Top Things We Know So Far: Google's K Release, Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie Features, Devices Selected and Release Date
Google's Android development is showing no signs of slowdown after Android 4.0 appeared on Galaxy Nexus back in late 2011, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean in Nexus 7 on July 2012 and now looking forward to another major update after Android 4.3. Update addict users are now eyeing Google's upcoming Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie.
Google's K Release, Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie Version
October 2013 is the rumoured official launching date of the speculated K Release or Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. In early 2013, Android 5.0 was expected to appear at Google I/O May event however, the rumoured huge update only appeared as an upcoming OS version in a video presentation.
Android developer relations tech lead Reto Meier teased attendees with a slide show of Android eating a piece of Key Lime Pie sitting on a bench together with a girl who was eating Ice Cream. According to VR-Zone, Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie is going to be released on October 2013 and first to run Nexus 5.
Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie Features
Google Now, Project Butter, Bluetooth Low Energy, OpenGL ES 3.0 and Low-powered sensors already appeared on Android 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 Jelly Bean versions. Speculations see that Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie will bring improvements on some features from Android Jelly Bean and new add-ons to the Android ecosystem. Rumours and wishlist include:
- Linux 3.8 kernel: Android 5.0 will be optimised to support devices with 512 RAM
- Gesture on lock screen: Rumoured feature which allows user to launch different apps using different pattern on the lock screen.
- Performance profiles: Different profiles for managing power and performance.
- Multiple state modes: Allow users to choose several modes such as Gaming, Overnight, Reading and Super-Low for maximum power control.
- Better multiple device support: Better synching managing between phone to phone and phone to tablet.
- Enhanced social network: Better integration of social network as default. Sony already uses this functionality on Xperia devices.
- Sole video chat: Apple devices have their own video chat app but Google's Android doesn't have an exclusive app for that.
- Cross-device SMS syncing: Easy syncing of text messaging through an exclusive Google cloud service.
Devices Supporting Android 5.0
Based on hardware standing, most devices in the line-up of Nexus, Galaxy and Xperia and run Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. As of now, here are some rumoured devices listed to receive Android 5.0:
- Nexus 5, LG Nexus 4, ASUS Nexus 7, Samsung Nexus 10 and upcoming Nexus 7 2
- Current flagship devices such as: Galaxy S4, One, Xperia Z, Optimus G2
- Other powerful devices such as: Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2, HTC J, HTC T6, Xperia SP, Xperia V
- Tablet units such as: Galaxy Note 10.1, Xperia Tablet Z