People are currently waiting patiently for the new Android 5.0 Lollipop update to roll-out, but what they did not know is the fact that you can enjoy a similar look through the updated versions of Google Now Launcher and Google Search app.

Through these updates, Google brings the Lollipop look to any device that runs Android 4.1 to Android 4.4 for users who want to take a glance at how Android Lollipop looks like.

Rumors about Google working on their own private launcher have started back in February of last year and the launcher is set to take over your homescreen. The app was actually released in August 2014 and it has now been updated, borrowing the design style of the new Android 5.0 Lollipop.

Google Now Launcher and Google Search App

Google Now Launcher is not currently able to replace the stock launcher from HTCS, LG, Samsung or others and puts a customized experience front and center by Google. This brings to the table a new app tray, different icons, the Google Now feature – swipe to the left and many more. The Google Search app and Google Launcher are strongly tied together so both of them have received updated version with more features and better design, this week.

By installing both of these apps now, you will automatically get the Android 5.0 look. This is also a new thing since prior to these updates, both Google Now Launcher and Google Search app were set to be installed in the version of Android you had on your smartphone.

You do not have to wait and you do not have to upgrade your phone to see hoe Lollipop looks and feels like. What more can you ask for?

Once you have downloaded and installed the latest versions of both Google Now Launcher and Google Search apps you simply have to press your home button and enjoy the new look on your smartphone. The new Google Now Launcher interface is meant to bring Android 5.0 Lollipop a bit closer to all of Android users, if you are running an Android 4.1 version of the operating system or higher.

Through this update you will have the all-white look of the Google Search bar, “Ok, Google Now” hotwords for devices capable of hands-free controls through voice and even some cool new animations available only with Lollipop.

Google Now Launcher is certainly not the only Launcher available on Google Play but it is surely the one you will want to take on a spin today. With the new slide-out settings panel, an improved popup for voice control when you would much rather use your voice than typing and many other neat updates, Google Now Launcher is the Launcher you need to download and check out.

HTC and Motorola are currently the two companies that have started introducing Android 5.0 Lollipop to their devices on a much larger scale than their competitors, LG and Samsung. However, all of these companies are taking their times to offer the updated version of the operating system with their own touch.

Google has already started putting on Android 5.0 Lollipop on their Nexus tablets and handsets so if you want to update the current version of Android on your Nexus 5, 7 or 10, you will be able to, soon enough. The announcement was made by Google on Twitter,

“#AndroidLollipop rollout has started and will soon be available on most #Nexus devices. Dessert is served.”

However, as 9to5Google noted,

“The update is rolling out over-the-air to Google’s main line-up of Nexus devices, including the Nexus 5, 7 (both generations, but not LTE/3G versions yet), and 10, while rollout for LTE/3G models of the Nexus 7 as well as the Nexus 4 will be coming at some point in the near future.”

One of the best things that Lollipop brings to the table is the ability to silence, adjust or customize what notifications can get through to you. Many notifications and notification sounds are really annoying but with the new Android 5.0, you can choose which of these notifications you actually want to receive and when something important comes up, you can actually respond straight from your lockscreen.

Lollipop also promises extended battery life, coming with a battery saver feature which is set to extend your device’s battery life for up to 90 minutes. If you do not know how much longer will your battery last, simply check whatever time you have left based on your current level of battery drain.

Google explain that they tried to make the new interface as user friendly as possible, making it more tangible and with a much more fluid look.

LG, Samsung, HTC and Motorola

LG was the first one to introduce Android 5.0 Lollipop to its LG G3 users, in Poland. Dr. Jong-Seok Park, CEO and President of LG said:

“LG is absolutely committed to giving our customers the best mobile experiences available and bringing Android Lollipop to G3 owners as soon as possible is a top priority.”

It actually appears like LG’s G3 will have Android 5.0 faster than Google’s Nexus 4 and Nexus 5. Everyone thought these guys are well behind their competitors but it looks like they’ve still got some aces up their sleeves.

Android 5.0 Lollipop is currently available for Samsung in Poland and in the UK for Galaxy S5 owners. Sam Mobile reports:

“This is the first time the Korean giant has delivered a major Android software upgrade in such a short period of time, only 31 days – Google dropped final Lollipop code to AOSP on November 4th. Currently, the new software upgrade is only available in Poland, however, it should start appearing in other European countries shortly.”

Although LG was the first to introduce Lollipop on its device in Poland, Samsung is still the leader of the pack, managing to bring forward the new operating system 31 days after they have received the source code from Google (they have received it on the 4^th of November).

Image Credits

The update is expected on HTC starting with February as the company announced they would finish integrating the updates on their devices 90 days after receiving the code from Google.

Motorola has not currently made any release date public but it is working on first updating the Moto G and Moto E devices.