It's probably time Google experienced a bit of what Apple might call "the iOS 7 effect" with its forthcoming Android L.
During its recent Google I/O conference, the company showed an early look at a design some characterized as flatter, more colorful and possibly indebted to Microsoft. Android L comes with what was described as a more content-focused "Material Design," which may take some getting used to among app makers.
There were at least a few Google I/O watchers on social media who liked what they saw with Android L.
So Viewtiful! Significant Android L User Interface Changes on the Wayxda-developers http://t.co/9gs8STduhJ
— Fernando De Freitas (@fdefreitas) June 26, 2014
And, of course, some who saw no improvement whatsoever.
I still think Android is pretty ugly. http://t.co/pmcXqONhQj
— John Marstall (@iconmaster) June 25, 2014
There were those who thought there were some brand identity issues...
#AndroidL due in the fall. We think they could have been more inventive with the name. What would you have called it? http://t.co/8hzkhz6LBX
— RouteShoot (@RouteShoot) June 26, 2014
... and some who felt a check should be sent to Redmond.
*cough* rippoff *cough* http://t.co/YVvelce8Qb
— Jay Kannan (@jaykannan) June 26, 2014
The best comments suggested that much of what's going in Android L are ideas whose time has come.
Android L design is what I was expecting out of iOS 7 when it was first announced. I was disappointed then, and I'm impressed now.
— Zak Kaufman (@zatara214) June 25, 2014
There was also a sense that, whether you liked it or not, Android L is a sign that Google plans to be as competitive as ever in the mobile space.
The new Android L OS is looking great. They've leapt ahead of Apple, design wise.
— Steve O'Connor (@stevedesigner) June 26, 2014