Android Lollipop starts to roll out

[HEXUS]

Google says that design is the major focus for Lollipop.

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[3dcandy]

I am looking forward to Lollipop but guess it won't be that quick on my Note 3

Not blaming Samsung this time, but 3...

[s_kinton]

Got my Nexus 5 and 10 devices ready and waiting....

[LSG501]

Waits patiently for Motorola to release it for my Moto G.... although arguably I've got one of the most important features already, the battery saver feature is a copy of what's on my phone already (and it works really well).

[crossy]

Lollipop implements Google's material design into the Android OS UI. The 'flatter' looking design language is said to bring content to the fore and "uses tactile surfaces, bold graphic design, and fluid motion to create beautiful, intuitive experiences".

Is it just me, or does it look like Google (and Apple - before I get accused of being an iFan) are following the trend started by Windows Phone 8? Not that I'm necessarily complaining, especially if the flatter look also means that it's simpler, and therefore quicker, to render.

Those lucky enough to get the update released for their device should also experience a "faster, smoother and more powerful computing experience," thanks to an entirely new Android runtime which compacts background tasks for smoother multitasking. 64-bit device support has arrived in the OS and 64-bit native apps now include Chrome, Gmail, Calendar, Google Play Music.

Are you looking forward to receiving an Android Lollipop update for your device?

I've got mixed opinions on Android L. I very much like the idea of faster performance and smoother multitasking. What I'm less happy about is that experts (like Chainfire) are saying that it's going to be VERY difficult to root and therefore gain full control of your device.

My LG G3 is supposed to get L before the end of the year (my phone is SIM free so I don't have to wait for Voda, O2, et al to "bless" the upgrade), and I'm seeing design changes on some apps already, which I'm assuming are L-style. If these new apps are being L styled then I must admit to liking the new look.

Oh, and like LSG501's Moto G, my G3 already has pretty aggressive battery optimisation (because it has to on the large-screened G3), so I'd welcome seeing any further improvement, if possible.

[TotesTurtle]

I'm still running 4.2.2 on my htc, have kitkat on my tab 2 and honestly don't see a difference :/

[HSK]

Think we'll be waiting a while still. Tweet from the Google Nexus account:-

Hi there, the Nexus 5 will be receiving the Android 5.0 Lollipop update via over-the-air and should be in the coming weeks.

https://twitter.com/googlenexus/stat...30738467557377

[LSG501]

Is it just me, or does it look like Google (and Apple - before I get accused of being an iFan) are following the trend started by Windows Phone 8? Not that I'm necessarily complaining, especially if the flatter look also means that it's simpler, and therefore quicker, to render.

yes and no, they're taking elements of windows flat design but not going quite as heavy as ms did, apple and google have both used 'layers' (opacity in apple's case and the 'moving over parts' in android) in their design more than ms did so you could say it's a mix of old and new flat design.

I've got mixed opinions on Android L. I very much like the idea of faster performance and smoother multitasking. What I'm less happy about is that experts (like Chainfire) are saying that it's going to be VERY difficult to root and therefore gain full control of your device.

I haven't 'rooted' a device since my hp touchpad (wanted android lol), it's increasingly becoming less necessary (if you chose the right manufacturer) now that updates seem to be more forthcoming, that's usually the main reason for needing root although I can understand it to a point with apps like cerberus but in day to day use it's not so needed now in my opinion.

My LG G3 is supposed to get L before the end of the year (my phone is SIM free so I don't have to wait for Voda, O2, et al to "bless" the upgrade), and I'm seeing design changes on some apps already, which I'm assuming are L-style. If these new apps are being L styled then I must admit to liking the new look.

Oh, and like LSG501's Moto G, my G3 already has pretty aggressive battery optimisation (because it has to on the large-screened G3), so I'd welcome seeing any further improvement, if possible.

I'm not sure exactly how LG's done their aggressive optimisations on the g3 but the moto g (and others) literally already has the battery optimisation feature you'll be gaining in android L. It does work well too, it easily doubles the battery life in my experience although I only have mine set to activate on low battery. Google have 'borrowed' a lot of motorola's 'add on' apps and made them part of android L (battery saver and low power notifications on homescreen off the top of my head) and even a couple of LG's (double tap to unlock) on devices which support them. It's kind of like they used Motorola as a guinea pig for new features to gauge user interest/opinion.

[DanceswithUnix]

I will watch my Moto G LTE for updates then.

Shame about the Hudl.

[crossy]

I haven't 'rooted' a device since my hp touchpad (wanted android lol), it's increasingly becoming less necessary (if you chose the right manufacturer) now that updates seem to be more forthcoming, that's usually the main reason for needing root although I can understand it to a point with apps like cerberus but in day to day use it's not so needed now in my opinion.

I agree with a lot of what you're saying - for Joe Public root isn't needed. But if you've got certain utilities - like Titanium Backup and/or Automate Pro - then you have to have root. Being a bit hissy about it, I'm actually pretty annoyed by the increasing restrictions that Google are putting on. First the SD card write in Kitkat and now the rooting issue in Lollipop. I'm all in favour of increased security, but Google have failed to add controls in there for folks that know what they're doing and/or are willing to accept the risks.

Thanks for the info on the design strategy though.

[LSG501]

I'm actually pretty annoyed by the increasing restrictions that Google are putting on. First the SD card write in Kitkat and now the rooting issue in Lollipop. I'm all in favour of increased security, but Google have failed to add controls in there for folks that know what they're doing and/or are willing to accept the risks.

I'm actually getting annoyed with google's restrictions too. Not so much at the root but things like removing google calendar sync for outlook unless you're a business user who pays for google docs etc. I'm like why would I need google docs, let alone pay for it, when I have outlook, which is usually part of office (and we all have free ms office online anyway). Unfortunately they're all at it and it's all down to the fight for 'cloud computing' and who we're going to rent our programs from.... I'll pick MS over google and apple thanks

At least there's a workaround using office and hotmail connector (for now), if I set a 'hotmail' account as default (first account added is easiest way) it then uses hotmail for my calendar/contacts so it can be added to google calendar via that. It's a bit of a rigmarole but it does at least mean windows 8 is synced up too.

[miniyazz]

I've got mixed opinions on Android L. I very much like the idea of faster performance and smoother multitasking. What I'm less happy about is that experts (like Chainfire) are saying that it's going to be VERY difficult to root and therefore gain full control of your device.

I haven't 'rooted' a device since my hp touchpad (wanted android lol), it's increasingly becoming less necessary (if you chose the right manufacturer) now that updates seem to be more forthcoming, that's usually the main reason for needing root although I can understand it to a point with apps like cerberus but in day to day use it's not so needed now in my opinion.

Perhaps not for many, but for people like myself - here's a quick (non-exhaustive) list of things I do with my Note 2 that I couldn't without rooting:

• Adjust DPI so more app content is visible (e.g. more email text/pictures visible) since default DPI is too large for those of us with good vision
• Disable battery full notification (OK this is Samsung bloatware)
• Enable call recording - so not just the companies I call can keep a record of the conversation. Works without forcing you to use the speakerphone hack
• Allows Tasker to do numerous things including adjusting my notification LED colour depending on charge status
• NFC lock screen - manageable without root but horribly ugly, this way it's transparent (uses the default lock screen but also silently listens for the right NFC tag to unlock)
• Display network usage (speed in KB/s) in the status bar
• Show the time received SMS's were sent in the details section (sometimes a lengthy delay between sending and receiving)
• Per-app permissions setting (e.g. my Dialler doesn't need to have access to the internet so I don't allow it access - reduces a chance of any rogue apps stealing data, means I don't have to be so selective about what apps I install)
• Titanium Backup - goes without saying
• Cerberus - likewise

I'm sure there's other things too I've forgotten about. I'll not be moving from root any time soon!

[ZaO]

*Cough* Ubuntu mobile *cough*

[Pleiades]

Hate the trend towards 'flatter 'interfaces & all bold primary colours like a child's play book.

Aero was beautiful in comparison.

[mtyson]

According to Android Police the Lollipop update "Makes SD cards great again, Extends API To Allow Full Directory Access, Automatic MediaStore, And Improves Security".

[bae85]

Hate the trend towards 'flatter 'interfaces & all bold primary colours like a child's play book.

Aero was beautiful in comparison.

exactly how I feel about windows 8.1 and 10. After trying windows 8 (currently got Windows 10 preview on a virtual machine), Windows 7 feels fresher and just nicer!

I will wait and see what happens with my Nexus 7, strangely I have more faith in Google doing a good job than I do Microsoft!