The Future is Android L

Even though it is missing a candy-themed moniker (the previous being Ice Cream Sandwich and KitKat), upcoming operating system Android L promises a new level of functionality, privacy and seamless connection across multiple gadgets.

Notifications will be available to expand or swipe away before unlocking the device, and what information is displayed in notifications will be customizable. Notifications can show icons, preview content, display the entire content or even show no additional information at all. Applications will be smarter; the ability to set priorities for contacts and notifications will allow Android L to determine if it should bother the user while another application is open, group certain notifications together and/or rank notifications based on importance.

The Android will use Bluetooth detection to gauge security. For example, when in range of a Bluetooth-connected smartwatch, the phone can unlock without the need of a PIN code allowing for faster accessibility.

Losing a smartphone can be devastating, making the factory reset protection option so crucial. This feature allows users the ability to disable a lost or stolen device safely and remotely.

The growing market of fitness apps will also be integrated, synthesizing all of your health-related data into one source called Google Fit. Partnerships with companies such as Nike, Adidas and RunKeeper will allow Google Fit to stay on top of everything in the fitness-app world.

With advanced, PC-style graphics and so many functionality upgrades, Android L will certainly allow for increased customization by developers. Competition will be steep as always, with Apple’s OS X Yosemite being released in the same timeframe.
Android L will be available in fall 2014 for all Android supported devices.