Android 5.0: Expected Key Lime Pie Features

Many casual mobile phone and smart tablet users these days tend to overlook the importance of the operating systems their devices run on. The fact is, we’ve now reached a point at which these various devices can all perform the same basic, and incredibly impressive functions. Just think of what you typically do with your smartphone in an average day.

You might casually organize files through Dropbox, an advanced cloud storage app that syncs all of your digital data across mobile devices and other computers and devices you use, generally simplifying your organization and storage capabilities.

You might spend time downloading or playing a brand new game, a dynamic online community. These games come to your devices with the touch of a screen and enable you to play a variety of different games with real money on the line – all from a mobile device can hold in your hand!

And of course, you might spend hours each day casually communicating with friends and family through the latest social networking app or feature, whether that means browsing your Twitter account or checking up on the latest videos from Vine.

However, once again, these capabilities are available on a variety of smartphones, and the impending release of a few new operating systems is once again throwing the significance of specific capability into sharp relief. In recent weeks, Apple’s exposure of its iOS 7 features has generated a great deal of buzz, as the new system looks sleek and capable enough to make an iPhone feel like a whole new – and better – device. And of course, Google will be responding, at some point this year, with its own improved operating system – Android 5.0, or “Key Lime.”

So, how does Key Lime look to stack up to iOS 7? A direct comparison is tricky due to the fact that new features aren’t always direct counterparts, and personal preferences certainly come into play. But here’s a quick rundown of some of Key Lime’s hottest expected features.

• Google Babble – This is essentially a communications forum that many expect to see on new Google devices. Babble will seek to bring together existing communication services (talk, hangout, voice, messenger, etc.) under a single umbrella. Some believe the service will be called “Babel” rather than “Babble.”
• Linux 3.8 Kernel – This certainly isn’t a feature users would “see,” but it has profound implications for the Key Lime devices’ functionality. Basically, this new kernel would mean lower RAM usage, ultimately resulting in a smoother phone performance.
• Games Center – A new gaming center for Android devices is one of the juicier rumors for the average user. Such a feature would include aspects like in-game chat, various multiplayer modes, and social leader boards etc.
• App Unlock – Tech Radar has an interesting rumor regarding a new method for unlocking apps. The rumor is that on Key Lime devices, users will be able to unlock specific apps simply by tracing different patterns on the screen.

Ultimately, it seems that we know very little for certain about what the major innovations of Key Lime Pie will be. We do know that the operating system is rumored for a late fall or early winter release, and that the above listed features are expected to be included. These features – particularly the Linux 3.8 Kernel – could certainly make for some significant improvements, but on the whole it looks like iOS 7 has the edge in terms of completely new features.