After teasing the public, Google has now finally released the latest version of Android, version 4.4, also known as KitKat. This new version of Android provides several enhancements in the apps and interface of the system which aims to improve the user’s experience of Android users. I know that Android fans have already been waiting for this release and I know that they already knew this so for the 'not-so fan' and for those who are thinking of getting Android devices, let me break down the new features for KitKat and see if it will go well with your taste buds. So here are some of the improvements for KitKat:

1. Better Memory Management

This new version of Android is designed to run on devices with as little as 512MB of RAM. Because of this, Google implemented some improvements on Kitkat’s memory management which results to smoother multi-tasking and a faster and more accurate response in touch screen.

2. Improved Google Now

In this version of Android, you do not have to touch anything in the screen to get things done. Just say “Ok Google” in your home screen or in your Google Now App to launch voice search, send a text message, play a song or even get directions.

3. Google Hangouts App Upgraded

If you are a fan of Android’s messaging app, it is now the time to actually say goodbye to it because in this recent version of Android, they improved Hangouts so it can support SMS and MMS thus all your messages will be in one app only. Aside from this, hangouts will also be getting support for HD video calls across all devices. Furthermore, animation GIFs and location sharing through Google Maps will also be supported (Isn’t it amazing?).

4. Smarter Caller ID

Whenever someone calls you who is not in your contacts, your phone will automatically look for matches from businesses with a local listing in Google Maps. The dialer is now integrated with a search bar to search for contact numbers for nearby businesses.

5. Immersive Mode

Let us admit that sometimes, the navigation bar gets in our way whenever we try to read, watch videos or play games with our phones. Immersive Mode is one of the newest additions in KitKat that is not available in older versions. What immersive mode does is to hide everything except the app that you are using. You just need to swipe the edge of the screen to bring back your status bar and navigation bar!

6. Integration with Cloud Storage

Android 4.4 comes now with support for Cloud storage solutions such as Google Drive. This means that you can save and open directly from the cloud without having to save your files into your device’s storage. You do not have to worry about having backups anymore especially for your photos.

7. Lock Screen Art

This new version of Android can now show more than just widgets. If ever your phone is locked and you are listening to music, the lock screen will show the album art or the movie art in case you are streaming movies. The lock screen will also have dedicated controls that will allow users to play, pause and search from the lock screen.

8. More Advanced Photo Editing

More photo editing options were added to the Gallery app including new filter effects, draw on your photos, advanced cropping, and adjustments to color, exposure contrast and more. Aside from these new system features, there are also several visual improvements in Android 4.4. These includes cleaner and more minimalist home screen, larger app icons and thinner fonts among many others. Currently, Kitkat is only available for the Google Nexus 5 but will soon be available for Nexus 4, 7 and 10 and also to Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One Google Play Edition as well.

There are many other features that were not mentioned here and I am already leaving it for you to explore. For more information and for the other features of KitKat, just go directly to Android KitKat’s page (http://www.android.com/versions/kit-kat-4-4/).

References

• http://www.android.com/versions/kit-kat-4-4/
• http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/android-kitkat-features/
• http://www.pocket-lint.com/review/125021-android-4-4-kitkat-review
• http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/11/android-4-4-kitkat-thoroughly-reviewed/
• http://www.knowyourmobile.com/android/android-kitkat/19689/android-44-kitkat-release-date-news-reviews-and-features
• http://www.computerworld.com/ss/player/fullsize.html?s=cw&f=http://d1piko3ylsjhpd.cloudfront.net/uploads/roboto/slide/image/73821/slide_13-kitkat-more.png
• http://www.nascentstuff.com/pics/How-to-backup-applications-in-your-Andro_569C/androids.gif