Google Unwraps Android 5.0 ‘Lollipop’

Google has taken the wraps of the latest version of its Android operating software – rather tastily named Lollipop.

Offering a wide range of visual and interface improvements alongside a selection of hardware tweaks, the release of Android 5.0 was confirmed by Sundar Pichai,Google’s senior vice president of Android, Chrome & Apps, who called it “our largest, most ambitious release on Android.”

Google says that the software, which will appear first in its newly-announced Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 devices, will work across the entire range of Android-enabled devices, meaning you’ll get a consistent look and feel for Lollipop whether you’re using your smartphone, tablet or TV.

Under control

This is thanks to a new approach Google calls “Material Design”, which means it is even easier to switch between devices but still get a smooth response.

Google is also looking to make sharing content across devices easier, and says that items such as songs, photos, apps, and recent searches can now be seamlessly synced across various Android devices.

Android 5.0 boasts a whole new range of personalisation options, including the ability to filter notifications if you’re out to dinner or in the middle of an important meeting, with alerts now able to be seen directly from the lockscreen.

Lollipop also includes a new battery saver mode that promises to squeeze out 90 more minutes of life between charges, as well as introducing multiple user accounts, and guest user modes to help keep your content private.

Security has  been given an overhaul, as along with the existing methods of locking your device via a a PIN, password, or pattern, you can now pair your phone to a trusted device such as a smartwatch or connected car with the new Smart Lock feature.

This is only the beginning for the software, too, as Pichai explained that Lollipop brings over 5,000 new APIs for developers to use, with the company expecting to see a whole new range of improvements and apps as they get to grips with the software.

“Lollipop is designed to be flexible, to work on all your devices and to be customized for you the way you see fit,” he said. “And just like Android has always been, it’s designed to be shared.”

How well do you know Google’s secrets? Find out with our quiz!