Google unveils 'Lollipop' Android system

Google has unveiled its revamped Android software, upgraded its Nexus line, and launched a new streaming media player for music, movies and videos.

Google has ramped up its mobile arsenal, upgrading its Nexus line with a new tablet and smartphone, and unveiling its revamped Android software, to be dubbed "Lollipop".

The US tech giant also announced on Wednesday the launch of a streaming media player for music, movies and videos, which can also allow users to play games via the Android TV device.

"Lollipop" or Android 5.0, the upgraded operating system for mobile, "is designed to be flexible, to work on all your devices and to be customised for you the way you see fit", Google vice president Sundar Pichai said.

According to the Android Website, the new operating system means "songs, photos, apps, and even recent searches from one of your Android devices can be immediately enjoyed across all of your Android devices".

The new devices give Google and its Android partners a broader portfolio to compete against Apple, which launched two upgraded large-screen iPhones last month and is expected to unveil new iPads on Thursday.

The Nexus 6 smartphone becomes the newest and largest of the Google-branded handsets, and is produced by Motorola, which Google bought in 2012 and is in the process of selling to China's Lenovo.

This aluminum frame device has a six-inch high resolution screen and a 13-megapixel camera.

"It also comes with a Turbo Charger, so you can get up to six hours of use with only 15 minutes of charge," Google said.

On the tablet front, Google partnered with Taiwan-based HTC for the 8.9-inch Nexus 9.

The brushed-metal tablet "is small enough to easily carry around in one hand, yet big enough to work on", Google said.

Google did not disclose pricing for the devices, but said they would be available for pre-order later this month.


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