Google's event scheduled for later today may be shrouded in mystery, but most expect it to be the coming of the Nexus 6 (or X), Nexus 9 and most importantly, Android L. The next version of Android is what interests us the most, so here is a list of features that you will get from it.
Material Design
We'll start with something that has been widely publicised. Google is going with what it calls Material Design for Android L. This will feature a flatter look, with more Google Now-like cards for notifications.
Lock Screen
The lock screen gets a major revamp, with card notifications popping up for texts, missed calls etc. There are small lock, dialler and camera icons at the bottom of the screen, doing their respective tasks.
Heads Up Notifications
Imagine you're writing a mail to someone and you get a call. With Android L, you won't be interrupted. Rather, you will get a heads up notification showing the caller details along with the Answer and Decline buttons. This is a feature that you can find in Xiaomi's MiUI as well and Cyanogen Mod found it just before Google announced it for Android L.
Notification Bar
Speaking of notifications, the notification bar itself is going through a major revamp. The drop down menu for notifications will feature Google Now-like cards and won't cover your entire screen. The quick settings keys can be accessed by a second swipe after pulling the tray down.
3D Multitasking
If you use Google Chrome on your phone, then this one won't be very new for you. Chrome uses a 3D one on top of the other look for tabs that you open. You can close or switch tabs from this screen. The same is being used for your apps on the multitasking screen.
ART and 64-bit Support
The ART runtime is present on KitKat as well, but it is not the default runtime. In Android L it won't be a choice anymore. ART processes code 'ahead-of-time' and provides support for 64-bit SoCs.
Battery Saver
The battery saver mode is a welcome addition to stock Android. In Android L, Google's mobile OS will have its own battery saver mode so you don't have to download an app for it.
USB Audio
USB Audio has till now been absent in smartphones, but Android L is introducing it. You may see USB headphones soon, since phones will be able to play music directly through the USB port.
Bluetooth 4.1
When it comes to data transfer, it can't get fast enough. Bluetooth 4.1 is faster than the current Bluetooth 4.0 that you find in flagship devices. In addition, 4.1 also doesn't interfere with 4G bands like its predecessor. Yes, Android L will support it.