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Nov 25, 2014
We have long awaited the Android 5.0 upgrade. There have been rumors about this OS update since the past many months. Originally thought to be named Key Lime Pie; then named Android L; this release is finally here and it is called Android Lollipop. Currently available on some new Google Nexus smartphones, it is all set to come to several more mobile devices in the coming few weeks. Bringing a fresh new, completely revamped look and style, this update is making waves among both users and app developers alike.
Here is a detailed review of the Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrade:
Material Design
Google’s newly introduced “Material Design” is one of the most prominent features of Android Lollipop. The company will eventually roll out this Holo-style design to all of its desktops, TVs and wearables as well. Essentially, the new design brings an appearance of consistency between the OS and all its apps. More colorful and eye-catching than Holo, the material design will provide a universal, homogenous look and feel to the UI and the apps in general. This would help both app developers and users alike.
The new design language can be split into 3 parts, namely, visual, interaction and motion. This basically works like strips of paper, placed along the top of apps. Cards, buttons and a variety of other elements too can be placed above another and can be made to move together as a single unit. Google has designed these in such a way as to give the illusion of these elements being closer to the glass display, thereby clearly separating them from the rest of the elements on the screen.
The small circular Floating Action button is especially beneficial, as it helps remind users to complete an unfinished task.
The Material Design features a pleasing, eye-catching color scheme; while also giving an illusion of much more free space on the screen. While in motion, the design seems to seamlessly float to and from the screen, thereby giving users a smooth and natural feel of the general interface. That, coupled with the minimalist simplicity, ease of operation and the ability of the UI to actually interact with users, is the biggest advantage of the new design.
User Interface
Though apparently similar to the past updates at first glance, Android Lollipop brings some significant changes in the UI. The soft keys for navigation look more like buttons and their icon is slightly different. As always, swiping right takes users to Google Now. However, the onscreen clutter is no more there, thanks to the UI allowing users to swipe off unnecessary elements off the screen and accessing only what they wish to see. The new Overview feature presents a carousel-type menu, which lets users access recent apps, the Chrome browser, notifications, settings and so on.
The Messenger, which is a standalone app, was removed in Android KitKat and was bundled along with Hangouts, in order to put all messaging apps in one place. Thankfully, the Lollipop upgrade again separates these 2 apps, offering standalone versions of both. The calendar app too has been revamped to enable users set reminders and access them more easily.
Setup
The setup feature makes the process of switching onto a new Android device much faster and more hassle-free for users. A functionality called Tap and Go enables users to choose which apps are transferred to the new phone and which ones are not. They can also decide the wallpaper and the screen layout, plus se other preferences as well.
Android 5.0 Lollipop offers yet another new functionality. It enables compatible devices to automatically connect to Wi-Fi or a mobile data connection, in order to search for updates. This OTA feature comes built into the setup process and gets activated in case it needs to push quick updates or emergency onto the device. Yet another feature called Play Auto Installs helps uninstall apps which MNOs stipulate users to install on their devices. These apps, which used to be preinstalled on devices, are now part of Google Play, which means, they can be uninstalled at any time.
Notifications and Interruptions
Google’s latest Android upgrade makes notifications far more discreet and far less a disturbance. An incoming call, for example, no longer appears as an annoying popup. Instead, it presents itself as a sort of banner notification on top of the screen, also offering the option of accepting or rejecting it. Additionally, notifications appear on a lock screen and are actionable as well – users could choose not to have them displaying on the lock screen as well, if they so wish.
Interruptions is Lollipop’s own version of the Do Not Disturb feature. While there is nothing new here, it is still a step in the right direction. This feature enables users to set schedules and reminders, allow or disallow calls and messages from contacts, mute calls and so on.
Security
Android 5.0 Lollipop brings more security, thanks to its SELinux Enforcing mode, which constantly monitors the system and protects it against malicious attacks. Compatible devices are also encrypted by default. The Smart Lock feature allows only trusted Bluetooth devices and accessories to pair with the owner’s device. When these paired devices are close to each other, the user will not have to punch in his or her PIN to unlock the phone. This is obviously done, keeping the latest Android smartwatches in mind.
Miscellaneous
With the Lollipop upgrade comes several more enhancements and features, some which are as follows:
- Users can issue voice activation commands even when their device screen is turned off and the phone is locked.
- Lollipop supports 64-bit architecture – game app developers can take the maximum advantage of this, by making their apps shine on powerful compatible devices. Additionally, OpenGL 3.1 and an Android extension pack work to enhance the general 3D experience on mobile.
- Even if the user’s phone does not support 64-bit apps, he or she will experience a considerable increase in the phone’s speed and performance.
- Google’s Project Volta, which is Android Lollipop’s biggest inclusion, now far increases the battery life of the smartphone.
Android 5.0: Bottom Line
All-in-all, Google’s latest Android 5.0 Lollipop upgrade delivers all that one expects of a major update and more. Power-packed with impressive features and functionality; also bringing more enhanced security; this update is most beneficial for individual users, app developers and the enterprise sector as well.
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