Google revealed that the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop update will not only be available for its upcoming flagship Nexus 6 smartphone and Nexus 9 tablet, but also for the aging Nexus 4.
At Google's event last week, our suspicions were confirmed when the tech titan revealed info on its upcoming Android 5.0 Lollipop operating system update.
Originally teased as simply Android L, this newest OS introduces Material Design, a fancy new UI overhaul that boasts "fluid, purposeful motion" as its number one attraction. It also brings an improvement to notifications, beefed-up battery life, enhanced security, and more.
This will also be Google's largest and most ambitious Android release ever with over 5,000 new APIs for developers.
Related: Android 5.0 Lollipop Leaked: New Google Apps Shown Off on a Nexus 5
Android Lollipop had already been advertised to launch on Google's newest Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 devices, as well as the Nexus 5, 7, and 10, but many fans were surprised to hear that it will also be available on the Nexus 4. Android Engineering Program Manager Sascha Pruter called the exclusion of the older smartphone in promotional materials a mistake.
"I know there is a meme for this somewhere but... be assured the missing 'Nexus 4' in the Lollipop update notice is just a mistake, we are fixing it now," Pruter said on Google+. " Now please put down your pitchforks again and let's have some candy!"
So when exactly can we expect Lollipop on each device? Google hasn't set many definitive dates, but the pre-orders on the newly launching devices have already begun.
Nexus 4
While Google did make sure to let us know that Lollipop will be available for the Nexus 4, no date other than "in the coming weeks" was given officially.
Nexus 5
The only official word for the Nexus 5's Lollipop release is that we'll learn more "in the coming weeks."
Nexus 6
Pre-order for this high-end smartphone will begin for AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon in late October with retail availability in November. No specific dates have been given.
Related: Nexus 6 Vs iPhone 6 Plus: Comparison of Camera, Specs, Display and Battery
Nexus 7
Both variants of the wifi-enabled tablet (2012 and 2013) are said to get the Lollipop update on November 3, according to "reliable sources" from Android Police. If true, this could also be the date for the Nexus 4, 5, and 10.
Nexus 9
Pre-orders for this HTC tablet began on October 17 with a retail release coming on November 3.
Nexus 10
The 2012 tablet may not be available on the Google Play store anymore, but it will be getting the Lollipop update soon. Definitive info will be dropping at the same time as the Nexus 4, 5, and 7.
Nexus Player
Google's first device developed specifically to run Android TV, the Nexus Player will stream movies, music, and videos, as well as play Android games on your TV with a controller. Pre-orders began on October 17.
All Google Play devices are also said to get the Lollipop update with more information coming soon.
