Android 5.0 L Update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10: Speculated Release

It’s no longer a mystery that the folks at Google will be releasing the Android 5.0 L update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 later this year. Even though the Mountain View-based giant didn’t reveal when the new Android update will be released for the public, we strongly believe we can make a fairly accurate estimation of its release date based on the company’s previous launches.

I guess that most of you know that, so far, Google had the habit of releasing two major Android updates per year: one in the summer, about a month after their annual Google I/O tech conference, and the other one mid-to-late fall. Even though it was rumored that everybody will get to enjoy a new Android update this summer, the search engine giant decided it’s time to change their approach regarding their Android releases. As far as it looks, Google will do the Android L launch Apple-style.

Why Apple-style? Because the Cupertino-based company is usually introducing new iOS versions in the summer, during WWDC, makes them available for beta testing for a few months, then releases them in the fall, when a new iPhone is launched. As you may know, Google previewed Android L at Google I/O back in June, made it available for download as Developer Preview for Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 for testing purposes (there’s also an update available for both devices, you can check it out here), and they will probably release it late-October or early-November, synchronized with the debut of new Nexus hardware.

It was reported a couple of months ago that Google is reading a new program called Android Silver that will replace the Nexus family of devices. Many believed that this will be the end of the Nexus line-up, but a Google employee recently dismissed the rumors. Soon after, rumors of new Nexus hardware started to hit the web. First, we’ve heard of a new 8.9-inch Nexus tablet. The device is reportedly manufactured by HTC and it’s known internally as Volantis. If the reports are to be believed the new Nexus 9 will sport 64-bit processor, 3 GB RAM, 8 MP primary shooter, and aluminium zero-gap construction. The rumor mill also talks about a new Nexus smartphone, unofficially dubbed Nexus 6. The handset codenamed Shamu is made by Motorola and its technical specifications include a 5.2-inch Quad HD (1440 x 2560 pixels) display, quad-core Snapdragon 805 processor, 3 GB RAM, and 13 MP rear-facing shooter with OIS. There’s no doubt that both the Nexus 9 and the Nexus 6 will run Android 5.0 L out of the box.

As you may know, Google introduced the new release as Android L, but this will definitely not be the final name. Each major Android release has a unique version number and a dessert-inspired nick name. Given the high amount of changes it brings (the update is even bigger than the jump from Gingerbread to Ice Cream Sandwich), Android L will surely have version number 5.0. Regarding the dessert name, so far we’ve heard about Lollipop or Licorice. There are even some reports of Lemon Meringue Pie.

The first thing you’ll notice about Android 5.0 L is the new Material Design philosophy. The interface is more colorful and more animated, while the system as a whole is more intuitive courtesy of 3D effects and shadows. The performance will also get a boost and the introduction of ART runtime (replaces Dalvik) and support for 64-bit processors will definitely help. Furthermore, many of the users who got to install Android L Developer Preview on their smartphones and tablets are reporting battery life improvements.

The Android 5.0 L lock screen and the notification bar received noteworthy improvements, as well. The former one now displays notifications and allows you to interact with them. Furthermore, the lock screen notifications are prioritized based on the frequency you interact with them. The notifications bar looks and behaves different in Android 5.0 L. Besides receiving a new color scheme, the notifications bar has also ditched the Quick Settings button. The Quick Settings menu itself is still there, but you will access it differently. In order to get to the Quick Settings toggles you will have to swipe down once to open the notifications bar, then swipe once more. Once there, you will find toggles for WiFi, Mobile Network, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, Sound, Location, Do Not Disturb, and Rotation Lock. As you can see, the Do Not Disturb and Rotation Lock toggles are completely new. The Adaptive Brightness replaces Auto Brightness and the Brightness button is now a slider. In the main Settings menu you will be able to enjoy the new search bar that allows you to easily find certain options.

The Android 5.0 L update also brings changes to the status bar. Even though you won’t be able to notice the changes in the home and lock screens, where the status bar is still transparent, you will be able to see that it changes color when you open an app. The status bar is capable of matching the color of the action bar of the app running on the screen in order to bring a unified visual experience. Of course, the devs will have to update their apps in order to take advantage of the new feature.

On the other hand, the multitasking has received a makeover. The recents are now displayed as cards, in a way similar to how Chrome’s recents tabs are displayed. Furthermore, certain apps can show multiple cards in the multitasking menu. Chrome is one of them, being capable of showing a different card for each opened tab.

The Android 5.0 L update for Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 will be the first one to be publicly released. The Google Play Edition devices will also be among the first to receive the new firmware update, along with Motorola’s supported devices. HTC was one of the first Android OEMs to promise they will be bring the Android 5.0 L update on their flagships. According to them, both One M7 and One M8 will get the update within 90 days after Google releases the final code. The other big Android smartphone makers, Samsung, Sony, and LG, will probably release Android 5.0 L for their supported devices sometimes late 2014 or early 2015.

Do you have any Android 5.0 L favorite features? Is anything that bothers you about the new update? Please let us know in comments.