24 November, 2014

Top features of Android 5.0 Lollipop

Google is finally out with its latest update on Android – Lollipop. As per industry experts, this is the first significant change since the introduction of Ice Cream Sandwich. The design changes introduced in this version of the Android update is a considerable one. It seems this time Google had made a point to introduce both aestheticism and unique innovation in the Android 5.0 Lollipop. The modern features of this Android update reflect those of iOS 8. The new design is quite intimidating on the OS. This factor renders consistency to Lollipop and this is where all the parts fit perfectly together. In addition there are several mind-blowing extra features that are sure to cut a mark with the users.

Let’s dug deeper into the features one by one –

Aesthetic Design
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As mentioned, what stands out in this version of Android OS is its Material design. Yes, that’s how it is addressed. The Material design changes everything about Lollipop – its look, drawer menu, notification shade, icons, etc. Other applications like the home, onscreen back as well as recently added app buttons appear differently. In this version all the users will find are geometric shapes. Although Material has introduced significant changes but these can perhaps only be seen on the Nexus smartphones as the other devices generally introduce custom skins while adopting an OS. The design is undoubtedly dynamic and responds in innovative ways to the touch.

Another important aspect of the design is that the use of rich colors. It has dismissed skeuomorphism and instead introduced a trendier digital look. There is also an added playfulness in the Google apps that has been introduced with the help of the illustrations. In addition you will also find animations everywhere that result in expansion as well as condensation while opening or exiting the apps.

The cards are also important additions in the Material design. On these cards, app drawer, notifications and texts are set and are found on the top of a different background. Such cards were first introduced in Google Now but now they are part of the Android OS as well.

Cards were made popular in Google Now, and now they're a bigger part of Android's style.

Sharing through your devices
The concept of multiple user profile was first introduced with Android Jelly Bean for tablets. But now the same feature is also available for phones. The users can create several accounts for themselves or their families and even control the access to the apps through these profiles. In case one is not carrying the phone, the apps can be accessed from another lollipop device by logging into the account. So now there will be no trouble in accessing messages, contacts or images by using the Guest mode.

Therefore, now you can easily access certain parts of your tablets and phones. However, it must be noted that its usage are limited to the two kinds of handheld devices only. This is a mode where the guests are recognized even when the owner is absent. There is another feature that helps in sharing the device. This is known as the screen pinning. With this feature an app can be locked on the screen. Thus, another person surfing the app would not be able to access your phone. This feature can be turned on from the settings and then pin the app from the Overview section.

Quick settings
The swipe down quick setting menu has also been modified. You will find it above the notification shade. A sliding animation follows when the setting menu is opened. This menu includes controls for screen rotation lock, flashlight, screen casting and airplane mode. In addition the users will also find a brightness slider at the top and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (improved versions) are located below.

Mutitasking with Lollipop
This too has received a makeover in the latest Android OS. Instead of the ‘recent apps’ now you have the Overview that displays the apps that are running in the background. This appears as a stack of cards instead of the list view that was used previously. This set up is similar to the tabs that open in Chrome’s Android app. Another added advantage is that is works faster for browsing through the apps that are open and running. It also allows the users to see what they were last doing in the apps.

Battery Saver Mode
There is this new feature that limits the CPU usage, vibrations, and lights and even turns off the data n the background when the device requires a power boost. There is the option of either turning it on manually or automatically when the battery drops. While charging the phone can also show you how much time it requires to get fully charged. On the other hand it also displays the time you have in hand before you can put it on charge.

Other added features
A host of extras have been added with the latest update, like, enhanced multi-media performance, professional photography support, print preview with the ability to select page range, ART Android runtime (to better app responsiveness and performance), support varied languages and many more.

With a tough completion out there, the new rollout from Android will hopefully attract the customers back to it after that little Windows phone detour.

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