With the Android L being unveiled with great fanfare at Google I/O last week, there has been word that the software is coming to the Google's Nexus 5 and Nexus 7, as well as HTC's One M7 and One M8. Here is the latest roundup of the latest news so far:
Android L 'Beta' for Google Nexus 5 and Nexus 7
Google is only offering the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 on the official Android developers' site.
Be warned, the 'Android L' is beta software that is geared primarily to developers. In other words, average users may experience serious issues when attempting to install the new operating system to their devices.
It is probably best for the majority of consumers to wait for the upcoming release date of the newest Android operating system. Still, there are resources that may be useful to the more adventurous users wishing to use the latest developmental Android software. One such resource is a tutorial from the Android developers' site itself.
Amongst Android L features touted at Google I/O is the improved notification function that allows users to see notifications on the lock screen. The boot animation is also getting an update with a crazy loading sequence that can be seen below:
Visually the Android L layout is not much different from the previously Android KitKat 4.4. Even so, there are noticeable changes such as the onscreen soft buttons that some users say resemble 'Playstation' controller buttons. The Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Vibrate icons have also undergone similar aesthetic changes.
In terms of battery life, the upcoming Android software will reportedly allow the device to run power much more efficiently. Other observers have noted that users will be able to access apps directly when Chrome browsing. So for example, when booking a table at a restaurant, users will automatically be taken to the Open Table app. Naturally, the number of apps using this new feature depends on how quickly app designers incorporate this function.
HTC Testing 'Android L' for One M8 and One M7
On Sunday, XDA claimed insider knowledge that suggests HTC will be evaluating Android L for the One M8 and One M7 between October and December of this year. The HTC One E8 and One Mini 2 are undergoing similar testing.
The XDA report also stated that the Android L is being evaluated alongside HTC's proprietary Sense 6.x user-interface. HTC have yet to announce when they will be rolling out the Android L for both mobile devices.
Also, it has been widely speculated that the first devices to be receiving Android L will be the Google Play Edition of the HTC One M8 and One M7.
'Android L' Release Date and Background
Google has been rumored to be developing the replacement software for the current-gen Android 4.4 KitKat operation system since last January. Opinions varied between the 'Android 4.5' and 'Android 5.0' as being the official designation for the mystery software.
Last week, the tech giant introduced a new operating system that was simply called the 'Android L'. Fans quickly speculated that the 'Android L' was either the fabled 'Android 4.5' or Android 5.0 software. As of now, Google has not released any information that can verify this assertion.
In following the tradition of naming its Android software after sweets and confections, Google has been rumored to be calling the next Android software 'lollipop'. Even this information has been disputed.
A release date for the Android L on HTC is pending, but it has been widely speculated that consumers will be seeing such software by this coming fall.
Official Video, Google I/O Launch for 'Android L'
