Android has unveiled their next OS version; it is called Android 5.0 Lollipop or Android L.
This new software has gone through extensive redesigning with a new objective – to work across mobile, desktop and other platforms. The Android L is mostly a visual overhaul when you compare it to Android 4.4 KitKat.
Design
The first thing you will notice is the combine, lock screen and notification. You will not need to unlock your device to see your notifications. To unlock the phone, you can slide up from the bottom of the screen rather than pulling a ring. This has a nice parallax effect as you slide the notifications up. You can also slide it to the left to access the dialer and to the right to access the camera.
When you open the phone, you will notice the new navigation buttons at the bottom. There are also some new icons. You can also swipe the notifications to get rid of them, or you can click them to open. Swiping down the screen will give you your quick settings. At the same time, the notifications will drop to a small card stack at the bottom.
The quick settings option also has new icons as opposed to what you are used to in KitKat. Some icons are simple to use while others will take you to a little side menu.
The Applications
As for the app drawer you will find the basic Google apps. There are, however, some few changes like the new settings icon. It has been completely redesigned and re-organized. It starts with a new icon and once you click on it, you will see the new look. The scroll effect is different, so are the animations you see on reaching towards the end of the list. The look of the toggles and check boxes has also been revamped and animated.
There are also other new settings to explore, like in the display settings. We now get adaptive brightness that works along with auto-brightness. There is also an option to cast screen to mirror the display on a TV via Chromecast.
The storage settings also have a new look. The battery history is new and there is also a search box. The search box helps you find anything in the settings icon.
The calculator is also new and has adaptive coloring (palettes) and advanced calculator options. The status bar at the top changes color and adapts to the color within the app you are working with. There is also the ‘photos’ app which has replaced ‘Gallery’.
The keyboard is also new and is lighter and much greyer. There is also the ‘do not disturb’ mode, which will allow you to choose how many hours you will go without getting notifications. The multitasking is also new with a great look and feel.
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