On Wednesday, Google rolled out the latest version of its mobile operating system—Android 5.0 Lollipop—as well as three new devices that run Lollipop. Mobile development pros who download the update will notice a number of changes, including the following:
- A clean, flat, colorful interface known as “Material Design.”
- Improved notifications, which users will see on the lock screen or in a floating box when they’re using their devices to do other things.
- Better security, including “Factory Reset Protection,” which is essentially a kill switch.
- An updated Messenger app that is more like Hangouts.
- Device-sharing capabilities for users who share their phones and tablets with another person.
- A battery saver that can extend battery life by up to 90 minutes.
- Quick setup options, including the option of setting up a new device simply by tapping it on your old one.
- The new ART runtime the provides better application performance
- Support for 64-bit devices and apps.
