Android L: Google releasing its new Android KitKat replacement to developers

Google’s much anticipated follow–up to Android KitKat is coming.

Currently dubbed Android L, it was detailed last week during the search giant’s annual I/O developer event in San Francisco.

So, what’s changed? Well, Google seems very keen to shout about its plans.

This is the first time it’s made a similar move to Apple and released an early preview for devs to tinker with. What’s more, it’s made some tweaks that are bound to impress casual and hardcore fans alike.

Stock Android has had a similar design for a few years now and while it’s not badly dated, Google has decided to spruce things up a bit.

It’s using a new design language called ‘Material Design’, which serves up similar looks across its own apps, as well as making the home screen look a lot less cluttered.

The feeling is that the whole thing looks a lot ‘flatter’, something which Apple’s iOS 7 achieved last year.

The aim is simple: To make basic Android look fancier, so manufacturers don’t feel the need to customise it so much, which usually slows down software updates.

Notifications have been given a major new look in Android L.

They’re now readily available from your lock screen, so you can either tap to see what’s what, or swipe to dismiss, without having to open up your phone and delve into a specific app.

What’s more, notifications will pop up at the top of your screen no matter what app is open, so you’ll never miss an important message or email again.

This is called ‘Heads Up’. This subtle change should make Android a lot easier to use.

Notifications will also be ordered according to importance, not alphabetised, with Android knowing which ones you check most frequently.

Android L is up for grabs now.

However, there are plenty of caveats. For starters, you’ll need either a Nexus 5 or a Nexus 7 2013 tablet with Wi-Fi only.

Then you’ll need to snare it from Google’s Android developer site.

Google says that it’s nowhere near finished and that users should be aware this is an early build which could harm their devices.

Still keen? Well, if you download and change your mind, Google says you can easily go back to Android KitKat. But that if you do, all your data will be deleted. Still, you’ll be a pioneer.

Google reckons that tapping in a code or using a swipe pattern to unlock your device slows you down.

True, even if it does keep you safe. So, with Android L, it’s using what it calls ‘trusted environments’ to let you fire up your phone securely without resorting to standard unlocking techniques.

You can use a Bluetooth device to unlock your phone, whenever it’s nearby it’ll work and when it moves out of range it’ll lock down.

This looks especially cool next to Google’s new range of Android Wear smart watches, which can unlock your phone when you’re wearing them.

Well aware that excessive battery drain is becoming a real issue on Android phones, Google has instituted a new battery saving mode with L.

Fire this up and it will switch off data, slow down the device’s clock speed and ensure that everything keeps kicking for longer when you need it most.

A new developer tool also allows app makers to work out just how much battery power their add–ons use and tinker with code to fix it accordingly.

Hopefully this will mean desperately searching out a power source becomes a thing of the past.

Android L phones promise to be much, much snappier than Android KitKat ones.

Why? Because Google is using a new platform to ensure its updated devices run more efficiently and use less memory.

Called ART, this new tool will work automatically with apps and support 64-bit chips.

That means mobile makers can create speedier phones which should mean zipping between apps and firing up games will be lightning fast.