Android’s 5.0 “Lollipop” update is easily one of the most anticipated software releases in recent time, and for a good reason. The new version of the operating system is delivering quite the overhaul to its interface, making it more stylish and refined, and bringing the system closer to other modern solutions in terms of appearance and performance. The update is now available on the Nexus 7, and can be downloaded immediately, but users should be aware that there have been reports of bugs in the new version.
Most notably, various reddit users have been reporting that the new update removes the “silent mode” feature, something quite critical for any smartphone owner. This is obviously a bug, as it makes no sense that the company would want to remove a feature like that, although it’s not known when a fix is going to be pushed out. Fans have already been expressing a lot of disappointment and downright anger with the situation, further fueled by Google’s typical silence on the issue.
It’s been known for a while that the company doesn’t like to discuss their problems with the public, or even address them most of the time, but when you’re dealing with an issue that affects the majority of your user base in such a negative way, it would make sense to put a little more effort into communication and ensure that people are made aware of the situation, as well as reassure them that a fix is on the way.
Other than that though, the new update for Android seems quite solid, and does everything we were expecting from the 5.0 version of the operating system. The entire interface has been overhauled, showing a more stylish, minimalistic look with a stronger focus on flat colors. This seems to be a common trend among smartphone OS developers lately, as Apple’s iOS and Microsoft’s Windows Phone both follow similar design trends with prevalent flat colors and simple shapes.
Performance has also been improved, and users should notice a significant boost in the OS’s responsiveness, particularly when it comes to multitasking with heavier apps. Of course, it’s still a mobile operating system in the end, and users should not expect miracles from the new update, but the progress is definitely there and it’s noticeable.
Those who think they can live without their silent mode for a while (which should include most tablet users) should definitely go and check out the new update. It’s a huge step forward for Android, and it’s something that the OS has needed for a long time. As with any major release, bugs are nothing out of the ordinary, so overall Google have still managed to do a good job here.