Google’s revealed the next version of its Android mobile operating system, and the first two devices to use it. Read on for all the details on Android Lollipop, the Nexus 6 smartphone and Nexus 9 tablet…
Google has revealed the latest version of Android. Version 5.0 of its mobile operating system, which goes by the codename Lollipop, will start being rolled out to devices in the next few weeks.
We're a little disappointed - Google previously used types of sweets as its Android naming scheme, running in alphabetical order, but after the last version was endorsed by KitKat, we were hoping this one would be called Lion Bar.
Still, Lollipop's a fine name, even if it potentially invites a swathe of cynical 'Lollipop sucks' headlines if it isn't any good. However, we don't think that'll be a problem because, from what we've seen, it looks like Google's made some notable improvements.
These include notifications you can see at a glance on the lock screen, a new power-saving mode, support for multiple users on a single device and more robust security options.
In addition to Android Lollipop, Google has shown off a new smartphone - the Nexus 6. Developed by Motorola, the new device is a 'phablet' - it has all the functions of a mobile phone, but dimensions closer to a tablet. And when we say it's near tablet-sized, we ain't kidding.
The new device sports a mammoth 6in screen which, like that of the LG G3, has quad-HD resolution. It also has a 13 megapixel (MP) camera, a 2.7HGz quad-core processor, and either 32GB or 64GB of built-in storage. The storage isn't expandable by microSD card, sadly.
It'll also have a new Turbo Charger feature, which Google claims gives you up to six hours' use from 15 minutes of charging. Naturally, Android Lollipop's on board as standard.
The Nexus 6 will go on sale in the UK next month. No official pricing information for the UK is yet available.
Google also revealed the Nexus 9, a tablet with a 8.9in screen, 8MP camera, 64-bit processor and 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. As you'd expect, Android Lollipop's installed out of the box too.
The Nexus 9 will be available for pre-order from 17 October and goes on sale 3 November.
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