The Empire Strikes Back

Less than a month has passed since the day Apple showed the new iOS 8 operating system, as its competitor Google on June 25 at the Google I / O 2014 developer conference in San Francisco introduced the Android L OS. There were many other novelties: much more, than expected by journalists and experts.

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1. The highlight of the program, as expected, was the announcement of the new Android L OS, which was announced by the head of the Android division, Sundar Pichai.

So far, only the Android L Developer Preview has been shown. Sundar Pichai did not give a name or a version number. It is supposed to be Lollypop 5.0 ("Lollipop").

2. The main difference between the new operating system is the simplicity of design (although it would seem much simpler - the current version of the OS is already minimalist).

3. Although the colors will be brighter.

4. But in general - simplicity, simplicity and once again simplicity. Google calls the new design “Material Design” for some reason.

5. Changes in the interface at Google, of course, were not limited to: firstly, the new operating system will support 64-bit processors, and secondly, it is promised that thanks to the introduction of fixes called Project Volta, smartphones will be able to work without recharging a little longer.

6. In addition, the Android Auto platform was announced, designed, as the name implies, for the interaction of car on-board computers with smartphones of their owners. Its main feature is the wide possibilities of voice control, which will allow the driver not to be distracted while driving. The system provides the owner with quick access to Google Maps, Google Play Music and allows you to send text messages. Gazeta.ru lists Ford, Volkswagen, FIAT, Chrysler, Renault, Nissan and General Motors among Google's partners. The first "smart" Android cars will appear in autumn 2014.

7. Having started with the release of the Chromecast digital media player (almost the best-selling gadget on Amazon.com), Google does not stop there and continues to move forward: the creation of the Android TV platform for smart TVs is announced. Android TV, for example, will allow you to search for interesting TV programs using your smartphone and broadcast them already on the TV screen. According to theverge.com, Sony and Sharp are ready to switch to the new platform, and new smart TV models will appear as early as next year.

8. The Google One platform is designed to be used in cheap smartphones. The conference demonstrated the first such gadget from Micromax, which will be on sale in the fall. At a cost of less than $100, it has relatively decent features.

9. And finally, "smart" watches. Devices from LG and Samsung on the Android Wear platform did not seem to cause deafening delight: a familiar design and understandable features. However, there was a possibility of voice control of devices. Now you can just say: “And set my alarm for seven in the morning!” True, most likely, you will have to speak with a “smart” watch on Android Wear in English.

10. But Moto 360, demonstrated on June 25, has already been called the most beautiful in The Verge.

11. Despite the fact that the functionality of the Moto 360 does not differ from similar devices, they stand out sharply among their counterparts, so similar to each other.

12. They will cost more than the rest: if Samsung Gear Live goes on sale on July 7 (no, not in Russia yet) at a price of $199.99, then you will have to pay $250 for the Moto 360.