Android L and Wear details emerge at Google I/O
Tech firm uses the developer conference to shed fresh light on its new software, with a strong wearables focus
Google used the first day of its I/O developer conference yesterday to reveal new details surrounding its Android L and Android Wear operating systems.
Android L is the most significant reveal so far with it consisting of an entirely new user interface for Android devices, which Google has dubbed ‘Material Design’.
The design scheme is flatter in appearance and will be rolled out to all Android devices and other Google services, such as Chrome and Gmail, to give more uniformity across Google’s entire software suite.
The objective has been to make it easier for Android developers to design software that will look the same across as many devices as possible, helping to reduce the impact of Android’s fragmentation.
The software will also bring native and web apps under the same umbrella when opened on the device. All open apps can be seen using a folder that bears a striking resemblance to Apple’s Safari, allowing users to flick between them.
Google also revealed further details and functions of its Android Wear operating software, including further interaction with other Android devices than previously revealed.
The first three Android Wear smartwatches – The Samsung Gear Live, the LG G and the Motorola 360 – are all to be released on 7 July with RRPs ranging from $199 to $229.