Google Lollipop Forest

As expected, Google launched its latest version of Android today alongside a new Nexus 6 smartphone and Nexus 9 tablet. Android 5.0, also known as “Lollipop,” comes with a variety of new features, and a brand new design.

The update was first revealed by Google at its I/O developer conference in June, and has been in the hands of Android developers since then. The feature most people will notice right off the bat is “Material Design,” a new take on Android’s design language that focuses on making interactions with apps feel real.

Google N6-moreeverything-1600People who get lots of notifications will also appreciate a new feature included in the OS that allows them to control which notifications they get, and when they get them. They’ll even be able to set the system up so that the only notifications that come through are from particular apps or people.

Another marquee feature is a new battery saver mode that’s designed to provide up to 90 minutes of additional battery life over traditional use so that people can stretch their phone or tablet’s battery life when they’re going to be spending a day away from outlets.

Today’s OS announcement comes alongside Google’s reveal of new Nexus devices, including the Nexus 6 smartphone and the Nexus 9 tablet, made by HTC. Right now, there are four devices that are slated to run the new OS: the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and HTC’s One M8. Other devices will undoubtedly come soon, but they’ll have to wait for carrier approval.

All of Google’s news from today comes before Apple’s big press event tomorrow, which is slated to include new iPads and Macs, as well as the launch of Mac OS X Yosemite.

More coverage: Google’s HTC-made Nexus 9 tablet going on sale Nov. 3 for $399

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