The new Google Maps is bold and beautiful. Screenshot: Google

Google Maps for Android is the latest Google app to get a Material Design makeover for Android 5.0 Lollipop, following the improvements to Calendar on Monday. It’s not just more colorful than it was before, however; you’ll also find new services built–in, including Uber and Open Table.

Google Wallet usage is on the rise too. Photo: Google

Mobile payments are on the rise everywhere thanks to Apple Pay, and if you want proof, look at Google Wallet’s once-dying carcase.

Google’s mobile wallet solution launched over three years ago but failed to gain any significant usage, but Apple Pay’s launch has breathed new life into the competitor, with sources at Ars Technica reporting that new users have doubled in just a month.

HTC will build more tablets. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

HTC may have taken a break from building tablets, but it’s back in the game with the new Nexus 9 and it has more up its sleeve for 2015. The Taiwanese company’s North Asia President has promised we’ll see new slates next year, and all of them will be “high-end and mid-tier.”

Shield will be one of the first third-party devices to get Lollipop. Photo: NVIDIA

Owners of the Shield tablet will get their first taste of Android 5.0 Lollipop this month, NVIDIA has confirmed, making the Shield one of the first third-party devices to get the upgrade. NVIDIA has released a one-minute video that showcases some of the things users have to look forward to, such as Material Design and a new Dabbler app.

Manage your Clan Wars with the Advanced Warfare companion app. Screenshot: Google Play

Advanced Warfare, the latest shooter form Activision’s hugely successful Call of Duty series, is out now on PC and consoles, and just like last year’s title, there’s a mobile companion app to go with it. Available now for Android and iOS, the free download lets you access your clan stats, edit your emblems, customize your classes, and more.