Android 5.0 L Update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10: What you need to know





The Android 5.0 L update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, Nexus 10 and other supported devices will undoubtedly be released for the masses later this year. Google failed to reveal the exact release date of the Android 5.0 L update, but, hopefully, we will be able to make some estimations based on the previous releases of the Mountain View-based giant.

But before talking about the release date of the Android 5.0 L update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10, let's have a look at the main features of the new Android iteration. It's fairly easy to notice that Android 5.0 L is the most major update Google's mobile operating system has seen so far. It's even bigger than the jump from Gingerbread to Ice Cream Sandwich.

The new Material Design philosophy is what stands behind the new interface of the Android 5.0 L update. Besides bringing more colors and animations, the 3D effects and shadows are capable of making the interface more intuitive. The new Android iteration also brings performance boosts and the users who got to test Android L Developer Preview have reported improved battery life. It's also worth noting that Android 5.0 L comes with support for 64-bit enabled processors, while the obsolete Dalvik runtime has been replaced by ART.

You should also be able to notice the changes that were made to the Android 5.0 L lock screen and notifications bar. The lock screen will now show your notification and you will be able to dismiss or reply to them. Google has also found a clever way to sort your notifications, being prioritized based on the frequency you interact with them. The notifications bar changes are about a new look and new functionality. It has received a new color scheme, while the old Quick Settings button is now gone. You will still be able to access the Quick Settings menu, but you will be doing it differently. First you have to swipe down once to bring up the notifications bar, then swipe once more to get to Quick Settings. The Quick Settings toggles were changed, as well. Besides the usual WiFi, Mobile Network, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, Sound, Location, you will also be able to control Rotation Lock and Do Not Disturb Mode. Furthermore, the Auto Brightness has been replaced wtih Adaptive Brightness. Once you get in the main Settings menu, you will be able to use the new search bar to easily find the options you are looking for.

The Android L Dynamic Status bar is another change brought by the new update. It's still transparent in the home and lock screens, but once you open an app, the status bar will change its color to match the one of the app running on the screen. Of course, for the time being, only a couple of apps are able to do that, so developers are the ones that have to implement Android L Dynamic Status bar for us to enjoy a unified visual experience.

Changes have been applied to the Android 5.0 L multitasking, too. Once you hit the recents button you will be able to see that the recent opened apps are shown as cards stacked one over another. Furthermore, apps like Chrome will be able to show multiple cards in the recents.

But what will be the final name of the Android L release? I'm glad you've asked. So far, all Android versions had a specific dessert-inspired name and a unique version number. Even though it was initially rumored that it will be called either Lollipop or Licorice, the latest are indicating that Lemon Meringue Pie is the new dessert chosen by Google. Given the high amount of changes it brings, the new update will definitely have version number 5.0. Summing up, expect it the final name to be Android 5.0 Lemon Meringue Pie.

As you may know, Google was usually releasing two major Android versions per year: one in the summer (most of the times about a month after Google I/O) and the other one late October (around Halloween). Google opted for a new strategy for Android L, a strategy that reminds me of Apple's iOS launch pattern.

Let's have a look at Apple's iOS launches and compare them with the Android L release. So far, Apple has introduced new iOS versions in the summer at WWDC, then made them available for beta testing for a couple of months, followed by an early fall release, synchronized with the debut of a new iPhone. Google introduced Android L in the summer, at Google I/O, made it available for download for testing purposes as Developer Preview (by the way, there's an Android L Developer Preview update available for Nexus 5 and Nexus 7, you can check it out here), and they will be releasing the final version it in the fall (most likely around Halloween) when new Nexus hardware will see the light of day.

New Nexus hardware? Yes, we are just as excited. Earlier this year it was reported that a new Google program called Android Silver will be replacing the Nexus program. Fortunately, a Google representative has denied the rumors and, soon after, the first reports and evidence of new Nexus hardware started to surface online. First we have heard about a new HTC-made Nexus tablet. Unofficially dubbed Nexus 9, the new tablet is reportedly codenamed Flounder and arrives with a 4:3 screen, 3 GB of RAM, 64-bit Tegra K1 processor, 8 MP main camera, and aluminium zero-gap construction. There are also reports of a new Nexus smartphone. The alleged Nexus 6 is manufactured by Motorola and is known internally as Shamu. It reportedly packs a 1440 x 2560 5.2-inch screen, Snapdragon 805 CPU, 3 GB RAM, and 13 MP rear-facing shooter. Either way, both devices will run Android 5.0 L out of the box and are expected to debut late October.

As usual, the Android 5.0 L update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 will be the first one to roll out. It will be most likely followed by the update for Google Play Experience smartphones and tablets, then, shortly after, by Motorola's update for their supported devices. It's also worth adding that HTC was one of the first OEMs to announce they will be releasing the Android 5.0 L update for their smartphones. According to the Taiwan-based phone maker, both One M7 and One M8 will get the new update within 90 days after Google releases the final code. Samsung, Sony, LG, and other manufacturers, will probably release the new update in late 2014 or early 2015 time frame.

Do you have an favorite features in Android L? Have you guys get to test the Android L Developer Preview? Please share your opinions in the comments section below.