Google has just unveiled it’s next major Android Release – Currently known only as Android L! At the moment there isn’t any codename or even formal version number yet, but considering how they like to codename their Android releases to a specific type of confectionery – Could Android L be the ANDROID LOLLIPOP? Android L will release later this year, however, no exact date has been set yet.
Here are some of the new exciting features of Android L:
Let’s first start with the all new Graphical User Interface (GUI) – The Android L will be getting a whole new makeover in this department. From transitions to navigation buttons! The new “Material Design” proves a new bolder, colourful and animated experience is awaiting us.
Screen elements will inherit elements of classic magazine typography and layout. Seems like they’ve taken a few tips from the Windows 8 GUI. There’s more emphasis on simple shapes and consistent actions that lead you from one app into another.
Applications & Notifications
Android L allows you to interact with your favourite apps more easily. You will be able to choose which ones show up on the lock screen and the amount of detail they’ll show. You can decide whether snippets of actual messages are displayed when your phone is potentially visible to others, or whether more details will only be revealed when you unlock it.
The new Android release also adds a new type of notification known as the ‘Head Ups’. These appear on top of whatever you’re doing and allow you to take action or dismiss them immediately.
Secure Zones
Soon your phone will be able to detect when it’s in a trusted environment, which will issue you with the lock code.
Things that will trigger the lock code:
- Bluetooth device
- Wi-Fi access point
When the environment/zone is deemed safe or secure, you won’t have to bother with unlocking your phone.
Battery saving & improvement
The battery saver mode is similar to those implemented by third parties so far. Android L will also be able to lower the screen refresh rate, reduce the frequency of data exchanges, or force apps to change their behaviour to match the prevailing battery state.
Browser Tabs & Documentation
Android L has also changed the way tabs are documents are displayed. They’ll now show up as individual entries in the Recent menu, allowing users to jump directly between them. For example, Web apps open in Chrome tabs would appear much like native apps running on your device, and you’d be able to jump in and out of them more quickly.
Android Extension Pack
Google will be ditching the Dalvik runtime which has served well for years and replace it with a new one called ART (Android Extension Pack). It can make apps load and run quite a bit faster while using less RAM. ART is 64-bit compatible, and is also engineered to allow apps to work across hardware architectures such as ARM and X86. This also means that Android devices will be able to address more RAM than the 32-bit limit allowed.
