Tag: android l

Nexus Owners Get Ready! Android 5.0 Lollipop Officially Rolls Out Today

The long wait is at last over! Five months after Google announced the all new ‘Android L’ and ‘Material Design’ at Google I/O 2014 and nearly a month after it officially confirmed the name ‘Android 5.0 Lollipop’, the new operating system has been released.

In an official blog, Google has put out a post saying that Android 5.0 Lollipop has started rolling out already. Google has confirmed that Android 5.0 Lollipop would be coming to all the Nexus devices – Nexus 4, Nexus 5 and tablets Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013 editions) and Nexus 10. The Nexus 9, which has launched internationally, comes pre-loaded with the new operating system, and so will the Google Nexus 6 when it comes out.

Android’s official blog reads: “If you’re like me, you jump between a number of different devices throughout the day—reading a magazine on your tablet, checking the time on your watch, chatting with your friends on the phone, even plotting your route in the car. More and more, our screens work together, each helping make your life a little bit easier. But if the design is the way they communicate with us, it often feels like each one is speaking a different language. That’s why we unveiled material design earlier this year: one consistent design language flexible enough to span devices across mobile, desktop, and beyond. Design is a major focus for Lollipop—the latest version of Android—which begins to roll out today.”

Last night, Google launched the new Gmail 5.0 app along with the Calendar app, both of which come with Material Design. The company is slowly updating all of its official apps in the ‘Material Design’ style. Google describes Material Design as a “bold, colourful, and responsive UI design for consistent, intuitive experiences across all your devices. Responsive, natural motion, realistic lighting and shadows, and familiar visual elements make it easier to navigate your device. Vivid new colours, typography, and edge-to-edge imagery help to focus your attention.”

Motorola has already confirmed the update for most of its phones available in the market, which includes the Moto X (1st Gen. & 2nd Gen.), Moto G (1st Gen. & 2nd Gen.), Moto E, Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx and Droid Mini. HTC confirmed that it will be releasing the Android L update within 90 days of receiving the final software from Google. Here’s a full list of devices confirmed to receive the update, to see if your device made it, click here.

Meanwhile, you can check out our hands on with the update:

November 4, 2014
Nexus 9 to Launch Today, Will be the First Device to Run Android L

As we reported earlier, the Nexus 9, codenamed the HTC Volantis, will launch today and it will be the first device to run Android L. Apple in an another big event is expected to launch new gen iPad and iMac, however, taking the lead Google is expected to launch the new Nexus device quietly, via a blog post.

Unlike Apple, Google will apparently eschew a big press event and will instead announce the new platform and the new devices via an official blog post. The company is apparently still fine tuning Android L and it doesn’t want to have a major event for a platform that still needs some refining before its release.

According to several reports that surfaced last week, the Nexus 9 will be available for pre-order on 17th October and available to purchase on the 3rd November. Although there’s no information on when Android L will be available for other Android devices, and the pre-order and purchasing dates are subject to last minute changes. The 16GB version will cost $399 and the 32GB LTE version will retail for $499. Both devices will have expandable memory.

Various reports have also hinted that the new Nexus 9 tablet will have an 8.9-inch 2048×1440 display, weigh 480 grams, have a 64-bit dual-core processor, an Nvidia Kepler GPU and a 8MP rear-facing camera and 3MP front-facing camera. HTC and Google have also opted for a “brushed aluminum” frame, instead of an all metal design, to keep costs down.

It is also said that some popular HTC features will come with the new tablet including HTC’s boomsound and the dual front facing speakers, both of which featured on the One M8 and Desire EYE.

However, there is no word on when the Nexus 6 is going to release. According to the previous leaks, the device will feature a QHD display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels (498 pixels per inch), a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera, a 3,200mAh battery and Android L.

Today’s launch will put Google in direct competition with Apple as the iPhone 6 maker is widely expected to reveal its updated iPad on October 16th. Rumours have been circulating around that Apple’s event on Thursday will see the launch of a 9.7-inch ‘iPad Pro’ and possibly a refreshed version of the iPad Air. The larger tablet is likely to see the introduction of Touch ID and both will have the same A8 processor that powers the iPhone 6.

October 15, 2014
New Leak Confirms Nexus X Specs and Reveals an Important Detail about Android L

We’ve already established the fact that Google’s upcoming Nexus device will not be called Nexus 6. Also, at this point we’re pretty certain that the device will be brought to us by Motorola. Now, popular tech blog TKTechNews has leaked some interesting information about the upcoming Nexus X. The leaked images show several AnTuTu benchmark screenshots for the handset, which also seem to reveal an important new detail about Android L.

The screenshot reveals the hardware details about the device. The leaked information is in line with the previous reports, which includes a 2K display, 2.7GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and 13-megapixel camera. As mentioned earlier, the AnTuTu app refers the device as Nexus X and the device scored 35,430 in the test.

What’s interesting is that the leaked images of the benchmark lists Android version as ‘5.0’. However, in contrast, other recent leaks had suggested that the new updated version of Android will be called LMP or Lemon Meringue Pie.

The company is yet to confirm what will be the name of the new version of Android once it will be officially launched. Considering that these images are true, this Nexus X benchmark seems to confirm what every Android fan has been waiting for Google to reveal. Android will upgrade itself from Android 4.x (used since Ice Cream Sandwich) to Android 5.x.

Another rumor surrounding the Google’s Nexus X had surfaced recently. According to the leaked Best Buy listing, the Nexus X will be available on Sprint networks for $500 with a two-year contract. The listing for the Nexus X claims that the device has a 5.9-inch Quad-HD display that has a resolution of 1440×2560, a 2.7GHz quad-core processor and the Android L operating system. Google Nexus devices were expected to get an Andoird L update sometime in October followed by Motorola handsets.

August 27, 2014
Leaked Documents Reveal Android L May Be Called ‘Lemon Meringue Pie’

Google introduced us to the next big update of Android at Google I/O 2014. Though, the company has already released the developers preview called ‘L Release’, the search engine giant has been tight lipped about what the name of the update would be, once it’s fully operational.

However, recent leak hint that the new version of Android which was referred to as Android L till now, will be called ‘Lemon Meringue Pie’ once Google releases it officially.

Documents leaked by popular website, Android Police, appears to refer the new version of Android as LMP or Lemon Meringue Pie. One of the documents is an extract from the Android SDK which mentions the current preview build of Android L available for the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 as the “lmp-preview-release.”

Also, the website posted a Wi-Fi certification for a yet-to-be announced HTC tablet which has the internal name of the latest Android version ID, LMP. The device is said to be HTC Volantis or Flounder which is expected to be the Nexus 8 or 9. The report also added if you search LMP on the Android Open Source Project repository you get nine hits, one of which refers directly to “LMP” in the subject heading.

However, this news should be taken in with a pinch of salt as last year Android KitKat 4.4 was referred KLP or Key Lime Pie prior to the release of Nexus 5 and 7. It is possible that Google may go ahead with an entirely different name, tying up with some company to promote a product just like KitKat. Anyway, it is still unclear what the new version of Android L will be called. Meanwhile, Lollipop, Lemonhead and Licorice are the favorites among Android fans.

Google is also aiming for a better battery life in Android smartphones. The introduced Project Volta improves the “instrumentation” of battery data through a tool called “Battery Historian.” Google has also added a “Battery Saver” mode in “L” which can be triggered manually or configured to be enabled automatically when battery is low.

August 26, 2014
More Details About the Android L Powered Nexus 8 Revealed

Google is rumored to be working with HTC for the Nexus 8 project. The release date of this device is most likely approaching with newly leaked out information suggesting that the powerful Android L tablet was recently certified.

Since last month, numerous reports cited that the new Google Nexus device, which is believed to be HTC Volantis, will be released around October or November time. The release date may help the company to hit the sales periods when more people are going to look for tech gadgets.

The device certification took place in South Korea, according to G4Games, which added on its report that HTC is building the stock Android tablet and it goes by the internal name ‘Volantis’ or ‘Flounder’. Also in the latest information, the device model number 0P8210000 emerged, which G4Games noted first came into tech consciousness back in June and courtesy of well-known gadget leaker @evleaks.

Though, the supposed South Korean certification lacked most the important specifications and other features. Another leaker by the name of @UpLeaks claimed that the Nexus 8 is a beastly rival for Apple’s iPad Air and Mini.

HTC T1(a.k.a Flounder/Volantis) 64Bit Tegra processor, MDM9x25 modem(for cellular model), 4GB RAM(Elpida 2GB*2), NFC, GPS, Android L

— @upleaks (@upleaks) August 8, 2014

The new Android L tablet is said to slate NVIDIA’s latest 64-bit Tegra processing chip that is paired with 4GB of RAM. This combo will fire up the Nexus 8’s very able 8MP rear cam shooter that will work with a 1.6MP front facing camera. Also, according to PhoneArena, there will be a metal chassis surrounding the 8.9-inch screen that many users are opting for to add more protection to the devices.

Despite there being no confirmation, many reports claim that HTC will unveil the new Google Nexus device this month. It is mainly due to the fact that the Nexus 7 has reduced in price on the Google Play Store. It is common for companies to reduce the price of devices when a newer one is about to be released in an attempt to get rid of old stock before the newer one comes

August 12, 2014
Google May Bring Multi-User Support to Android Smartphones

Google may bring multiple user support to Android smartphones. The feature was mentioned by a Google project member in an official developer forum. In a discussion thread regarding multiuser functionality in Android handsets, the Google employee posted the following reply to forum members: “The development team has implemented this feature and it will be available as a part of the next public build.”

Although the statement isn’t exactly specific, but “the next public build” refers to Android L, unless Google is planning to introduce the feature in another minor KitKat update, which seems unlikely. Already available on Android tablets, the multi-user feature will surely make owners of Android smartphones a tad less wary of leaving their devices to others, especially children. It would also be useful to small businesses who want to create separate accounts for their office and home without investing in enterprise-managed mobile devices.

Google introduced Android L at this year’s Google I/O. Google has already made the developer preview available. As of now the update is available only for the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7.

According to reports Moto X and G will be first in line getting Android L updates. Android L is expected to be launched later this year, although no clear date has been mentioned yet. Motorola vice president of product management Punit Soni recently responded to a Google+ query on the smartphone receiving the L update. “Moto X is still going to get Android L (5.0) right?,” asked a user, to which Punit Soni simply responded, “Yup”.

August 7, 2014
Moto X Confirmed to Receive Google’s Android L Update

Ever since Google announced the amazing Android L back at Google I/O, everyone is keen to know which handsets will get this update first. While Google pointed out that Motorola handsets will be one of the first ones to get the update, now it seems like Moto X will be the first phone to get the Android L update.

Since the Moto X is more or less a year old in the smartphone market, it goes without saying that the Moto X will be taking the Android L route, where Android L is tipped for an October or November roll out later this year.

Google+ user Josh B. sent out a feeler question to the Moto X community on G+, asking whether the Android L update will be arriving, and VP of Product Management at Motorola, Punit Soni, confirmed the impending arrival of Android L on the Moto X.

Soni did not reveal any other details about Android L for Motorola devices, but considering that the company has updated many of its 2013 handsets to Google’s latest Android OS versions almost immediately after their respective launches, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Moto X gets the Android L soon.

August 5, 2014
New Leaked Images Reveal Google Play’s Makeover

We have been introduced to Android L and Google’s new Material Design UI, which is expected to infiltrate most of Google’s own apps, at this year Google I/O. We will have to wait until Android L’s public launch this fall before we get a good look at these updated apps, but the rumor flying high these days aren’t going to make us wait that long for a peek at Google Play Store makeover.

Android Police reports that Google will be redesigning their interface and aesthetics of the Play Store for Android devices and added that the content listings focus on the new design. Screenshots also shared by Android Police purportedly reveal the Material Design version of the Play Store for both phones and tablets. When compared to the current iteration of the Play Store, the refreshed version uses larger images and album art in the background of a listing.

There is more white space between the content and the review sections are bit more colorful with the addition of color review bars. The new layout and design of the Play Store will be primarily focused on content, with the video or trailer for the item and the app icon or movie/album/magazine cover being more prominent. The content and the text describing the item is lower and you will not be able to view it upon immediate entry.

The whole store listing page has changed, to one that uses artistic layout on a largely white canvas with the new Roboto font highlighted during the Google I/O conference. However, this design is still under wraps and could change entirely by the time it is launched.

Recently Samsung has also showed off its app store with a focus on Galaxy devices. The new Samsung Galaxy Apps store will feature “hundreds of apps” exclusively for Samsung Galaxy mobile users, the company stated in a blog post. The new app store offers higher customization and includes a variety of promotions and discounts for users of Samsung Galaxy mobile devices.

July 14, 2014
Leaked Video Shows a Mysterious Motorola Phone Running Android L

Motorola is right now haywired with Lenovo planning to take it over. The company definitely has some handsets in its pipeline to release. This time we have come across a new video starring unidentified Motorola device that appears to running Android L. This unknown device, claimed to be a Motorola X+1 or the X2, has been shown on video courtesy of TK Tech News.

However, the Youtuber could not confirm if the new device is, in fact, the Moto X+1. On the contrary, the site talks about how the alleged device could also be a new Droid device, if not Moto X+1. Going by the actual size of the device shown in the video and when compared to the Nexus 5 placed side-by-side, the handset easily crosses 5 inches diagonally.

Furthermore, the display has Full HD resolution, with TK Tech News speculating it may have an AMOLED screen. We think that Motorola has had their hands on the Android L preview for a while now, given how Google usually lets manufacturers have the first look in order to get development going. So it’s certainly possible that this is some kind of a Motorola prototype device used for testing beta version of L.

Motorola has had an amazing year with the super successful release of the two best-seller Moto G and even cheaper Moto E. While, company still lacks a flagship smartphone in their offering, this alleged device may be the the new Motorola hero.

July 11, 2014
Top 5 Phones Most Likely To Run The Android L When it Launches

The Android L is one of the most comprehensive updates to the Android operating systems. Google went down to the rudimentary pieces of the OS and reimagined the functioning of the Android system. Now as everyone is eagerly waiting to take a spin on the Android L, we bring a list of phones that will be the first to get the L update. You can buy these phones today as they are all future proof.

So here we go:

5.Samsung Galaxy s5

Samsung’s present flagship will be the first to get the Android L release in the Galaxy stable.

4. LG G2/ LG G Pro2 /LG G3/ LG G Flex

LG in an exclusive conversation with iGyaan hinted that they will release it on these four phones once Android L hits the market. These phones are already LG’s best sellers and they would be a good bet for now.

3. Moto X/Moto E/Moto G

As Moto’s awesome revival is dedicated to Android based X, G and E, these phones will surely get updated to the latest Android L. They will be the first phones after the Nexus devices to get the updates.

2. HTC Flagship

HTC is the most eager company to induct the Android L across all its Blinkfeed running devices. This is a great news for current HTC users. Phones like HTC One M8, M7, the One Mini and the HTC Desire line of kitkat phones will be the first to evolve into Android L as soon as possible.

1. Nexus 5 – Developer Preview Out Now

Nexus 5 already has the developer preview out for Android L and Boy, does it look good. We’ve been having lots of fun with the L and you can get it right away too. Even though its a beta testing version, its still very stable, has brilliant performance and excellent battery life thanks to Project Volta.

July 5, 2014
DIY : Install Android L On a Nexus Device Right Now
At the I/O 2014 conference, Google showcased the latest version of Android, known only as L until its official launch later this year. Now, Google is offering an Android L Developer Preview, which is essentially an Android L Beta that comes complete with Android L factory images for the Nexus 7 and Nexus 5. You will need these Android L factory images to install the Android L Beta on your device. In addition you will need to install the Android SDK or at least ADB and Fastboot.

Android L may not yet be ready for prime time, but a preview version is now available for Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (2013 Wi-Fi model), giving users the option to get comfortable with the slew of changes it introduces. Here is how you can download and install it.

P.S. Don’t forget to Back-up first.

Also, if you are just interested in our detailed look at Android L : Hit the bottom ! or Click Here.

What you Need
- The Android SDK Tools, that you can download from Google Developers
- The Android L preview factory image for your Nexus 5 and/or 2013 Wi-Fi Nexus 7, that you can also download from Google Developers.
- A program that can handle archived files, like 7-Zip or WinRAR.
How to do it

Step 1.

Before you can install the Android L Beta to Nexus devices you will need to install ADB and Fastboot to your computer. This is a program that runs on your computer to connect to your Android through a USB cable and flash the Android L Beta to your device.

HOW TO INSTALL ADB ON WINDOWS

If you are using a Windows machine, including up to Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 you can use the 15 second adb installer to streamline the process.

Download the ADB installer for Windows. Find the file, right-click on it and choose Run as Administrator. When prompted you need to give the app access to run as an administrator. After the app launches type a Y and enter to select yes to Install ADB & Fastboot, to intsll ADB/Fastboot systemwide and to install Drivers. When a new window pops up follow the steps to install the drivers.

After this is installed you should be ready to install the Android L Beta on the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7.

HOW TO INSTALL ADB ON MAC, LINUX & CHROMEOS

Nexus Tools makes it easy to install ADB on a Mac, Linux or even ChromeOS. All you need to do is open Terminal on your computer and paste in the code from xda.

This will install ADB and Fastboot on Mac, Linux and Chrome OS without the need to do anything else.

After the script completes you can type ADB or Fastboot to start running either program.

Step 2.

If you are on a Mac/Linux/Chrome OS jump to Step 12
Windows PC folks; go to the folder where Android SDK Platform-tools is located (in my case, its path is C:\Program Files (x86)\Android\android-sdk\platform-tools) and copy the following files to the Root folder:
- AdbWinApi.dll;
- AdbWinUsbApi.dll;
- fastboot.exe.
Step 3.

While in the Root folder, extract the Android L preview factory image to the same location. This will create a new folder inside Root, which name depends on the device.

Step 4.

Open the folder and copy all of its contents to Root.

Step 5.

Now, you have to install the correct drivers for your Nexus 5 and/or Nexus 7. Here is what you need to do:
- After connecting the device to the PC, power the Nexus off.
- Turn on your device in fastboot mode; the key combination for your device is either volume down + power or volume up + volume down + power.
- From Device Manager (Computer -> Properties -> Device Manager) identify your device (it will show up with a yellow exclamation mark icon).
- Right click on it, select Update Driver Software and then select Browse my computer for driver software.
- Select Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer.
- From Have Disk… option manually install the android_winusb.inf driver ( its location may be same as C:\Program Files (x86)\Android\android-sdk\extras\google\usb_driver). Accept any prompts that may appear.
- Select the Android ADB Interface option when given the option. Accept any prompts that appears.
Step 6.

Enter fastboot mode, open a command prompt window in the Root folder (while pressing the Shift key, right click inside it and select Open command window here) and use the fastboot devices command.

Step 7.

Open a command prompt in the Root folder. Use the fastboot oem unlock command to unlock the bootloader. A prompt will show up on your Nexus device; use the volume keys to select Yes and press the power button to validate. This command will erase all personal data from the device.

Step 8.

Use the flash-all.bat command to perform a clean install of the Android L preview. Alternatively, you can also open the file with the same name from the Root folder.

Step 9.

Using Notepad, open the flash-all.bat file (or, right click on it and select Edit). To avoid any issues make sure that your Nexus device is disconnected from the PC beforehand.

Step 10.

Identify the fastboot -w update sequence. Remove the -w so the sequence is fastboot update. Save the changes.

Step 11.

Connect your Nexus device to the PC in fastboot mode. Open the flash-all.bat file in the Root folder.

Step 12

For Mac/Linux/ Chrome OS users

Extract the downloaded Android L file onto a folder on your desktop named “android”

Now open a Terminal window and type the following:
```
adb reboot bootloader
(this will reboot your device into fastboot mode)
```
In Fastboot type:
```
fastboot oem unlock
```
Then hit enter. Follow the on-screen instructions and choose to erase the device. Wait a minute or so for it to unlock. This removes everything on your device.

Now Go into your desktop folder in Terminal
```
cd /USER/desktop/android
(replace "USER" with your username)

Then type in the following
```
```
sudo ./flash-all.sh
```
```
(wait about 5 minutes and your phone will reboot into Android L)
```
And you’re done. Following these steps your device will run the Android L preview. Be aware that you may encounter bugs due to it being in an earlier stage of development. In case you wish to go back to KitKat, you can apply the same steps as detailed in this article, but using a KitKat factory image instead.

Hands on with Android L

Here is what the Animation looks Like:
July 1, 2014