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A Google logo is seen at the garage where the company was founded on Google's 15th anniversary in Menlo Park, California September 26, 2013. REUTERS/Stephen Lam Reuters

Google has confirmed that the Nexus devices are far from dead, giving fresh hope to pure Android followers that release dates for the Nexus 6 and Nexus 8 remain alive and will indeed happen anytime in the second half of 2014.

In an interview last week, Google exec Dave Burke told ReadWrite.com that the Nexus business is alive and well, essentially debunking earlier speculations that the Google hardware division has been killed off in favour of the Android Silver project.

Android Silver, according to Burke, will not spell the end of the Nexus line of devices. The Nexus program head also declared that Google is "still invested in Nexus."

At around the same time that the statement came out, Android chief Sundar Pichai revealed to developers the KitKat replacement, which dubbed for now as Android L. While the name remains unofficial, this next Android is seen as the new software to breathe life into the upcoming bunch of native Android devices - presumably the Nexus 6 and Nexus 8 or HTC Nexus 9.

And below are eight of the Android L killer features that will come out of the box with the two Nexus devices:

Beastly Android smartphones and tablets

According to Digital Spy, when mixed with high-end components, Android L will deliver devices that potentially will push their CPU and GPU to the limits. Users can therefore expect the Nexus 6 and 8 to deliver optimal mobile experience that spans productivity and entertainment.

Fresh user interface

Google is following the Apple route that was started in iOS 7 last year. That would mean Android L on Nexus is more simplified, straightforward but will remain stunningly beautiful. The makeover is described by Pichai as Material Design that will intro a fresh approach into smartphone and tablet use.

Separate Home and Work environment in a single device

With Android L, Nexus users will have the option to employ a smartphone as a work and home device that hosts separate data but that are readily accessible minus the interference and confusion.

Smooth multitasking

One direct result of the smart integration features packed with Android L is a higher level of multitasking, which Google said in the upcoming platform is hard-coded and thus can be performed much easier.

Predictive search

Google Now in Android L will reportedly memorise the search pattern established by a user in a device. So the next time the need to check a social media status arises, the Nexus 6 could offer to launch Facebook or Twitter minus any gestures or tap on the screen.

Smart notifications

Alerts on Android L-driven devices will be smarter or less intrusive that further support's Google's Immersive screen mode that was included in the previous Android builds. This means that ongoing tasks will not be rudely interrupted with the notices to come in the form of soft alarms that users can choose to attend to immediately or simply ignore.

Seamless device pairing

Jumping from KitKat to Android L will allow users to work on their devices in parallel mode or seamlessly. For instance, a Nexus 8 will be equipped to receive text messages sent to a Nexus 6 owner, thanks to this new feature from the upcoming Google mobile OS.

Extended device operating hours

Lastly in Android L. Google seeks to deliver more power juice to the Nexus device, which according to Digital Spy is a battery improvement project that is codenamed Volta. The undertaking has reportedly led to some 90 minutes more of battery life for the Nexus 5, which likely will be further extended once the Android L starts powering up the Nexus 6 and Nexus 8.

The Android L release date is likely to coincide with that of the Google Nexus 6 and Nexus 8 but it remains unclear which between the two devices will come out first that analysts said will happen fall of 2014 or between September and October.