Android 4.5 Lollipop Release Date: New Version Brings New Status Bar, System Apps, Battery Saver Mode, May Be Officially Available In Coming Months

During yesterday's Google I/O Conference, the search giant finally announced the upcoming version of its well-loved mobile platform. 

Disguised as Android L, the version is now available to download for Google's partner developers so they can already begin tinkering with apps and features to support their own apps. 

Unfortunately, the official release date would not become available until Fall, probably just in time for a Nexus 6 unveiling. 

According to a report by GSM Arena, the upcoming Android version will offer a ton of new features, which would help make the Android experience much better, faster - and longer. 

In the keynote delivered yesterday, Android L will come with a new battery saver mode that is capable of tuning down your phone's CPU as well as reduce power consumed by your phone's radio. In the report, a Nexus 5 will get additional 90 minutes because of this. 

Another change that is expected from the new Android version is the support for notifications in the home screen. A number of third-party apps already have support for such feature, but it is still good that Google finally brings notification management straight from the smartphone's homescreen. 

As a result, you do not need to unlock your phone every time a notification pops up. Simply swipe the notification sideways and you're good to go. 

In the report, other changes which would be seen in Android L would be the new status bar, dialer, and even the system apps. Transitions and animations have also been tweaked so that they would appear more natural and fluid. 

While the experience for the Android L (a.k.a. Lollipop) has already begun for developers, Android fans would have to wait until September or October. Last year, Android Kit Kat made its debut together with the Nexus 5, and there is no reason why Google would change that. 

As for the rumored Nexus 8, there were not hints regarding the upcoming device, though we are still hopeful that it would make it will still see the light of day.