Google gives Android a facelift, enter 'material design'

Google highlighted the latest Android's facelift in a preview dubbed L that adds elevation values, real-time shadows, clean typographical layouts and an overall feel that gets inspiration from paper and ink.

Executives at Google I/O in San Francisco tag teamed to outline Android's new look, which aims to unify the Web, desktop, your phone and wearable devices. Google's bet is that a clean unified design---coupled with contextually aware notifications and other goodies---can connect multiple screens.

More from Google I/O 2014

• Android: One billion active users and counting
• Google gives Android a facelift, enter 'material design'
• Google intros Drive for Work as new premium option for Apps users
• Google blurs lines between Android, Chrome for work and personal apps
• Google launches Android One, eyes emerging markets

The linchpin of Android overhaul is "material design," which Google describes as a "unifying theory of rationalized space and a system of motion." Google goes on to say that "our material is grounded in tactile reality, inspired by our study of paper and ink, yet open to imagination and magic."

Google is trying to use material design to allow colors, iconography, hierarchy and spatial relationships be the glue between multiple screens. Objects and icons will be given depth and drop shadows. Developers will be able to give objects a depth value and they can slide above other icons.

According to Google, the material design will start rolling out across its applications and now developers will get in on the act ahead as the next generation of Android rolls out.

When finished Android will have a blend of what Apple has done and its familiar design. Here's a look: