Android L

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Android L is an upcoming release of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google. Unveiled on June 25, 2014, and released in a beta the next day for selected Google Nexus devices, it is expected to be released to manufacturing in late-2014








Features of the Upgrade

1) New Runtime

Android Runtime is a new runtime in addition to Dalvik which features smoother app loading and performance, and more reasonable battery consumption. Users can allow apps to run under ART by simply going to the Developer Options. However, apps must support the runtime in order to get its effect.

2) Project Volta

It is a collective improvements under the project of the same name from Google which will be available to Android L. Project Volta is designed to monitor battery life by determining which apps or services are draining power and a tracking data for the current remaining time to charge and how much longer the battery will last as it discharges.

3) Native Battery Saver

Previous Android versions do not feature a native battery or power saving application that force users to download third-party apps. In Android L, a native app will become available under the Battery menu that can control CPU performance, animation implementations and brightness level of the display.

4) OpenGL ES 3.1 Version

New support for video graphics will be added on Android L that supports computer shaders. Once applied, it enables the graphics processor to function on non-graphical things such as physics calculations and allows it to complete graphics-related tasks more effective.

5) Android Extension Pack

Android Extension Pack is another standard for OpenGL ES to enable more capabilities such as fragment shader support for shader storage like buffers, images and atomics. Game developers will be able to optimise their apps using the features of this package even though it won't match the power of Microsoft DirectX 12 or Apple's new Metal API.

6) Bluetooth 4.1

Bluetooth 4.1 is now supported on Android L which adds several improvements including resolution on interference with LTE radios having similar frequencies and more stable connection between devices. This update does not ultimately require a new hardware component but a new certification from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to upgrade the necessary software drivers.

7) Better Audio Experience

Android L will have a better audio support including low latency input and output, 24 bits per sample, 96 KHz sampling rate, floating point for sampling, better resampling, improvements on audio and video sync, USB audio support and API improvements for developers.

8) Camera API and DNG Support

New camera API will become available which supports camera RAW-style image and Digital Negative in Android L. It will bring the freedom of photography by allowing smartphones to retain original image details like DSLR cameras.

Compatible Handsets

HTC One and M8, Samsung Galaxy S5, Sony Xperia Z2 and Moto X. Already a developer preview of Android L was released for the Nexus 5 and 2013 Nexus 7 on June 26, 2014.

Video Preview (Sources - Android Central)

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