Android KitKat is the latest iteration of Google’s mobile software, bringing an abundance of new features and tweaks to the interface.
Google’s operating system powers more than one billion smartphones and tablets around the world, and it is hoped Android KitKat will have what it takes to bring all these users together and offer a unified experience.
Since launching on the Nexus 5, all the speculation, rumours and leaks have been put to bed, so here we take a look at exactly what’s new with the search giant’s most recent sweet-themed offering.
Design
KitKat is perhaps the most visually polished version of Android to ever come to the fore, offering a much cleaner, brighter and fluid experience than was seen on earlier versions. Panels on the homescreen have been substituted for a more immersive, full screen look. This is something that is carried through to apps, but is most noticeable when playing movies and music, where full screen artist information can be viewed.
The dark black overlays have been replaced with a semi-transparent white, while app icons and fonts have been rounded out slightly. All of this gives the interface a more cartoon-like appearance, similar to that seen on iOS7, which launched on the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c earlier this autumn.
Overall, KitKat’s design screams minimalism, something which is enhanced even further thanks to the absence of the widgets tray. While KitKat is still distinctively Android it’s far more intuitive than any of the iterations before it.
Features
Google Now
This is perhaps the biggest functional change to come with KitKat, and the operating system now fully integrates Google Now. The bespoke personal assistant built into Google’s platform can be activated by a voice command, making for hands-free use on the move. Simply say the words “Okay Google” and it will jump into a voice search, putting all your handset’s functions at the ready.
Otherwise, you can also access Google Now by swiping to the left of the main homescreen, or a swipe up from the home button if you’re already in an app.
Google has confirmed that it has improved its speech recognition by 25%, which has certainly led to far more accurate results being delivered.
Hangouts
Hangouts now integrate SMS and MMS messages, which replace the default messaging app entirely. The changes mean that you have to link text messages to your Google account; however it can get a little confusing as these messages don’t appear in the same conversation thread as your hangout exchanges.
To avoid any confusion you can alter your notification sounds, so you can tell the difference between an SMS and an incoming Hangout. But if you’re not keen on this idea you can still download a third-party messaging app to avoid confusion.
Apps
Many of the apps have undergone a transformation to help improve the overall functionality of the OS. Here are some of the most prominent improvements…
Phone function
Contacts are now arranged in a listing of people you talk to the most. The phone function also offers the ability to search for businesses, nearby places and contacts directly from the app. Google uses its extensive maps database to bring through pictures of a company or the identity of an unknown number, before naming it appropriately in your phone book.
Google Cloud Printer
This app makes it possible to print documents, photos and web pages on the move, which will come in very handy for business users. It’s a new technology that lets you send files to any printer connected to Google Cloud Print, HP ePrint printers, and other such devices that have apps in the Google Play Store.
The print manager not only gives you constant control over what is printed, but it also ensures the information within documents remains secure as it’s passed from an app to a printer.
Quickoffice
Lets you open, edit and send documents in conjunction with Google Drive, promoting sharing across your devices. Its interface has been given a makeover so it fits in line with the clean, fuss-free look of Android KitKat.
File Picker
This is a new download app that lets you open and save files on cloud services such as Google Drive and Dropbox. It grants you quick access to recently used files, making it even easier to pick up where you left off.
Performance
Android KitKat has been optimised to use less memory and improve your touchscreen functionality, so that it responds faster and more accurately.
The software takes up less room than previous iterations, but still offers optimal performance for seamless multitasking. This is great news for users with older mobile phones as the software will still work without a hitch even on devices with as little as 512MB RAM.
KitKat streamlines every major component as well as introducing new tools to help developers create more memory-efficient apps in the future.
Availability
Android KitKat is currently only available on the Nexus 5, however other manufacturers including Sony and Samsung are said to be preparing their handsets for the software, making for a wider roll-out over the coming weeks.
This guest post was written by Sarah Hazelwood of Phones 4u, the mobile upgrade experts and home of #projectupgrade
