HTC Nexus 9 owners are in for some good news, as Google announced that it started pushing Android 5.1 Lollipop to the tablet.

More often than not, one of the key factors in choosing a Nexus device over a non-Nexus one is the software experience. Nexus devices not only ditch manufacturer bloatware, but also promise to deliver timely update as soon as a new version of Android is available, as they are typically the first in line to receive upgrades.

While this may be true in most cases, however, it did not seem to be the case with the HTC-made Nexus 9. Google recently started rolling out an Android 5.1 update to its older Nexus 10, as well as both generations of the Nexus 7, but the newer Nexus 9 seemed to be left behind.

Google did push an update to its Nexus 9 a few days ago, but it brought the tablet to Android 5.0.2 instead of the latest Android 5.1.1. Many Nexus 9 owners felt mocked and got increasingly frustrated, criticizing Google for not giving the Nexus 9 the support it deserves. Even Motorola announced Android 5.1 updates for some of its handsets, yet the Nexus 9, despite being part of the Nexus lineup, was only getting Android 5.0.2.

As it turns out, however, Android 5.0.2 was likely just paving the way for the Android 5.1 update, as the latest software version is now headed to the Nexus 9 as well.

"Starting today, #AndroidLollipop update 5.1 will be rolling out to a #Nexus9 near you," Google announced in on Thursday, May 7.

It may take a few days for Android 5.1 to reach all Nexus 9 units, but it's nonetheless good to know that the update has officially started rolling out. The software will become available as an over-the-air (OTA) download, but Google should also post factory images for the update in case users don't want to wait for the OTA.

Android 5.1 Lollipop will bring several bug fixes and improvements, as well as some neat new features such as Device Protection. The update process is gradual, but drop by our comment section below and tell us how it all works once you receive Android 5.1 Lollipop for your Google Nexus 9.