Tech News: Google announces Android 5.0 Lollipop

Googles latest version of the Android OS called Lollipop (Gotta love the naming scheme!) is being released officially on November 3rd.

Google has sent a message to app developers to start making their apps compatible with Android 5.0. Of course devices won't immediately have access to the OS as the rollout will depend on the manufacture of your device and your carrier. It's reported that Nexus series of devices will be shipped to retailers with Lollipop.

New features of Lollipop include new lock screen that comes with notifications that won’t force you to open up an app to take action on them. 

So for instance, you will be able to delete email messages from your device’s lock screen or from your notifications center now without having to actually open up Gmail to trash them.

Lollipop also includes whats called 'Material Design' which involves improved graphics, a cleaner design with the use of 'cards', responsive animations and transitions, padding, and depth effects such as lighting and shadows.

TechCruch posted a preview of a Nexus 6 with Lollipop.

Also added to Lollipop is Android TV support, 64bit chip support, Multiple Users across devices (including a Guest User), increased security and longer battery lifetime.

For more information check out Googles Official Lollipop page.

Google reveals it's first tablet - a competitor for Kindle Fire

Google released it's first tablet today and it looks promising for the Android giant.
Called the "Nexus 7" the tablet seems as a direct competitor for the Kindle Fire.

The tablet has a 7" 1280 x 800 HD screen, powered by Nvidia Tegra 3 quad core processor, and will run the next version of Android 4.1 dubbed "Jelly Bean". The device comes with either 8GB or 16GB of internal storage and 1GB of RAM. The tablet is powered by a 4,325mAh battery offering up to 8 hours of active use. The tablet is jointly developed by Asus.

Pricing has also been confirmed: $199 for the 8GB model and $249 for the 16GB.

Google had previously sold an Android smartphone called the "Nexus One back in 2010, but discontinued sales as it had not lived up to expectations.