Android L 5.0 Lollipop is finally out! Businessweek said the update is Android's "13th major version." Earlier Android versions include Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, and KitKat. So what's exactly new about this OS?
Flat?
Yahoo! Tech said that the Lollipop update has a "flat design" with "no texture or shadow." This absolutely gives the feeling of simplicity, plainness, and cleanliness. It is also somewhat "less heavy," as the homescreen background has now been changed to white or colorful from its original black color.
Earlier, Google Developers Blog revealed that they will use a material design that "uses tactile surfaces, bold graphic design, and fluid motion to create beautiful, intuitive experiences" in the Lollipop update.
Here are some of the features of the Lollipop update:
Battery saver
The Android update has a new battery saver feature. According to Android, phones that will get the updated OS will definitely enjoy longer battery life. It can extend the use of the device by at least an hour and a half. The new battery saver mode also is really helpful to users, allowing them to see more detailed information about charging. Users can now track and see how much time is needed to charge the phone and how much time is left before it drains out.
More secured
Android users can now be less worried as the updated OS is packed with more lock methods to keep the device secured. They even detailed that it has the new Android Smart Lock which can protect the phone or the tablet. The security of the device can be assured through "pairing it with a trusted device like your wearable or even your car," it said.
To make it even more secured, Techcrunch said that the Face Unlock has also been updated. Now it no longer just acts as a device unlocking mechanism but it will now continuosly act as a checker and analyzer identifying the user's image.
The device will also be protected from threats and malware with the SELinux enforcing for all applications.
Also, Android said that to protect lost data and even stolen devices, phones with the newest update will now have their encryption automatically turned on.
New ways to control notifications
Users who watch videos or play games can no longer be interrupted by incoming calls or texts as there are now new ways to control these notifications. By turning on the Priority Mode, incoming notifications can now just be limited to certain people. Users can also now view and respond to messages from the lock screen and can even turn off all notifications entirely.
More Flexible Device Sharing
Android promised that the new Lollipop update will enable "more flexible sharing with family and friends." Android said that the new update will now allow several users to share one phone without sharing files. Users can also now use other Android phones that have the new Lollipop update to view and check their files, photos, and videos. All of these can be done just by logging in.
Faster, smoother, more powerful
Android also promised that there will be "up to 4x performance improvements" with the new Lollipop update. The use of the ART Android runtime will definitely result in better application performance and responsiveness. It can also now support 64 bit devices.
Better Audio and Camera
An improved audio, good camera abilities, and bolder vivid graphics can also be expected.
Android said the new Lollipop update comes with new professional photography features. It can also support other formats such as YUV and Bayer RAW.
Video watching and streaming will also improve with the new "state of the art video technology with support for HEVC to allow for UHD 4K video playback, tunneled video for high quality video playback on Android TV and improved HLS support for streaming," Android said.
Mobile graphics will also be better with the new OpenGL ES 3.1 and Android extension pack, it added.
More languages
New additional languages will also be included in the new OS update. With the update, users can now choose from the almost 70 languages it has.
You can check out previous Latinospost published posts of the updated list of Samsung, Sony, LG, HTC, Nexus, and Motorola phones that will get the new OS.
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