Android Lollipop
Android "Lollipop" (Android 5) was the 5th major version of Google's Android operating system. It is the twelfth version of Android. Its codename during the development was Android L. Android Lollipop's developer version was released on June 25, 2014, at the Google I/O conference. It was officially released for the public on November 3, 2014, for the selected device, which runs distributions of Android services.
One of the crucial changes in the lollipop release is the redesigned user interface known as Material Design. Other changes like notifications, which can be accessed from the lock screen and displayed within the application.
Google also change the internal platform by replacing the official Dalvik with the Android Runtime (ART) for improving application performance.
Features and Functions of Android Lollipop
There are several features and functions provided by Android Lollipop; some of them are:
Material Design
Material Design allows developers to specify the elevation values of elements within apps, which automatically creates shadow and perspective for the user. Google also updates its famed typeface Roboto that allows developers to use one optimized font across a number of different platforms.
Notification Enhancements
Android Lollipop brings full access to the notifications right on the lock screen. Swiping down provides you the full list of notifications. Google also introduces a completely new kind of notification called a "heads-up", which is really easy to engage or dismiss with.
Lock Screen Enhancements
Android Lollipop provides the functionality of "personal unlocking," which enables your device to determine whether the device is in the owner's hand or not. It will take advantage of Bluetooth devices that are in the range, locations, and even voice. For example, when a Bluetooth watch is used, and then it is removed, the device will ask for a password.
Performance Improvements
Previous version Android 4.4 Kitkat runs on the Dalvik. The Lollipop version runs on Android Runtime (ART), which makes Android run "twice as fast" as compared to Dalvik. The ART has a 64-bit runtime, which includes a variety of changes such as "garbage collection".
Better Graphics with Android Extension Pack
The new feature of the Lollipop Android Runtime (ART) based operating system also improves the graphic support. It supports graphics qualities like geometry shaders, tessellation, and many other things designed for gamers.
Battery Improvements
Google introduced Project Volta, which improves battery life. Project Volta announced the JobScedular API, which helps developers to optimize the power consumption in apps. Finally, Google added a "Battery Saver" mode in Lollipop, which can be bring-out configured or manually to be enabled automatically when the battery is low.
Android Lollipop other features
- Support for 64-bit CPUs.
- Support for print previews.
- Refreshed lock screen.
- Widgets are no longer supporting.
- Refreshed notification tray and quick setting pull-down.
- Guest logins and multiple user accounts are available on more devices.
- Audio input and output through USB devices.
- The recently used applications are remembered even after restarting the device.
- WebViews gets the updates independently through Google Play for security reasons.
- Tap and Go allows users to quick migrate to a new Android device.
- Updated emoji.
- Bug fixes to the Overview screen.
- Support for multiple SIM cards.
- Device protection: if the device is stolen or lost, it will remain locked until the owner signs into their Google account.
- Improvement of the notification.
- Various bug fixes.
- Native Wi-Fi calling support.
