Android 5.0 (Lollipop): 10 new features

After what feels like a long time since we saw the L Preview first appear, Google is now rolling out the final version of Android 5.0 Lollipop to its existing Nexus devices, and it also appears on the brand new Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 gadgets. Get to know the best version of Android yet by working through this selection of tips and tricks, covering all of the major and minor new features that are built into the operating system.

Tap and go:
When you’re setting up your new Lollipop device for the first time, you’ll be presented with the option to “tap and go.” This NFC-and-Bluetooth-powered data transfer lets you move all of your Google Account details, configuration settings, data and apps over to a new device just by placing your old phone or tablet against it. Widgets and wallpaper are swapped over as well.

Use the flashlight:
Flashlight apps have always been popular on Android, so Google has decided to roll one into Lollipop to save you the trouble of having download a third-party one. Pull down the notification drawer then tap the top bar to reveal the flashlight app alongside other options like airplane mode. The app will only appear if your device has an LED flash alongside its camera.

Prioritize your apps:

Android 5.0 Lollipop lets you set up a list of important apps that are allowed to disturb you even when most aren’t. Head to Settings -> Sound & notification -> App notifications and you can choose to block each app or mark it as a priority one. Tap the volume slider on your device to activate priority mode indefinitely or for one hour (a star will appear in the status bar).

Deal with notifications from the lock screen:
In Lollipop all of your app notifications appear on the lock screen ready for viewing. Not only that, but you can interact with them as well. Swipe to dismiss, tap to reply and so on, depending on the app in question. A double-tap gets you into the relevant app. Head to Settings -> Sound & notification -> When device is locked if you want to hide sensitive alerts.

Pin apps:
If you want to hand over your device to one of your kids or a friend, you can “pin” them inside one single app. First, activate the feature via Settings -> Security -> Screen pinning. Then, when you activate the multitasking screen via the square Overview button, you’ll see a pin icon appear in the lower right-hand corner of the bottom app (drag it up if you can’t see it).

Jump to app settings:
The lock screen has been given a major overhaul with Android 5.0 Lollipop update, and the improvements include the ability to jump straight to an app’s settings or information panel right from the lock screen. Long-press on any notification and (depending on the app) and you’ll see a cog icon (the app settings shortcut) and an info icon (the app notification settings shortcut).

Predict battery life:
New to Android 5.0 Lollipop is the ability to see how much time is left before the battery runs out of juice, or how long you need to wait before your device is fully charged up. Tap on the battery icon in the notification drawer to see either reading (the time-until-charged information also appears on the lock screen a few minutes after you’ve connected your device to a power source).

Search settings and networks:

Google’s search bar is getting more ubiquitous with each passing version of Android, and in Lollipop it’s made it into the Settings app. Tap the magnifying glass icon to use it. It can be a quick way of finding a particular option you’re looking for, especially if you don’t already know what menu or heading it’s under. You can use the same feature to bring up saved Wi-Fi networks too.

Enter Guest Mode:
Sharing devices with other people (friends, colleagues, family members, distracted children) can be a real pain, but Lollipop’s new Guest Mode eases it somewhat. You can access Guest Mode by dragging down the notification drawer, tapping on your user account avatar, and then selecting Add guest from the menu (or just Guest if you’ve been through the process before).