Google IO 2014: Android “L” developer preview introduced

✎ CJ Magowan | 🕑 06.27.2014

Google unveiled at I/O 2014 conference today the upcoming version of Android with Android L. With a new design elements, new Runtime, updated and system wide changes in overall system apps, better power management features, more diversity, health centric features to name a few. The new Android L would be Google’s major overhaul since its dawn bringing new features, performance upgrade and enhancing the total user experience.

For the first time in Android history, Google is giving an early preview of it upcoming release. Unlike the previous I/O event where users can then download the latest update to the platform which google has made available immediately after the launch. This seem to give Google the chance to tease the public regarding the impending release as well as an early preview on what to expect with “L”. Though attendees and earlier adopters wont get to install the early build, inside the perimeters of the event are units that feature the next version of Android which allows the attendees to test the OS first hand. Developers however will have the opportunity to install and test the upcoming OS to their devices and test their apps on it.

Material Design for the Multiscreen world

With Android “L”, Google is introducing an Overhauled user interface which took a few inspiration from iOS and WP8. I don’t know if you would agree with me but it does hint like it’s familiar has adopted some UI elements from the competing platforms. It does not harm in a sense however and it brings out a new twist of interactivity and user experience. Google also introduce a new design language with “Material design” which to brings a comprehensive approach to UI element design, motion and interaction across a multi range of devices with easy and familiar interface. With Material Design on Android L, Google is also bringing out tools to develop and create modern applications that adopts in multiple environments including, smartphones, tablets, PC’s, wearables and TV’s.

One of the main focus in the development of “L” is on performance. The introduction of a new user interface design not only to present the OS in a more desirable experience with its transitions and animations but also to bring an even stable performance with a seamless visual effects that efficiently utilize every visual elements in Android. Also the new Android Runtime (ART) provides application developers with the tools they need to create efficient apps that would result in an overall improve performance. Added support for 64-bit architecture is incorporated with the new OS which gives the developers the ability to access and use higher memory addresses and help API and Runtime support 64-bit architecture without any modification to the existing application.

With Android L, Google has further enhance the power management across the OS, bringing out a new tools and API’s to conserve power, power saving monitors that sets specific rules in every event on apps to utilize power efficiently.

There are hundreds of new features coming with Android L from more evidently visible on the screen or processing in the background, the new OS is significantly a step forward. Even the Google Play service will be receiving an upgrade and new capabilities. As today’s Android ecosystem is somewhat fragmented, Google is taking the control back to its hands but providing system updates straight from Google Play services without the need on relying from carriers and OEM manufacturers.

Google Android L is currently released as a developer preview today and will be available to consumers later this year.