14 DAY TRIAL // Google made a few steamy announcements yesterday, sadly without a big, fancy event being involved. The search giant announced the Nexus 9 tablet and Nexus 6 smartphone and Android’s latest version Lollipop.
The two new products will be the first to take advantage of the new Android build, but what about the other Nexus devices?
Many assumed that support will be dropped just as it was the case for the Galaxy Nexus when Android 4.4 KitKat came out. At the time, Google said that the Galaxy Nexus wasn't eligible to receive the update because it surpassed the 18-month support window.
Good news or bad news?
Both the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 are well past the mark, so should owners of the tablets say good-bye to hopes of ever getting to experience Lollipop on their tablet? Should they just buy the Nexus 9 and be done with it?
It turns out they don’t have to. Google confirmed to Ars Tehnica that all existing Nexus devices will be receiving the Lollipop update, so that includes the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 (and the Nexus 4 smartphone).
For the time being, it’s not yet clear when Google starts rolling out the Android 5.0 update for the Nexus devices, but keep an eye on us and we’ll update you as soon as that happens.
Since both Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 with Android 5.0 are expected to arrive in early November, we might see the new update hitting devices in the upcoming weeks.
This is great news for owners of these older, yet still quite capable tablets, as Lollipop will bring some major enhancements under the hood of Android and should help the products function better.
Android 5.0 Lollipop will breathe new life into the tabs
For starters, users will be able to experience Google’s new innovative Material Design UI which is more responsive and intuitive than any OS version developed so far.
But that’s not the only improvement users will take advantage of, although it can be considered one of the most important.
Google has tweaked the notifications and added new options that bestow on users more control over receiving messages. Don't want to be disturbed while sleeping? It can be done.
On top of that, users will be able to answer messages from the lock screen. Furthermore, you’ll be able to watch a video or play a game even if someone is calling you and you choose to take the call.
Android 5.0 Lollipop should also bring about a better battery life and lots of security features to protect personal information from curious eyes.
So it's pretty exciting that Nexus tablet owner will soon be treated with the ultimate Lollipop.