Sugar Crush: Android Lollipop Out

Google releases the latest edition of the Android OS

Android 5.0 a.k.a. Android L is the latest system update for google-powered OS devices including mobile phones, tablets and wearable devices.

Every year at the Google I/O, the highlight event is the unveiling of the latest installment of the android series.

So what’s new in Android 5.0, let’s find out:

• The Look

Google has come up with a brand new interface, called Material. Now, it’s more vibrant and it makes much more use of interface layers. Google has also added two new widgets, the RecyclerView widget, which can be used scrolling through contacts more efficiently and the second is a new CardView widget, which would ensure that the widgets run smoother.

The New Material UI

• Redesigned Soft Navigation keys.

The functions of the keys are the same as ever – back, home and recent apps – but the look and feel seems to have been swiped from a PlayStation controller. Surprisingly, the triangle, square and circle are able to represent their functions rather well.

The Redefined Navigation Buttons.

• Dynamic Notifications

Android L comes with improved lock screen notifications that are dynamic and can be accessed without unlocking the phone. The two finger swipe down expansion and slide to remove functionality has been added to the lock screen as well. Another new feature of the dynamic notification is the Pop-up ability to override applications.

The New Dynamic Notification Layout.

• Redesigned Gmail

It’s not just the Android interface that has been overhauled. The Google apps have been refreshed as well. Much more colorand vibrancy has been injected into Gmail, and the look of the app is a lot cleaner and much more modern.

The New Look Gmail Application.

• 3D Multitasking

The new multitasking menustill shows your ‘recent’ apps, but now a 3D cascade of app tiles has replaced the 2D listing.

3D Multi-Tasking window.

• Support for USB Audio

One of the key features of Android L is USB audio. This means you’ll be able to play audio right from a phone’s microUSB port, bypassing the DAC used when you listen through a headphone jack. This would translate into universal connectivity with USB input sources and USB port headphones.

USB Audio could revolutionize the Music Experience.

All this and many more exciting features make Android L a worthy successor.