The Android L and Windows Phone 8.1 updates are very essential to eligible devices and users should know the new features. Here are the reasons why upgrade to the software or buy a new device running the latest OS version.

Android L Version

Google improved various aspects of Android OS on the upcoming "L" version based on the unveiled developer preview. Android L features a new user interface, a new runtime for apps and new efficiency tools.

1. Android L user interface boasts the new Material Theme which design native apps. Material Theme design supports both smartphones and tablets with new shadows and animations. Users can also change the colour schemes of Material Theme between white and black.

2. New widgets are now supported on Android L which can carry complex views unlike with previous versions. Google Cards version of widgets displays images and other important contents while the list view features a more user-friendly appearance.

3. More animations are added to Android L including touch feedback, reveal effect, activity transition, curved motion, view state change and state list drawables. In addition, developers can also create customised animations on Android L.

4. New runtime called ART or Android Runtime has been carried over from Android 4.4 KitKat. On Android L, ART becomes the default runtime that switches Dalvik as optional.

5. OpenGL ES 3.1 for graphics is now supported which improves graphical shaders, textures and rendering.

6. New camera API for advanced camera capabilities such as fine-grain photo capture and image processing.

7. Bluetooth Low Energy support for peripheral devices with Bluetooth LE compatibility.

8. Improved power management with Project Volta and scheduling jobs.

9. New version of the default Android keyboard with Material Design. It also features several improvements on user experience, suggestions and input method editors.

10. More manageable lock screen and notifications giving users the ability to allow or disallow sensitive contents to be displayed.

Windows Phone 8.1

Similar with Android, Windows Phone devices are also receiving a major revamped on the user interface and functionality from Windows Phone 8.1 update. Based on Microsoft, Windows Phone 8.1 enhances usability, camera function and management tools on any devices running the update.

1. New virtual assistance called Cortana for search queries, suggestions and useful recommendations.

2. Customisations and personalisation options across the Live Tiles, Start Screen, wallpaper and themes.

3. Upgraded camera app with Burst Mode, Photo Apps and Collections.

4. Integration across different screen sizes and Microsoft services including Office, Skype and OneDrive.

5. Xbox is now a native app with connection to achievements, friends and multiplayer action. Support for Xbox Music and Xbox Video on this app has been provided as well.

6. Word Flow keyboard feature for easier writing using fingers on the screen.

7. Action Centre more centralised notifications of email, texts and social media updates. Toggles such as Wi-Fi, Airplane Mode and others are also added on the Action Centre.

8. Improve battery life using Battery Saver app.

9. Manage storage better using Storage Sense app.

10. Management on data usage for mobile Internet and Wi-Fi using Data Sense and Wi-Fi Sense apps.