
Confirmation of the update came from HTC's US vice president of product management Mo Versi, who said in a tweet that the company was aiming to deliver the update early this week. Versi didn't clarify whether the update was for both the M7 and M8 or just the newer device, though both should ultimately receive Lollipop, as HTC has previously confirmed.
@amir_thedude Target is early next week. Thanks.
— Mo (@moversi) November 14, 2014
The HTC GPE Lollipop rollout follows the US update for Google's Nexus devices, including the Nexus 5, 10, and the wi-fi-only version of the 2012 and 2013 edition of the 7.
LG has also promised G3 owners their Lollipop fix would be delivered imminently, and it started its rollout of the upgrade last week with customers in Poland.
Meanwhile, Motorola last week kicked off its Android 5.0 rollout to the second generations of both the Moto X Pure Edition and the Moto G devices in the US.
With work starting on the Lollipop-based custom ROM, CyanogenMod, ports for some devices have started to appear on XDA forums, such as the OnePlus One and HTC Desire 816.
CyanogenMod hinted last week that it may have its M builds for some devices ready to go by Christmas.
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