Android 5.0 Lollipop: Leaks Show Google’s New OS On Samsung Galaxy Note 3 And HTC One M8

Most Android-powered devices probably won’t update to Android 5.0 Lollipop for several months — Google’s new mobile operating system is currently available only on the search giant’s own Nexus 6 phone and Nexus 9 tablet. But recent leaks show what the software will look like on devices from Samsung Electronics Co. and HTC Corp.

Tech publication SamMobile obtained a test version of Android 5.0 for the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and showcased various features in a video. Previous sneak peaks have shown how Lollipop looks on the Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S4, but Galaxy Note models include a number of features specific to devices in the line.

The leaked video shows that the Galaxy Note 3 will receive the updated Multi-Window feature currently on the Galaxy Note 4 with Android 5.0. We also see how Android 5.0’s flat and simple Material Design user interface looks in Samsung’s settings and in applications like the alarm clock.

SamMobile notes that this version of Android 5.0 was not stable enough to offer it for download as it has done with previously leaked code, which indicates the software is in the early stages of development. Samsung has not yet announced update information for its devices.

Meanwhile, HTC has confirmed that its devices will update to Android 5.0 within the next three months. But tech informant @LlabTooFeR shared screen captures Wednesday, which he claims are of the HTC One M8 running Android 5.0 with the HTC Sense 6.0 user interface. The images show the Material Design user interface of Android 5.0 on home screens and also drop notifications that are distinctly HTC Sense.

Exclusive screenshots of Android 5.0 and Sense 6.0 running on HTC One M8. 3/3 pic.twitter.com/9x5OGtzsGP

— LlabTooFeR (@LlabTooFeR) November 19, 2014

Exclusive screenshots of Android 5.0 and Sense 6.0 running on HTC One M8. 2/3 pic.twitter.com/OLqC3DtdT3

— LlabTooFeR (@LlabTooFeR) November 19, 2014

HTC has become increasingly transparent about its software updates in the past year. Executives, including HTC Americas President Jason Mackenzie, have been keeping users in the know about when various devices will receive major software updates. Users interested in knowing when their gadgets will update to the latest operating system can also check HTC’s software page, which includes a detailed explanation of how manufacturers develop an update.

Currently, HTC is in the early stages of Android 5.0 development for its lineup, indicating that the update won’t be released for some time.

But the HTC One M8 and HTC One M7 Google Play Edition handsets are expected to receive the Android 5.0 Lollipop update on Friday; these models run pure Android software directly from Google without the HTC Sense user interface, which allows them to receive updates much sooner than other devices. Versi said via social media Wednesday that the HTC One M8 and HTC One M7 Google Play Editions could update to Android 5.0 as early as Friday.