The latest version of Android operating system, Android 5.0 Lollipop, is set to launch on Nexus and Google Play Smartphones, according to official announcement of Google through a blog post.
Lollipop has been described by Android director of engineering Dave Burke as, the biggest release in the history of Android.
Lollipop brings the ability to create separate Android user profiles, a feature thats great for parents looking to keep their kids busy with Angry birds but dont want them purchasing $500 worth of micro-transactions.
Android 5.0 is arguably the most radical redesign of Android since the operating system first hit the market in late 2008. At its core is Material Design (video above) which is not only a visual refresh, but a complete reimagining of how digital elements should interact; all bound by strict physics for consistency.
Another standout feature is the ability to access features directly from your smartphones launch screen and creating shortcuts to help you access apps quicker. Multitasking has also gotten a revamp and users are now able to scroll vertically through open applications.
Some users are already able to download Lollipop while others still havent seen the update land on their devices yet. Go to settings, about phone and then software update to check if your smartphone is ready to download the update.
Google didnt break down the roll out of Lollipop, but it is widely expected that Nexus 7 and 10 tablets will be the first legacy devices to receive the update. Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 smartphones will be close behind followed by Google Play handsets. The update will start rolling out today and you will be notified automatically when it hits your device.
Impatient users can manually trigger checks by going to Settings > About phone > System Update > Check Now.
Motorola, HTC, LG, Sony, and Samsung have all promised updates to their flagship models by early 2015.
Google has yet to announce specific dates for Material Design to hit its web services, but some of the roll out has started already with Google Docs one of the early beneficiaries. Google will be hoping Android 5.0 Lollipop can get off to a flyer. Especially with the hotly anticipated Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 set to be its torchbearers.
