Android Lollipop release date, new features and upgrades: Android 5.0 is official and here's when you'll get it

Google has finally named the next version of Android as Lollipop, and it's a whole new version - 5.0. Here's what you need to know about Android 5.0 Lollipop's release date, design and new features. Also see Nexus 6 release date, price and specs and Nexus 9 release date, price and specs, Nexus Player release date, price and specs

We've been running Android Lollipop for a few months now, back when it was known only as Android L, and you can see the new features and screenshots here. We've also tested out the increased battery life, but Lollipop is no faster than KitKat

Google launched Android 4.4 KitKat last September and then showed off Android L at its I/O 2014 developer conference before officially announcing its final name and version number today.

New Android L: Release date and upgrades

If you're buying a Nexus 6 or Nexus 9, you can get Android Lollipop from November 3rd (if you're in the UK, you'll be able to pre-order in November and receive your phablet or tablet within a few weeks). But if you already have a Nexus 5, 7 or 10 you should get it in a free over-the-air update in the "coming weeks" according to Google's blog. Of course, if you want to, you can try the beta version now by following our guide: How to get Android L now.

Motorola

If you have a Moto G or Moto X (all generations), a Moto E or various other smartphones, Motorola has said Lollipop will be available later this year. See Motorola's upgrade page for details.

Sony

Sony has confirmed that it will bring Android 5.0 Lollipop to the entire Xperia Z range (smartphones and tablets) which is quite impressive as some are pretty old now. Upgrades will start with the core Xperia Z3 and Xperia Z2 series in early 2015. See Sony's blog for more details.

HTC

If you have an HTC One M8 or M7, there's good news since the company has said it will deliver the update within 90 days of getting the final version of Android L from Google. All the other 'One' smartphones will get the update, but it will be after those first two devices.

Samsung

Samsung hasn't yet said which devices will get Lollipop, nor when, but all current Galaxy smartphones should be updated, and quite possibly some older ones. The issue is that Samsung has never been quick to roll out Android updates, so don't hold your breath.

LG

LG is another firm which has remained tight-lipped about Lollipop rollouts, but G3 owners can probably rest easy knowing one is on the way. G2 owners might be pleasantly surprised, too.

See also: Android Lollipop vs iOS 8

Before the launch, Google released a teaser video for Android L with lots of possible names including Lemon Drop, Lady Finger, Lava Cake and Lemon Meringue Pie. A notable name missing was Lollipop and now we know why.

See also: 30 best Android smartphones in UK: What's the best Android phone you can buy in 2014?

Android Lollipop: Material Design

Google has a "new design language" for Android Lollipop which is called Material. Overall, it's a cleaner style which developers can make use of in apps. The Roboto font can also be used anywhere. You'll notice that the new navigation buttons are a triangle, circle and square. See also: First Android L screenshots: how the new material design looks on the Nexus 5.

Elements can now be given depth, so shadows and light sources affect user interface elements in real time. App interfaces will now feature touches of colour automatically generated based on the content and there are new animations and touch feedback.

You can see the new look in the above and main article images including new icons and new navigation buttons. Take a look at Google's video below to get an idea of what Android Lollipop looks and feels like.

Android Lollipop: New features

Enhanced notifications

Android L makes notifications even better. For starters you can get them on the lock screen - and they will be automatically ordered in priority. You will be able to swipe them away like normal or double tap to open the relevant app.

New lockscreen

Part of the Android L redesign is a new lockscreen which will show you notifications (see above image). You'll need to swipe up to unlock (if you don't have a lock pattern or other unlock method) but you can also swipe right to launch the dialler or left to launch the camera.

New multi-tasking

Forget a 2D list of open apps, the new recent apps section of Android L brings a Google Now card style layout. The open apps flow on a sort of carousel and can be swiped off to either side to close them as before.

Some apps, for example chrome, will be able to have multiple cards in recent apps. Android Lollipop will show a separate card for each open tab.

New notifcation bar

The Android Lollipop notification bar looks quite different to before. It works in the same way as before so a swipe from the top of the screen grants access. There's a new layout and colour scheme.

Instead of tapping a button to access quick settings you simply swipe downwards a second time. There is now screen brightness control as standard and a new 'cast screen' icon for mirroring with a Chromecast.

Security - personal unlocking

Google said that security is a key element for Android and its users. A new feature will enable users to unlock their smartphone when physically near enough a device like an Android Wear smartwatch. It's a bit like cars with keyless entry.

Battery life - new saver mode

Better battery life is something we always want and Google has added a dedicated battery saver mode to Android Lollipop will give up to 90 minutes of extra use per charge (using the Nexus 5 as a test case). Project Volta allows developers to identify how their apps are using battery so they make improvements.

The battery section of the settings menu now gives more detailed information, too.

Performance

As we expected, Android Lollipop will support 64-bit processors and it will also support the ART software library which Google says will be twice as fast as Davik.

Android TV

With the Lollipop announcement came a surprise new product: Nexus Player. This means Android TV is integrated into Lollipop and provides a way to get games, videos, photos, TV shows etc. onto your big screen. Quite a few big names have signed up to Android TV, including Sony, Philips and Sharp. You don't have to buy a new TV, of course, and that's where Nexus Player comes in, operating much like an Apple TV.

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