Every system needs a benchmark, and for Android that standard is Google’s Nexus line of devices. These phones and tablets offer users a pure Android experience, along with hardware that sets the trend for the coming year. In mid October, Google launched not one but three new Nexus devices and officially named the next version of Android.
While Google announced Android L earlier this year, little was said about what the full name of the next version of Android would be. The company finally laid speculation to rest with the announcement that the next version of Android will be 5.0 – Lollipop.
This is the first major update to the Android platform pretty much since Android 4.0 was released back in 2011. While the different versions of 4.0 introduced useful features and changes, the overall look of the system has largely remained the same. Android 5.0 will change this, with what is called Material Design, which brings a universal look (user interface) to apps across all devices.
Beyond a new look, 5.0 will introduce a new operating environment and coding that allows apps to run faster and more efficiently on existing hardware. Support for faster and more powerful processors is also being included so over the next few years you can expect to see phones and tablets become even more powerful.
To begin with, Android 5.0 will be available on the newly announced Nexus devices, along with older Nexus devices (7, 7 (2012), 5 and 4), some Motorola devices, and all Google Play Edition devices. The company has not set an official release date for this update, but you can probably expect it sometime in mid-November. Other devices will have to wait until the manufacturers can adopt this version of Android to their systems.
Like most other popular devices, there have been solid rumors about the Nexus 6 all over the Internet. True to these ruminations, the 6 will be made by Motorola and will be a large phone – 6 inches in fact. Here is a brief rundown of the important specs for business users:
The Nexus 9 is the newest tablet in the Nexus line. Made by HTC, it looks to have been designed to compete directly with the iPad Air. Here is a brief rundown of its tech specifications:
This new Nexus device is the next step in the evolution of the Chromecast, or Google’s device-to-TV broadcasting device. Like similar solutions, it allows users to stream content from their devices, or stations like Netflix, onto their TV or HDMI monitors. While at first glance this may not be the most useful device for businesses, there is one feature that could prove popular: You will have the ability to broadcast what’s on your device’s screen on your television screen.
This includes Chrome tabs, so if you use cloud-based software like Google Apps you can technically use this to stream presentations or to collaboratively work on documents in a meeting format.
Coming in at USD 99 per set, this could be an affordable solution for companies who don’t want to invest in a projector, or who already have a television screen in their office. The system went up for pre order on the Google Play store on October 17.
If you would like to learn more about Google’s Nexus devices contact us today and we can help you make the right tech decisions for your business.