Android 5.0 Lollipop
Android 5.0 releases SDK Google

Black Friday 2014 nears and after that the year's holiday shopping season will take centre stage, prompting the question: What worthy gadgets to grab this Christmas?

Starting this week, Google's Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 will beckon on consumers to check and possibly take them home. It wouldn't be a hard-sell as there are eight compelling reasons to toy with the two stock Android devices and other Lollipop 5.0 kits.

Read on to find out.

Gorgeous interface

Early reviews and unboxing of the Nexus 6 and 9 sum up to one thing - Google has successfully sexed up the Android 5.0 and credit goes to the Material Design interface that is straightforward and just plain beautiful to delight and fiddle with.

A health tool

Debuting with Lollipop is Google Fit and its core design is for users to live a mobile and healthy lifestyle as easy and smooth as possible.

Sharing

Sharing is highlighted further with Android 5.0's Multiple User Profile that allows the creation of Guest or more user accounts in a device. With the feature, a tablet, for instance, can be shared by a family while every profile data and privacy are off-limits.

Tougher security

Devices on Lollipop may encourage sharing but the security features deployed with the pack are uncompromising. Google figures that Enhanced Face Unlock, Smart Lock and Data Encryption (activated by default) are protective Android 5.0 layers that are hard to crack.

Optimised for use with accessories

Android is going to the path of becoming all-embracing - enabling devices on the platform with multiple functionalities that range from entertainment to productivity. Hardcoded with Lollipop are keyboard shortcuts that automatically become available once the Nexus 9, for example, is paired with a keyboard accessory.

Smart notifications

Lollipop gets sweeter too with a welcome feature that filters notification alerts - hiding unimportant ones and bringing to attention what matters most. It comes with the bonus ability of taking actions on notifications from the device lock screen.

Hands-free control and navigation

With OK Google, the Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and other Android devices that run on Lollipop 5.0 will boast of user navigation exclusive on voice. The feature also allows users to wake up their devices minus the touch gestures and then prod the kits into action.

More battery juice

While perfecting Android L that eventually became Lollipop, Google worked on a side project called Project Volta. The result, according to the tech giant, is a highly efficient energy use on all devices that will stand on Android 5.0.

One key benefit for users is the likelihood of around 90 more minutes in a single charge for mobile phone owners, Google said.