Android L
No more candy names. It’s just Android L this time. Google appears to be dropping its tradition of using names of sweets for its Android variations. It’s a little sad, but Android L has a nice ring to it.
Android L, looks the same as its predecessor but comes packed with a ton of great new features, including new Material Design, an innovative design interface that comes with the ability to let apps open up other apps. Android L also pushes ART (Android Runtime) further with Project Volta which aims to make the device energy efficient. New OS also features device unlock via voice print identification.
Android L developer preview will be available for Nexus 5 and 7 users starting today. Folks over at Engadget were lucky enough to try it out early and they seem to be disappointed.
Android TV
This is Google’s new move on pushing its Google Play Movies & TV to more users. Android TV is a system that runs on set-top boxes. Google appears to be throwing a bone to manufacturers to use this platform to make all kinds of set-top boxes they want.
Android Auto
The days of yelling at your smartphone while driving will soon be over thanks to Android Auto. Google aims to turn car dashboards an Android-enabled platforms by integrating navigation, communication and music directly into the dashboard.
Users just have to plug in their phone to the car and they are good to go. They will be able to control the phone via the touchscreen on the car dashboard. Voice enabled functions also gives users a quicker way to access apps and service while driving.
Google Cardboard
Announcement of Google Cardboard was probably most funniest moment at Google I/O keynote. Facebook buying Oculus might have pissed off Google, so they found a way to allow people to make one for themselves.
“We want everyone to experience virtual reality in a simple, fun, and inexpensive way. That’s the goal of the Cardboard project,” said Google.
Cardboard is basically a cheaper alternative to Oculus VR. It’s an app that simply transforms your smartphone into a DIY virtual reality headset with some help from a cardboard viewing box. Head over here to learn how to make one for yourself.
Read Also: Microsoft Continues to Support Android, Unveils Nokia X
In case if you want to see the announcements yourself, check out the whole keynote on video after the jump.
[Source: Google Developers / YouTube]
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Follow @nrjperera – Roshan Jerad Perera
