Why Android Lollipop Will Change Your Digital Life Forever
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Android is getting a whole lot sweeter with the release of Lollipop. We already knew that the new Android 5.0 operating system for mobile devices looks great, thanks to a preview at this year's Google I/O. Its interface might even be as good as (or better than) the iPhone's iOS 8. If you're an Android user with a Galaxy, an HTC, a Moto X, or a Nexus, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about upgrading to Lollipop.
- When can I upgrade? It started rolling out last week to Google Play and Nexus devices (Nexus 4, 5, 7, and 10). Google's just-announced flagship phone and tablet, the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 by Motorola and HTC, respectively, can run Android Lollipop immediately. Next up will be the Motorola devices, Moto X, Moto G, Moto G with 4G LTE, Moto E, and Droid phones in the coming weeks. Some of the 2nd generation Moto G and Moto X have already received the upgrade. The HTC One M7 and M8 update will be released within 90 days, according to this HTC executive. LG announced that Lollipop will arrive on the LG G3 sometime in the fourth quarter, which ends Dec. 31. After that, Android 5.0 will roll out to most Android devices, but no official word yet from Samsung.
- How do I upgrade? — First, back up your device's data. When Android Lollipop becomes available for your device, you should be able to update wirelessly. For most devices, head to the Settings app, click on "About Phone" or "About Tablet," and then tap "Software update" or "Check for updates." If a new version is detected, you will be able to download Lollipop right away. Your device will probably need a WiFi connection. Older Samsung devices may need to be connected to a computer with a software called Kies installed.
- Why do I need it? — There are three major reasons why we love Lollipop: 1. It's rocking a beautiful new interface that Google calls Material Design. 2. The same operating system works across multiple devices (tablets, phones, TVs, and smart watches, so now all your tech will work together seamlessly). 3. There's a new battery-saver feature that extends your device's survival by 90 minutes.
Other notable features include a "guest user mode" that allows friends or family to use your device with a separate login. They won't be able to see your stuff. A new Priority Mode (activated with the device's volume button) allows only certain people and notifications to get through to you. Android 5.0 improves performance by up to four times. Android TV with Lollipop allows watchers to voice search Google Play, YouTube, and other apps. A tap-and-pay system to manage multiple payment apps and rival Apple Pay will also run on Lollipop.