Android 5, also known as Lollipop, is the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system (OS). It was released in November 2014 and brought a number of new features and improvements to the platform. In this article, we will explore the top 5 features of Android 5 that are most relevant to developers.
- Material Design
Material Design is a complete overhaul of the Android user interface (UI) that was introduced in Android 5. It is designed to make the platform more visually appealing and intuitive to use. The new design features a number of changes, including rounded corners, bold typography, and a new color palette. Material Design also includes support for animations and transitions, which can help to create a smoother and more engaging user experience.
- ART (Android Runtime)
ART is the new runtime that replaces Dalvik in Android 5. It was designed to improve performance and speed up app startup times. ART uses just-in-time (JIT) compilation, which allows it to optimize code at runtime and reduce memory usage. This can help to improve the overall performance of an app, especially on devices with limited resources.
- Fingerprint Support
Fingerprint support was introduced in Android 5 as a way to provide an additional layer of security for devices. It allows users to unlock their device or authenticate transactions by using their fingerprint instead of a password or PIN. This can help to improve the security of an app, especially if it is used to store sensitive data such as financial information.
- Android 5.0 Lollipop SDK
The Android 5.0 Lollipop SDK provides developers with a set of tools and libraries that they can use to develop apps for the new platform. The SDK includes a number of new features, including support for Material Design, ART, and fingerprint authentication. It also includes support for a number of new APIs and frameworks, such as Google Cast, which allows users to cast content from their device to other devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
- Improved Battery Life
Android 5 includes a number of improvements that are designed to improve battery life on devices. These include support for Doze mode, which puts the device into a low-power state when it is not in use, and improved power management features that can help to reduce the drain on the device’s battery. This can be especially important for developers who are working on apps that require a lot of processing power or use up a lot of battery life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Android 5 includes a number of new features and improvements that are designed to make the platform more appealing and intuitive to use. These include Material Design, ART, fingerprint support, support for the Android 5.0 Lollipop SDK, and improved battery life. As a developer, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments on the platform in order to take advantage of these new features and create apps that are optimized for Android 5.