Android 5.0 L Update Release Date: Features Stunning Smartphone Enhancements

Google is set to release its biggest Android update yet, called the Android 5.0 L, to directly challenge Apple's newly launched iOS 8 update featured in the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

Google is expected to release the update by the end of October and could be available to the Android users by November of this year.

Android 5.0 L will see a completely redesigned interface, more fluid animations, more vibrant colors, improved battery life and, for the first time, compatibility with 64-bit processors, Google sources say.

The Android update is expected to be featured in Google's soon to be released flagship smartphone, the Nexus 6.

The update will also be available for older phones, particularly those from HTC and Motorola. Right after Google announced the Android update in June this year, HTC issued a statement confirming the current One (m8) and original One (m7) would be receiving the updates "within 90 days of [HTC] receiving final software from Google."

Motorola likewise has confirmed that its new Moto G and Moto X will be updated to Android 5.0 L.

The latest Android update could also find its way to Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 as early as November this year.

Reports said the revisions of the applications available to Android users , among them Google's Play Store, have already started in preparation for the much-awaited Android update.

Right now, the Android 5.0 L is already available in developer preview form for the Nexus 5 smartphone and Nexus 7 tablet, according to android.com.

The Android 5.0 L will see new and more appealing home screen, lock screen, Quick Settings pull-down menu, main settings page and even the onscreen navigation buttons.

The update will also include new system widgets to match the design scheme.

Moreover, all Google apps will be redesigned to match the new look.

The Android 5.0 L also overhauled the notifications system. At present, Android users have to unlock their device to check, respond to or dismiss notifications.

With the update, they will be able to do this even from a locked screen.

The notifications will appear as a stack of Google Now-like cards, which can be scrolled through rather than filling the screen. Each one has an in-line preview, giving context.

It will also include a new Personalised Unlocking mode.

Google is updating its stock Android keyboard, adding more personalisation features and removing the individual tiled keys. Instead each letter will sit on a flat background, making it easier for those with larger fingers and thumbs to type quickly.

Also included are a "Do Not Disturb" mode, which automatically deactivates all notifications and audio during set times, support for Bluetooth 4.1 and a totally redesigned Audio backend with support for USB audio devices.

The Android 5.0 L will improve not only the visuals in smartphones but their speed and overall performance as well.

So, what is the "L" in Android 5.0 L? stands for?

As Google is known for naming its Android platform after sweet eatables, the "L" could stand for Lollipop, some fans say. Others suggest that the 'L' could stand for Lemon Meringue Pie.

Google has referred to each version of Android by a sweet-flavored codename. The original 1.0 version was Apple Pie, followed by Banana bread, Cupcake and Donut as versions 1.1, 1.5 and 1.6, respectively.

Version 2.0 introduced the world to Eclair, while 2.2 arrived as Froyo. Gingerbread referred to 2.3 and Honeycomb was 3.0, the first version designed with specific support for tablet devices. Android 4.0 was also known as Ice Cream Sandwich and versions 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 were all known as Jelly Bean.