# Android Lollipop

> version of the Android operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q17305518](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q17305518)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_Lollipop)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/android-lollipop

## Summary
Android Lollipop is the fifth major version of the Android operating system, developed by Google and released on November 3, 2014. It introduced significant design and functional changes, most notably the Material Design language, which standardized visual and interactive elements across devices.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: November 3, 2014.
- **Version Numbers**: Includes versions 5.0, 5.0.1, 5.0.2, 5.1, and 5.1.1 (stable release on April 21, 2015).
- **Developer**: Google, as part of the Android Open Source Project.
- **Predecessor**: Android KitKat; **Successor**: Android Marshmallow (released July 20, 2015).
- **License**: Apache Software License 2.0, GNU General Public License v2.0.
- **Notable Feature**: Introduced **Material Design**, a design language focusing on motion, depth, and responsive interactions.
- **Device Compatibility**: Supported on devices like Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (1st and 2nd gen), Motorola Moto G (1st and 3rd gen), and Huawei P8.
- **Codename**: Named after the dessert "lollipop," following Android's tradition of sweet-themed version names.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Material Design in Android Lollipop?
A: Material Design is a design language introduced in Android Lollipop that emphasizes bold colors, fluid animations, and responsive layouts. It aims to create a unified user experience across devices and platforms.

### Q: Which devices originally supported Android Lollipop?
A: Android Lollipop was compatible with devices like the Nexus 6, Nexus 7 (both generations), Motorola Moto G (1st and 3rd gen), Huawei P8, and Samsung Galaxy Note 3, among others.

### Q: When was Android Lollipop released?
A: Android Lollipop was officially released on November 3, 2014, with subsequent updates (e.g., 5.1.1) rolling out through April 2015.

### Q: What versions of Android Lollipop exist?
A: The versions include 5.0 (initial release), 5.0.1, 5.0.2, 5.1, and 5.1.1 (the stable final release).

### Q: What replaced Android Lollipop?
A: Android Marshmallow (version 6.0) succeeded Lollipop, released in July 2015.

## Why It Matters
Android Lollipop marked a pivotal shift in Android's evolution by introducing **Material Design**, which redefined the visual and interactive standards for mobile interfaces. This design language improved usability, accessibility, and aesthetic consistency across apps and devices, influencing design trends beyond Android. Lollipop also enhanced performance with features like **Project Volta** (battery optimization) and **Android Runtime (ART)** for faster app execution. Its open-source nature, under the Android Open Source Project, allowed manufacturers to customize and deploy it widely, solidifying Android's dominance in the mobile OS market. For users, Lollipop delivered a more intuitive, cohesive, and visually appealing experience, setting a benchmark for future versions.

## Notable For
- **Material Design**: Revolutionized Android's UI/UX with a focus on motion, depth, and adaptive layouts.
- **Android Runtime (ART)**: Replaced Dalvik, improving app performance and battery efficiency.
- **Project Volta**: Introduced battery-saving features like "Battery Saver" mode and detailed power usage stats.
- **Cross-Platform Influence**: Material Design extended to web and other Google products, creating a unified ecosystem.
- **Widespread Adoption**: Supported on a broad range of devices, from budget smartphones (e.g., Huawei Y5) to flagship models (e.g., Nexus 6).

## Body
### Overview
Android Lollipop (version 5.0–5.1.1) is the fifth major release of the Android operating system, developed by Google and released on **November 3, 2014**. It succeeded **Android KitKat** and was followed by **Android Marshmallow** in 2015. Lollipop is part of the **Android Open Source Project (AOSP)**, licensed under the **Apache 2.0** and **GNU GPLv2** licenses.

### Key Features
- **Material Design**:
  - A design language emphasizing **bold colors**, **fluid animations**, and **responsive layouts**.
  - Introduced **elevation shadows**, **ripple effects**, and **adaptive color schemes**.
  - Aimed to unify the user experience across mobile, web, and other platforms.
- **Performance Improvements**:
  - **Android Runtime (ART)**: Replaced the Dalvik runtime, enabling **ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation** for faster app execution and improved battery life.
  - **Project Volta**: A suite of battery optimization tools, including:
    - **Battery Saver mode** to extend device life.
    - **Detailed power usage statistics** for apps and services.
- **Security Enhancements**:
  - **Smart Lock**: Allowed devices to remain unlocked in trusted locations or when paired with trusted devices (e.g., Bluetooth accessories).
  - **SELinux enforcement**: Strengthened security policies for all apps.
- **Notifications**:
  - **Heads-up notifications**: Priority alerts appeared as floating pop-ups.
  - **Lock screen notifications**: Users could view and interact with notifications without unlocking the device.
- **Multi-User Support**:
  - Expanded guest modes and multiple user profiles, particularly useful for shared devices like tablets.

### Device Compatibility
Android Lollipop was designed to run on a wide range of hardware, including:
- **Google Devices**:
  - Nexus 6 (flagship smartphone, released October 2014).
  - Nexus 7 (1st and 2nd generation tablets).
  - Nexus 9 (tablet released alongside Lollipop).
- **Third-Party Devices**:
  - **Motorola**: Moto G (1st and 3rd gen), Moto X Style.
  - **Huawei**: P8, Honor 7, Y5, Y6.
  - **Samsung**: Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Grand Prime, Galaxy J1 Mini.
  - **LG**: G4 Beat, K4.
  - **BlackBerry**: Priv (BlackBerry's first Android device).
  - **Budget Models**: Alcatel One Touch Go Play, Asus ZenFone Go, Redmi 2 Prime.

### Version History
| Version | Release Date       | Key Changes                                                                 |
|---------|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 5.0     | November 3, 2014   | Initial release; introduced Material Design and ART.                         |
| 5.0.1   | December 2, 2014   | Bug fixes and minor improvements.                                           |
| 5.0.2   | December 19, 2014  | Additional stability fixes.                                                 |
| 5.1     | March 9, 2015      | HD voice calling, Device Protection (factory reset protection).             |
| 5.1.1   | April 21, 2015     | Final stable release; further bug fixes and performance tweaks.              |

### Legacy
Android Lollipop's **Material Design** became a cornerstone of Google's design philosophy, influencing subsequent Android versions and other Google products (e.g., Chrome OS, web apps). Its focus on **performance** (ART) and **battery efficiency** (Project Volta) set new standards for mobile operating systems. While later versions introduced additional features, Lollipop's design and architectural changes remain foundational to modern Android.

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  "name": "Android Lollipop",
  "description": "The fifth major version of the Android operating system, released by Google in 2014, known for introducing Material Design and performance improvements.",
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## References

1. [Source](https://source.android.com/docs/compatibility/5.0/versions)
2. [Source](https://source.android.com/docs/compatibility/5.1/versions)
3. Quora