Google has come up with a new OS version called Android 4.4. The Android 4.4 update is nicknamed KitKat. It is the tenth version of the Android OS and will change the operating system’s feel and appeal for the devices that are using Ice Cream Sandwich.
Google first revealed this update when unveiling a giant Android KitKat figurine in front of their office. As the name suggests, it is a tie-up with the consumer goods manufacturing company, Nestle. Google, however, was tight lipped about their latest update.
It was only with the release of the Nexus 5 that the new OS was unveiled. Android KitKat gave the UI a light colour scheme. The icons were flatter with a redesigned home screen launcher with Google Now. The last feature is available only on the Nexus 5.
The Android 4.4 update provides a new dialler app for Vanilla Android devices, which pulls out information from the directory of Google Maps business. There is a new app in the Android 4.4 update that makes the notification bar transparent on top of the screen.
The Immersive Mode, which has been introduced with this update, hides the notification bar and software key to let you enjoy the full-screen experience. Other changes accompanying this update includes better wireless payment support, support for low-powered sensors that enables the operating system to run on RAM, as low as 512 MB.
The first device to feature the Android 4.4 update was the Nexus 5, which was manufactured by LG. In the following weeks, Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 received the update. The beginning of 2014 saw tech giants like Motorola and HTC dish out devices like the Moto X and HTC One with KitKat. Samsung has already introduced Android 4.4.4 and Android 4.4.2 updates for their gadgets that are already available in the market.
Several other companies like Sony and Motorola are coming up with Android 4.4 update for their phones. While Sony has announced the update for the Xperia Z2 Motorola has announced it for the Moto G. Gionee Elife E3 has already received the update.
Apart from the change in the OS UI, KitKat gives the users the choice to choose from nine Indian languages. Samsung has taken off Android 4.4 update for some devices because Google is coming up with the Android v5.0 Lollipop soon.
Android 4.4 update was referred to as Key Lime Pie during its beta stage, although. the nick was replaced with the now official name KitKat, after the tie-up with Nestle was finalised.
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