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The latest version of Google's operating system, Android 5.0 is coming to many devices. If you haven't received the update yet, check out the list of the best Lollipop news and find out why this is the best version of the robot's operating system.
- Android Runtime (ART)
Android applications are developed using the Java language. Applications developed in this language are executed in virtual machines that serve as intermediaries between the software and the hardware. Therefore, the performance of applications is directly related to the level of optimization of the virtual machine.
From the first versions to the 4.4, the default Android virtual machine was the Dalvik. Despite having been improved over time, Google engineers believed it was still not enough. So they decided to develop a new virtual machine, with optimizations and significant changes compared to the old version. So then came the ART (Android Runtime), which was first implemented experimentally in Kit Kat.
Android 5.0 Lollipop already has ART as the default virtual machine. The improvements are diverse and can be seen in detail on the Android Developers page. In short: ART makes applications overall faster and behave more stably, the device better manages processing demand and RAM usage, and battery consumption decreases.
- Battery saver mode
For the first time, Android natively brings a power saving option. The mode turns off network requests from applications without necessarily disabling mobile networks or WiFi and makes a kind of underclock¹ on the processor. If you are using Whatsapp in economy mode for example, messages will only be received when accessing the app. The device is reasonably slower, as the processor will only run at a fraction of its full maximum frequency. It's a simple procedure, but the results can be surprising. I've already managed to keep the phone on for an hour longer than usual in economy mode.
There are flaws, of course. It is only possible to activate the economy mode automatically when the device reaches 15% or 5% of its charge. Particularly, I preferred to activate the economy mode when the battery was at 30%. We can expect improvements in Android subversions such as 5.1 (which has already appeared on some devices in India).
¹If you are a custom ROM , you must have heard about U Governors – which are used to overclock or underclock the processor. Battery saver mode works on the same principles.
- dynamic lockscreen
The new lockscreen makes me look down on the old ones with disdain. With clear inspiration from iOS, notifications on the lockscreen have become much more dynamic. It is possible to control some applications directly from it. Another nice addition is the double tap to directly open the app that is generating the notification. It's practical and avoids the unlock + click notification combo in the status bar.
- Pop Up Notifications
If you are using an application or playing a game and receive a call, the application in question does not close. A subtle pop up appears on the screen with options to answer or reject. You can just ignore the alert, finish using the app and if the call is still in progress, answer it.
- Material Design
Material Design is certainly one of the biggest new features of Android Lollipop. What a lot of people don't know is that Material Design is not just the theme. Material Design also brings a series of animation and visual composition APIs. The Core Material theme is available for older devices, but the beautiful animations and touch are only present in 5.0.
- Quick Settings
The quick settings have undergone a drastic (and necessary) change. It is no longer necessary to tap a side button to access them. Just pull the notification bar twice and voilà! Note that a native flashlight feature has also been added, dispensing with the use of third-party apps.
- System integrity and stability
The system is incredibly more stable and agile. Android finally achieves the “iOS effect”, where everything seems to be instantaneous. In addition to novelties such as ART, numerous bug fixes and kernel-level optimizations were implemented. If Kit Kat made Android more accessible and less cumbersome, Lollipop has improved the formula – adding new animations and effects that add to the experience.
And you, are you already using Android 5.0 or are you still waiting for the update? Have a question or tip you want to share? Tell us in the comments!
