Google Unveils Android 5.0 Lollipop OS Update

After months of waiting patiently, Google has finally put Android users out of their misery by announcing details of the new Android OS. The new version, dubbed Lollipop, will be rolled out to the Nexus 5 phone, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tablets, and Google Play Edition devices in the coming weeks.

There is no word yet on when Lollipop will roll out across the board to other popular devices running the Android system. Android Lollipop will bring a host of changes both large and small to the Android system. For the most practical purposes Google’s Project Volta has been researching ways to extend battery life and the result of the findings has been implemented in the form of a new battery saving mode that can extend a devices battery life by up to 90 minutes when it’s on low power.

Material Design is the most obvious change users will notice when switching from previous Android versions up to Lollipop. Google have overhauled the user interface, creating a faltter look, with simple animations for the icons. The aim is to simplify actions and enable users to get things done with as few motions as possible. The lock screen will now bring up notifications and users can skim through and sort them from that screen.

Notification will be organised better, giving users more control over what notifications are shown and also enabling users to give priority to certain contacts. Google's desire to remove as much unnecessary swiping as possible has led to new quick settings in Android 5.0 Lollipop for basic important functions like wifi settings, bluetooth and flashlight tools. Google hopes this will do away with the need for third party apps that can clog up phones memory.

Android 5.0 is also the first Android system to be designed with 64-bit devices in mind. This will hopefully lead to manufacturers developing 64-bit Android mobile devices.

The Nexus 6 will be debuting using the new Android Lollipop OS and all eyes will be on how Google and Motorola's new flagship smartphone will perform up against the iPhone 6 Plus. The Nexus 6 boasts some impressive new features including a 5.96” display, 13mp camera and dual speakers. It also features a turbo charge setting that should ensure 6 hours of battery life from just 15 minutes charging.