The world had a first look of the Android L v. 5.0 for Google Nexus 5 and 7 2013 phones in summer during the I/O 2014 conference, but Google has not confirmed an official date for its release. However, reports say that its formal roll out is nearing, and it is purportedly slated in the coming weeks. But users of the phones mentioned above can test out the new firmware update as Google made a Developer Preview available for download.
Android geeks remarked in a post on Oct. 2 that Google will enter into a whole new scheme in terms of their Android updates, and that the release of the Android L 5.0 will be its first attempt. If Google will soon drop the whole summer and mid-fall update release formats and will pattern it simply with Apple's iPhone 6 and 6 Plus launch dates, the Android 5.0 will be available in fall, along with new Nexus device lineups.
The official name of the new Android platform is still unknown, yet speculations suggest that it will most likely be called Lollipop, basing on the name of its would-be predecessor, Android 4.4 OS KitKat, and simply because of Google's unique choice to address their operating systems as sweets and desserts in alphabetical order. It will also not be surprising if the OS will soon be called Licorice or Lemon Meringue Pie.
Even though the new offering is still in the making, device manufacturers were able to try the Developer Preview. Sam Mobile tried the early version out on a Samsung Galaxy S5 which runs on an updated TouchWiz user interface with the Android L 5.0 (LRW58J). In an 8-minute video, Sam Mobile concluded that the Android L 5.0 is still bound for further improvements.
"Initially, we wanted to make the firmware available for every Samsung fanatic out there. However, after testing it for two days, we decided that it was not suitable for everyday use, as it contains a plethora of bugs and is slow as a turtle, so we won't be publishing the build online."
More information from Sam Mobile says that the upcoming Android OS underwent a tremendous design transformation defined as the Material Design. The change includes plain white themes and a better touchscreen feel on a revamped interface. There will also be: a clip-board tool good for storing screenshots and text; heads-up notifications for incoming calls and messages and low battery life; MirrorLink feature for car display; a lock screen that also puts notifications on view, together with the date and time; and ART Runtime for lag-free androids. Reports also say that the new OS will be compatible with 64-bit compressors.
