nexus2cee_11_thumb1In the wake of all the issues reported over Android devices upgraded to Android 5.0 Lollipop, Google has released a helper app designed to provide “tips and proactive troubleshooting to help you get the most out of your device.” Google Device Assist runs on “US-based Nexus, Google Play edition and Android One devices running Android 5.0, Lollipop,” which of course, at this stage of the upgrade cycle, are the majority of devices affected.

The app claims to deliver proactive help with detected issues (GPS, connectivity, battery, etc.)” as well as “tips to explore new features and improve the performance of your device.” And it doesn’t seem to be a cop-out to take the load off Google’s call centers, as it also is supposed to give “for Nexus and Google Play edition devices … easy access to live Google support.”

Whether Google Device Assist was already in the works and due to roll out even prior to the rush of user complaints is an open question, but the app’s URL, which ends in the word “cavalry” (as in, “here comes the …”), could be a giveaway. It certainly is attracting good reviews on the Google Play Store. And yes it applies only to U.S. users for now, but that will still cover a great many of you out there, and someone has already posted a link to an APK download giving users in other countries access to the app. Plus, I’m sure the troubleshooting and tips results will make their way out to the broader Android community.

Meantime, readers who still want to give their input on the whole Android 5.0 upgrade debacle are invited to deliver feedback via the Teleread poll here.

 

 

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