Android Lollipop brings Google's OS version up a full integer, as 5.0 is packed with a serious load of changes.
The most obvious of the changes are the visual enhancements to the UI. Google has maintained the flat look from Android KitKat but also adds in some punch with real time shadows and animation to give Lollipop more depth and dynamic. Google is calling this realistic new look "Material Design."
From icons to navigation buttons, notification bars, fonts, and other design elements, Material Design is meant to make Android's look more unified and give developers more ways to have creative visualization in their apps.
Even more than aesthetics, Android Lollipop also packs in a lot of upgrades under the hood.
Lollipop will fully integrate with your Android watch so that you can bypass having to input your security pattern to unlock your phone. Lollipop will also be able to set certain geographic safe zones, where the unlock patterns will also be unnecessary.
Android fans who despaired when KitKat lacked improved iOS style notification customization will be happy to know that Lollipop finally delivers hassle-free notifications. Where KitKat failed, Lollipop now allows pop-ups to appear when other apps are open, without interruption.
Android Lollipop makes your smartphone smarter by presenting you notifications when you pick it up. As the user, you also decide what you prioritize first, an incoming phone call or that game you are so addicted to.
It also finally introduces a "Do Not Disturb" mode so that you can ignore all spam and work emails during set hours of the day, and still receive emergency or other calls and messages from certain contacts.
Battery life, as well, will be more efficient with Lollipop. Where KitKat only offered basic stats on performance and which apps were draining the most juice, Lollipop has Project Volta behind it - a system that allows users and developers to determine which elements of their apps are draining power at excessive rates.
It is clear that Google has upped the ante with Android Lollipop with refreshing new UI, improved security and notification features, and a battery life that will keep it going longer and faster.
