New Google Now Screenshots Hint at Android 5.0

Google has given the biggest hint yet that the next version of Android will be called Android 5.0 rather than Android 4.5, after leaked screenshots gave a clear hint at the version of Google's mobile operating system which is codenamed Lollipop.

With just a couple of weeks to go before the annual Google I/O developer conference, the search giant has released screenshots of a new feature that shows match scores and schedules for the 2014 World Cup which will be available on Google Now for both Android and iOS.

Released in an official tweet from Google, the screenshots show the system clock set to 5:00. While this could be seen as just indicating the time the first World Cup games will kick off in the UK, Google has a history of using this method of teasing what it will call its next version of Android.

Every major update to Android, since Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), has seen the system clock in official screenshots reflect the number of the Android update. For example, Android 2.3 was teased with the clock time reading 2:30.

All devices listed on the Google Play Store currently read 4:40 on their clocks as they ship with Android 4.4 (KitKat).

Google is expected to make significant changes to the Android software and a recent report about Project Hera suggests that Google could be looking to intergrate Android more closely with Chrome and Search.

Google's New Project Quantum Paper in the Works

In related news, Google has reportedly started working on a new project called Quantum Paper, which will unify the UI elements for Google apps on Android, iOS and on the web.

The refreshed look of the new UI has been evident in the latest version of Google+ and also some noticeable changes appear on Gmail for components such as Finance, Travel and Purchases.

A new pinned feature and Snooze option for unread mail in Gmail also appear in the redesigned interface.