Android L 5.0 Lollipop Download & Features Roundup: vs Microsoft Windows 10

In Late 2014, Android began to serve its sweetest OS yet to a number of devices, with an official roll-out kicking off Nov. 3. As Lollipop 5.0 continues to land at the fingertips of eligible Android users, the buzz surrounding Microsoft's upcoming Windows 10 have also been rampant.

Hence, we've curated some notable features of both operating systems, and leave the choice of what appears to be better, to you.

But before we go into details, note that both Android 5.0 Lollipop and Windows 10 do not just cater to mobile handsets. These operating systems power a range of devices, which makes the comparison feasible, objective and just as exciting.

Supported Devices

Lollipop specifically pointed that it does "more than your phone and tablet." As described in the OS' official site, Android works on the user's watch (Android wearables, so to speak), TV and even in cars. Previously, we have reported the list of smartphones slated to receive the upgrade, so if you own an HTC, Samsung, Sony or Motorola device, then you might as well check this out.

Windows seemed to be determined at unifying all its products, as what you can see in the image above. As told by its official blog, the OS will run across an "incredibly broad set of devices." This "set" of devices span from the Internet of Things to enterprise servers all around the world.

The blog went on to tease that Windows 10 is capable of powering 80-inch screens, to those without any screens at all.

Design

There's no doubt about Lollipop's most-celebrated feature: Material Design. That fluid, purposeful motion presents users an intuitive experience whatever their device is, along with a bold, colorful, and responsive user-interface. As indicated by the OS' site, the goal of this feature is to help Android users navigate their devices more easily. It also aims to focus attention.

During the design of the new Windows, the development team spent time with many diverse customers, particularly those in the enterprise industry. One highly-anticipated feature about the upcoming OS is the return of the Smart menu, which TechRadar described to be pleasing among touch and mouse users. Accordingly, this is highlighted by the "merging" of a Windows 7-style interface and Windows 8's Live Tiles.

Earlier, ExtremeTech reported that the Windows 10 offers virtual desktops, meaning, users can switch to many different desktops all at the same time.

Notifications

New ways of controlling notifications have been introduced by Lollipop. The new OS pointed that users "only get interrupted when you want to be." From the device's lockscreen, users can directly view and reply to messages. Sensitive content may also be hidden for these notifications.

Lollipop also features a Priority mode that filters notices, including the ability to schedule when these data can get through. Finally, the OS takes pride in a more intelligent ranking of such information.

Lifehacker cited whispers about the Windows 10's "full notification center" upon its release. The outlet commented that Windows' notifications weren't perfectly unified, suggesting that the OS' next version may actually put them into more prominent placements.

OK Google vs Cortana

Android users are undoubtedly familiar with the mantra "OK Google." Lollipop features the same thing, allowing convenient access to information and performance of tasks. What's surprising though, is that for Lollipop-shipping Nexus 6 and Nexus 9, users can actually say the magic words even if the screen is off. This technology is supported by digital signal processing.

As we've recently noted, Cortana positioned herself on top of Build 9901's search interface. This virtual assistant has frequently appeared in previous leaks, which only suggested that she's potentially one of Windows 10's strongest features.

You may want to check out WinBeta's sampling of the pre-released Cortana (for desktop) here.

For those who haven't received the Android 5.0 Lollipop OTA update, Google has provided downloadable factory images for Nexus devices here. Note: This procedure is very technical; please do not proceed if you are uncertain. We will not be responsible for any untoward issues you may encounter in the process.

Lollipop is the expected OS to run Samsung's rumored Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge and HTC's One M9 / M9 Prime.

Check out SamMobiles' final preview of Lollipop on Samsung Galaxy S5 below.