Android 5.0 Exclusive Features On Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7, Nexus 9 And Google Play Devices

At least four features are expected to be released on Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 7 2013 and Nexus 9 along with Google Play Edition models that improves battery life, overall user interface, notification controls and how apps run every day. Know these features and find out why Android 5.0 L matters.

New User Interface Design

Android 5.0 L will revamp the raw user interface of Android into the new one called Material Design. Based on the demonstrations from Google, Material Design comes in two default themes -- dark and light.

Material Design UI affects most native apps on an eligible Nexus or Google Play device such as widgets, app interface, animations, shadows and curved motion. In addition to that, the new design also use a different set of on-screen virtual buttons for back, home and menu functions.

Android Runtime

For several generations, Android devices have used Dalvik as the default runtime for apps and services. Android 5.0 L will add Android Runtime as the default instead of an optional runtime which was initially featured on Android 4.4 KitKat. Here are the major features of Android Runtime or ART for app developers and users:

1. Ahead of Time or AOT compilation

2. Improved garbage collection

3. Improved debugging support

These features will smoothen running of apps, lessen power consumption and increase performance on the debugging function. The effects are to improve every single apps and services to work better than before.

Enhanced Notifications

Upgrades on the notifications for Android devices are derived from the new Material Design style integrated to the visual aspect and functionality of the lock screen, notifications area and the home screen. New layout, new actions and new customisations will be placed on several apps for Android users.

1. Implementation of Material Design on the notifications shade.

2. Lock screen can now show notifications but secures the contents.

3. Heads-up notification appears on top to represent high priority alerts.

4. Syncing notifications are integrated on the device.

5. Support for the Android Wear platform.

6. Expansion of the notifications layout.

7. More actions such as snooze and swiping on email alerts.

8. Expand or contract related notifications from a single app.

Project Volta

Project Volta is about overall battery efficiency on an Android device related to apps and services. It delivers various changes on the built-in power tracker, improvements on the scheduling of app syncing and a native power saving tools.

For developers, Project Volta enables controls over power consumption of apps by using API scheduler. In effect, users can expect optimised battery life when using apps based on Project Volta and Android 5.0 L.

Android 5.0 L is expected to be released later this year and will roll out to Nexus 5, Nexus 7 2013 and Google Play Edition models. It is also the factory OS of rumoured Motorola Nexus 6 and HTC Nexus 9 devices.