Earlier this week we looked at the iPhone 6 and reported that some of the new iPhone highlighted features have already been present on flagship Android devices for over two years now.
With that in mind we here at Fortune Frenzy decided to look at the newest build of Android’s Operating System (OS) to explore what it is Google has in store to match the iPhone’s iOS8.
It has to be said that Androids new OS release is almost upon us and it’s being touted as the biggest software overhaul since the last OS, Ice-cream sandwich. There could be much to look forward to for Android users.
Visual wallpaper
The first thing you’ll notice about Android L is its cleaner interface and sense of depth provided by some neat looking shadows, it’s almost as if you could dip your finger into the screen given the clarity. This is because the sweeping User Interface changes using what Google has called material design.
Not since Android 4.0 has Android received such an overhaul and material design brings a smooth, fluid dynamic not experienced on the platform before allowing every element to animate when touched giving the OS a very organic feel.
The main home screen has had a make-over too as has the lock-screen, pull-down menu, settings and Nav buttons which have all been designed to match the new platform’s clean and minimalistic design (which will be looked at in more detail once we get our hands on it).
The notification system has had a redesign as well with the main advancement being that all notifications will be shown on the lock-screen which will appear in a stacked formation, almost like the Google Now cards we are familiar with today. This added feature gives the user the advantage of being able to jump straight into the message or call once the particular notification pops up.
Performance
Android L is very much designed with performance in mind. Keeping the platform streamlined thanks to its new visual trim Google hopes to get Android L running as smooth as possible on all devices.
The most interesting feature however is that the back-end of the new OS will include some serious graphical overhauls by incorporating DirectX 11 graphics meaning that future mobile devices will be able to match console and PC games in the graphical department.
The new OS will also learn users actions by providing information that is important to the them. By being more intelligent, smarter even, the OS will learn what apps the user opens frequently and what areas they visit often for a more individual experience. For example, if you eat regularly at a certain restaurant and the next time you search for it on your phone or go near its location the device will, dependant on your settings, take you straight to a table booking app such as Open Table directory.
Battery life
With more power comes the need for more fuel and Google’s Project Volta (the project tasked with making the OS battery life more efficient and longer) is working as hard as ever to improve Androids overall battery lifespan. Project Volta also allows apps to monitor their own performance and adjust power consumption accordingly.
By monitoring the power consumed by individual apps the platform will be able to give real-time information on your device battery life including a battery saver mode which will activate once the battery life sinks below a certain percentage threshold.
Final thoughts
To surmise this handy video by Android Central will help you get a better idea of what Android L can offer.
Release date?
Google are notoriously slow at providing software update information but if the past is anything to go by then October this year (2014) may, just may, be the month to mark on your calendar.
Don’t forget to join in on the conversation and follow us on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date with all our developments and breaking news!
