Android 4.4 KitKat

Android 4.4 KitKat: release date, news, features, tips and reviewsMore Sharing Services

Forget iOS 7, Android 4.4 is where it's at. Richard takes a look at the proposed changes

Android 4.4 is officially here and is the first iteration of Google’s world-dominating OS to launch with corporate sponsorship. Nestle –– a company famous for more than just confectionary –– has allowed Google to use its KitKat trademark and branding for version 4.4 of Google’s Androidplatform. It’s quite odd, but given Google’s proclivity towards sweet treats it’s not exactly surprising. Guess it’s also good business for Nestle too.

4.4 is a pretty significant update, one that sees both UX changes and plenty of new features added. A lot has also gone under the hood, but anyone using a stock version of the platform will immediately notice subtle differences in the design, layout, look and feel of the platform.

Icons are bigger, the app tray has been re-designed and Google Now is a lot more influential inside the OS. Android 4.4 is currently only available on Google’s Nexus devices –– specifically, the Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (both versions), Nexus 4 and Nexus 10. Unfortunately there is no support for the Samsung-built Galaxy Nexus S.

Below is everything you need to know about Google’s brand-spanking new iteration of Android complete with update news, features, reviews and tips and tricks. Take a break, have a KitKat, and enjoy…

Motorola reveals 10 handsets getting KitKat 4.4

Motorola's ownership by Google appears to be yeilding fruit afterall as the phone-maker has revealed it will be bringing Android KitKat 4.4 to 10 of its existing handsets.

As well as the already revealed Moto X update, which is currently spreading across US carriers. Many of the other devices are also US-only, so this isn't thrilling news for our non-American readers.

Motorla's Electrify M for US Cellular is being boosted, along with the Atrix HD on AT&T but NOT the Atrix HD Developer's Edition, for some reason.

On Verizon, the DROID Ultra, DROID Maxx, DROID Mini, DROID RAZR HD, DROID RAZR Maxx HD and DROID RAZR M will all be getting the choclatey update.

The RAZR HD and RAZR M Developer Editions will also be getting a jump to the new build, but apparently this could be a bit later on - although it's difficult to put that into context considering we don't have dates for any of this stuff.

Right, that's enough capslock. Oh, Motorola, you and your crazy naming conventions.

HTC clarifies HTC One Android 4.4 KitKat schedule for North America

HTC has taken to Twitter to clarify the situation in regard to the Android 4.4 KitKat update for the HTC One in the North American region.

HTC says it will deliver Android 4.4 KitKat and Sense 5.5 to all North American HTC One models by the end of January 2014.

While further specifics have not been detailed, hopefully this also gives us some idea of a schedule for the rest of the HTC One-using world. We can't imagine there'd be a massive gap between the US rollout and over here across the pond.

Android 4.4 KitKat UI features emulated in Nova Launcher 2.3 and Apex Launcher 2.2

Many Android users may understandably be a little bit grumpy about the fact that only a handful of devices have recieved the 4.4 KitKat update so far. Just as annoying, many manufacturers are keeping quiet about when we might see updates arriving on existing handsets.

While we can't bring you news of a way to circumvent this frustrating sitation entirely, we can tell you there are a couple of ways you can get a little bit of your KitKat fix (no, not buying the choccy bar).

Two Android launchers have been updated and now include a complete overhaul to bring many of KitKat's UI design features to whatever Android handset you're currently rocking.

The Beta 1 build of Nova Launcher 2.3 was pushed out earlier in November (yeah, we're a little late to the party on this one).

The main changes include the new icons, white colouration for indicators and buttons, and transparent menu bars.

The transparent components aren't fully functional yet, as you can see from the screenshots as soon as you go into a menu it's all black and grey again, but still, it makes the homescreen look a whole lot better.

It's also worth pointing out that the transparent bits don't work with every phone just yet, but once it's out of beta hopefully it'll be much more fully fledged.

You can opt into the beta on Google Play or you can download the APK file for side-loading via theNova Launcher site.

Apex 2.2 is also in a beta stage and accessible via the project Google page, though it's understood a Google Play beta program is on the way.

Again, you're mainly getting flashy visual things and transparency effects, though it's worth noting the design extends at least as far as a semi-transparent overlay for the app drawer here.

Not a complete fix, but hopefully this might tide you over until KitKat rolls out more widely.

Android 4.4 update now rolling out to Moto X

Motorola has announced that the Android 4.4 KitKat update is now available for the Moto X. Verizon has now initiated the rollout, which will take place in phases, so if you don't get the update straight away just sit tight –– it's coming.

Motorola’s Senior Vice President Software Engineering Steve Horowitz revealed the news in a blog post on Tuesday. Horowitz said: "Our software team has been hard at work bringing the latest version of Android to our Moto X users more quickly than ever. When it came to KitKat, we couldn’t wait to deliver."

Motorola also revealed some of the changes with KitKat 4.4 including an improved phone dialer which allows you to search for contacts directly from the dial-pad. There are a bunch of new gallery effects such as Posterize, Highlights and Edges as well as a draw feature to annotate photos. There’s a new hangouts app which puts all of your conversations from texts, video calls and other chats into one place.

Another update is Color Emoji, a group of characters to put in your text messages. There’s also a drag to focus and expose feature on the camera app which lets you control focus and exposure with your finger.

Android 4.4 update now rolling out to Nexus 4

It’s been a long time coming – weeks, in fact – but Google’s Android 4.4 update is now seeding to select Nexus 4 handsets around the globe. The update is 238MB in size and is said to contain a raft of bug fixes for Google’s former flagship. If you haven’t received an OTA alert just yet, don’t panic, as it will likely be with you inside the next 24 hours.

The update brings the new Google Hangouts instant chat interface, automatic caller ID for nearby businesses, as well as the new ART runtime – a feature that reduces app start times and improves battery performance. Google reportedly encountered a lot of bugs in the original KRT16S build of Android 4.4. The new build – KRT16O – is now seeding to Nexus 4 handsets and is believed to have addressed these problems.

Expect an OTA update in the next 24 hours or so… 

Android 4.4 update schedule: HTC, Samsung, Sony and Motorola

Android 4.4 is here and in the hands of a few users the globe over. Google is slowly adding support for existing Nexus handsets and tablets. But for everybody else inside the Android kingdom – those using HTC, Sony, Samsung or LG devices – the wait for KitKat is likely to be much longer than a matter of weeks. 

So when will your Android handset get Android 4.4 KitKat? Good question. Here’s everything we know so far about HTC, Samsung, LG, Sony and Motorola’s plans for updating its existing hardware with Android 4.4.

HTC

HTC will begin rolling out Android 4.4 to its HTC One handset in January, a company exec has now confirmed. The Taiwanese manufacturer will work with UK networks to bring the update to as many One handsets as possible. The Google Edition HTC One will be receiving the update earlier, however, although HTC has yet to divulge any specific details as yet. 

There’s no word on the update for the HTC One Max and HTC One Mini or the company’s existing fleet of Android handsets like the HTC One X, One XL and One S.

Sony

Keen to put its reputation for being rubbish at Android updates well behind it, Sony recently confirmed the following: “We’re also happy to tell you about the first raft of Xperia products that we’ll make Android 4.4 Kit Kat available for – they are: Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z Ultra and Xperia Z1.”

Sony didn’t give any specifics regarding timing and availability, but advices users to keep an eye on @SonyMobileNews for update information and schedules. In the meantime Sony will be updating an absolute boatload of its handsets – Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia SP, Xperia Z Ultra and Xperia Z1 – to Android 4.3 in the coming month.

Samsung

As usual, Samsung is attempting to be like Apple and is adopting a very secretive approach to its plans for Android 4.4. However, Google has already confirmed that the Galaxy S4 with 4.4 should be coming soon. "Samsung UK will announce rollout plans for Android 4.4 in due course," a spokesperson told ZDNet.

Expect the Note 3, Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy Mega and perhaps even the Note 2 to get in on the KitKat action.

Motorola

Moto confirmed it would be updating its Moto G handset to Android 4.4 in January. In the US where most of its business now takes place, reports claim the Moto X, Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx, and Droid Mini will all be getting Android 4.4 but neglected to give a specific date. 

Basically, if you’re after Android 4.4 on your phone the general consensus for the big four seems to be nothing is happening until at least January. We’ll update this piece as and when we know more. Until then: January is the time to keep in mind. 

Android 4.4 KitKat reviews: Opinions from around the web

Android 4.4 KitKat has fallen into the hands of loads of tech sites now that the Nexus 5 is out the door and there are enough reviews floating around to get some idea of what it's like.

CNET

CNET's Sarah Mitroff praised KitKat's "minimalist design" for being "fresh" and "simple" while noting the further integration of Google Now, which is now very much at the centre of the experience.

"Google is putting search front and center with a redesigned phone dialer, smarter caller ID, and the Nexus 5's Google Now-centric launcher," said Mitroff.

"All those changes also indicate that from now on, Google search will likely be even more integrated into every part of Android. And from a company that dominates the world of search, that strategy comes as no surprise."

The Verge

The Verge's Dieter Bohn similarly had positive things to say about Google's spring cleaning.

"Throughout the entire OS, Android looks cleaner and brighter. It’s also whiter, excising the vast majority of the blue color that once defined Android’s look and feel," he said, "Google even switched how it handles translucency throughout the OS, replacing the dark black overlays with a semi-transparent white."

"The overall effect is an OS that feels less, well, robotic."

Bohn adds, "Earlier attempts at polishing up Android never really got into the nooks and crannies of the OS, but this time the effort seems much more comprehensive. There are new rounded pop-over dialogs that look much better than before, a new "Condensed Roboto" that Google sprinkles in appropriate places, and even small things like what a button looks like when pressed have been updated to be more subtle and less in your face."

Google's enhanced search and assistant features via Google Now didn't go unnoticed either.

"The new launcher's biggest functional change is that it fully integrates Google Now. It's available on the leftmost screen, just a swipe away from the main home screen," notes Bohn.

"With Android 4.4 KitKat, the catchwords to remember are "refine" and "polish," and there's plenty of both on display in KitKat," he concluded.

Pocket-lint

Pocket-lint's Chris Hall also enjoyed Google's brighter, cleaner approach to Android, suggesting it "means that the display appears to be larger, because you have the spread of colour across the whole screen."

"It's a nice effect, as you don't feel like you're sacrificing space to a couple of black bars," he added, describing KitKat and Google Now as a "slicker and more integrated experience."

"Android 4.4 KitKat makes some important changes under the hood and introduces lots of new features, including some we've not mentioned here," says Hall, "We like the premise of the latest update from Google. The translucent user interface and the move towards getting more out of your display are welcomed, although they're only small changes at the moment, like the sowing of a seed that will grow into something more impressive."

"The deeper integration of Google Now we like too, because we've found that Now is becoming more and more useful, especially if you use a lot of Google apps and services," he adds.

"In many ways, KitKat doesn't bring a huge swathe of features you'll be desperate to get your hands on, but it feels like it's laying the foundation for some really impressive stuff to come over the next 12 months." 

ArsTechnica

ArsTechnica's Ron Amadeo, despite liking KitKat's visual changes and overall design, had some cutting criticisms of Google, impyling that much more could've been done.

"KitKat is mostly a grab bag of changes," he says, "The most important changes are probably the home screen and dialer, which both involve Google weaving its backend services even further into Android."

"It's the things that are not here, though, that are starting to stand out," argues Amadeo, describing Android's multitasking as becoming "a huge weak point."

He says that Windows 8 and Samsung TouchWiz (Multiscreen) have shown how mobile devices can show multiple apps running side-by-side for over a year, while Android still operates on an 'in-and-out' basis even with its multitasking carousel.

"Samsung has been running side-by-side apps on Android with little to no issues for over a year now—even Google's own apps are compatible with it," he says, "Video apps in particular need to support multitasking. Watching a video while doing something should not be an impossible task. Jumping out of a video to read a text message should not make make you lose the entire streaming video buffer (looking at you, YouTube)."

Android 4.4 KitKat coming to HTC One Nexus Edition soon - other Nexus devices implicated, HTC Sense version to follow

It seems that trying to get a precise date for Google's Android KitKat update on most any device is like trying to draw blood from a stone. Google has only said that existing Nexus devices, including the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10, will be getting the software "soon" and hinted that it'll be available quicker for these devices than those of third-party OEMs. We should jolly well think so too.

There may be some hope afterall, though. According to GottaBeMobile, HTC revealed its plans to update the HTC One Google Play/Nexus Edition running stock Android, to 4.4 KitKat "within 15 days of its (KitKat's) unveiling," that would place a rollout sometime this week. You can bet your bottom dollar that it won't be coming out on the HTC One Nexus Edition alone, so either expect the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 to be boosted at the same time, or just before.

Chiming in with HTC's revelation, Twitter user LlabTooFer, someone with established close connections to HTC and a reliable track record, tweeted that the Google Edition KitKat software (for the HTC One) is "almost finished," and that the "sense version is under early test."

So, don't expect the update for the regular HTC One and its comrades too soon, but it is on the way.

Huawei has confirmed that it will be pushing out Android 4.4 to its Ascend P6 in January 2014. News of the update comes via GSM Arena and you can check the full report out below: 

"The Huawei Ascend P6 was just officially confirmed to get the Android 4.4 KitKat treatment. The Chinese have taken it to Baidu to announce that the super slim smartphone will be getting the latest major Android release in January. Alongside it will come the new version of the company's proprietary Emotion UI," said the report. 

Android 4.4 KitKat: Some Tasty Tips & Tricks

If you’ve already picked up a Nexus 5 –– Congrats! –– it’s an awesome phone, perhaps even one of the best Android handsets of the year. The specs are great, the hardware is plentiful, it runs the latest build of Android (4.4) and it costs just £299 off contract. What’s not to like?

So what about Android 4.4 KitKat? Below are some handy tips and tricks that’ll ensure you get the most out of your new handset. We’ll be adding more as and when we discover them. But for now here’s our current pick. 

Get “Okay, Google” working in UK 

Google’s always-on Google Now feature –– the one where you say, “Okay, Google” –– for some reason does not work when you have your handset’s language settings on English UK.

Why this is the case is unclear. Fortunately, there’s a work a round. All you have to do is go into Google Now –– swipe left from the Home screen –– go into Settings (three dots in the bottom right corner), then Voice and Select Language and reset it to English US. “Okay, Google” will now work from inside Google Now and from any of the Nexus 5’s homescreen.

Save Battery with Smarter Location settings

More and more applications want to know where you are and what you’re doing. All of this location pinpointing requires GPS, and that in turn warrants juice from your Nexus 5’s battery. Google knows this and has attempted something of a workaround inside Android 4.4 called Battery Saving GPS Mode.

Battery Saving GPS Mode essentially minimises the number of reference points used to derive your exact location and thus saves you unnecessary battery wastage. To enable this go to: Settings > Location > Mode, and enable Battery Saving.

For pinpoint accuracy, as and when you need it, go back into the Settings and select High Accuracy.

Turn off NFC

Not using NFC? Turn it off.

Check out Google’s Android KitKat animation

Hidden away inside Android 4.4’s menu settings is a little KitKat animation. It doesn’t do anything other than let you spin the KitKat logo but it is quite cool, especially for bragging rights –– no one will have KitKat for quite some time unless they have a Nexus.

To locate this little animation, head to Settings > About Phone > and then triple tap on Android Version. The KitKat animation boots up shortly thereafter. To get back to the Home screen just tap the Home button. 

Sony reveals Android 4.4. KitKat update roadmap

Sony has revealed its plans to introduce Android 4.4 KitKat to existing Xperia devices.

In a post on the company's SonyMobile blog, Sony said, "We've seen lots of questions on our Android upgrade roadmap and equally, we have lots to tell you, so here's a note on just that..."

Sony clarified that several of its existing Xperia handsets would be making the jump to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean shortly.

"We're pleased to tell you that well start rolling Android 4.3 for Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia SP, Xperia Z Ultra and Xperia Z1 from next month."

The Xperia T, Xperia TX and Xperia V will also be upgraded on the same schedule.

Somewhat frustratingly, Sony hasn't specified exactly when its devices will get KitKat 4.4, only revealing that the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z Ultra and Xperia Z1 will be making the jump.

Instead of a precise date, or even a vague one, Sony has simply stated that users should "stay tuned to the social newsroom and @SonyMobileNews," where the company will update us with more specific details "as things progress."

Still, at least something is happening.

Android 4.4.1 update already in the works

Evidence has emerged suggesting Google is already hard at work on an Android 4.4.1 update patch for its latest mobile software.

On Monday 4 November a member of the XDA developer forums discovered some code for Android 4.4.1 intended to disable the translucent menu bars for the Nexus 10 tablet as apprently Google is having some trouble implementing this feature on the larger tablet device.

Today, November 7, another bit of info has emerged to add weight to the Android 4.4.1 idea as tech blog Myce reports that an "inattentive Google employee" has revealed the build under development. Myce spotted the KOT31B build in Google's Chromium issue tracker.

"The issue was first marked with the Google-Restrict-View label which makes it only readable to Google employees but the label was later removed," Myce reports, "The build is only a week old and could be the sign we’ll see a 4.4.1 version."

The "K" aligns with the version name for KitKat or Key Lime Pie (KitKat's earlier development name, Jelly Bean builds had a "J"), while the T31 indicates the build is from October 31.

Android 4.4’s Advanced Photo Editor detailed

Android 4.4 features an advanced photo-editing suite that Google has optimised for use on both smartphones and tablets. Google software engineer Nicolas Roard took to YouTube to detail the application aboard a Nexus 7 slate.

With KitKat’s Photo Editor you can apply predefined looks, alter the geometry, saturation and applied filters. But perhaps best of all – Photo Editor is non-destructive. Which means no matter what you do to an image you can always revert back to the original one.

“The editor is pretty powerful, works on tablet and phones, handles full-size image processing, zooming, re-edit, image exports, user presets, etc. This new version also adds more powerful specialized tools (graduated filters, per-channel saturation controls, local adjustments, etc.),” wroteRoard in a Google+ post. 

You can also export an image from Photo Editor in different sizes and file formats. Photo Editor is now shipping inside ASOP, according to Google.

Check out the demonstration below: 

What else is new inside Android 4.4 KitKat?

Android 4.4 is officially here alongside and inside the Google Nexus 5. Ahead of launch there was plenty of speculation about both the handset and Google’s confectionary-baiting software update. So what’s new inside the latest build of Android 4.4? Quite a bit as it goes… Google has reworked the UX, added in better support for low-end hardware, and tweaked many of Android’s core elements. 

Here are some of Android 4.4's best bits...

Better Visuals

Applications and games can now use the entirety of the display with 4.4, meaning no more notifications bar and no more battery icon. Just full screen applications and games. Android’s UI now stays hidden whenever you’re interacting with content. 

“To make sure that users always have easy, consistent access to system UI from full-screen immersive mode, Android 4.4 supports a new gesture — in immersive mode, an edge swipe from the top or bottom of the screen now reveals the system UI,” said Google.

Sensors

Like Apple’s M7 coprocessor, Android KitKat now wants to know more about what you do and where you are. To enable this Google has enabled hardware sensor batching inside 4.4, a feature that makes sensors far less power hungry. 

“Android works with the device hardware to collect and deliver sensor events efficiently in batches, rather than individually as they are detected. This lets the device's application processor remain in a low-power idle state until batches are delivered. You can request batched events from any sensor using a standard event listener, and you can control the interval at which you receive batches.” 

Performance

This is the big one –– Android 4.4 will run on handsets with just 512MB of RAM. That’s right, people: KitKat will theoretically run on the HTC Hero, a handset that came out almost three years ago! 

KitKat streamlines every major component to reduce memory use and introduces new APIs and tools to help developers create more memory-efficient applications.

“OEMs building the next generation of Android devices can take advantage of targeted recommendations and options to run Android 4.4 efficiently, even on low-memory devices. Dalvik JIT code cache tuning, kernel samepage merging (KSM), swap to zRAM, and other optimizations help manage memory.”

Cloud printing

It’s not a deal breaker by any means but you can now print using Google Cloud Print via your Android 4.4-powered handset and/or tablet. Google has opened up the APIs to developers, so expect support inside most of the big name apps inside Google Play very soon. 

“Android 4.4 introduces native platform support for printing, along with APIs for managing printing and adding new types of printer support. The platform provides a print manager that mediates between apps requesting printing and installed print services that handle print requests.”

“The print manager provides shared services and a system UI for printing, giving users consistent control over printing from any app. The print manager also ensures the security of content as it's passed across processes, from an app to a print service.”

Faster Multitasking

Android 4.4 features a raft of back-end tweaks aimed at improving the overall performance and speed with which you handset computes tasks. Google has further optimised memory inside Android 4.4 –– it can now run on just 512MB of RAM –– and touchscreen response is better, too. 

The end result is a smoother UX, faster loading applications and a significant bump in multitasking performance. Android was pretty decent at running multiple apps before –– say, Spotify and Chrome and email. With KitKat it'll be even better. 

Smart Caller ID

Inside Android you can sync you contacts list with a myriad of social networks and account types, including: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google, Google Mail, Google+. This sync pulls your contacts' details across and links their profile picture to their name in your contacts app, thus giving you a tidy, useful, contacts list complete with profile pictures.

KitKat takes things further. When you receive a call from an unknown number –– like a business or a pizza delivery guy, for instance –– KitKat will scan Google Maps for an appropriate image and, if it can find one, use it for the caller ID. The idea is to give you a better idea of who is calling you.

The “OK Google” command

The Moto X could do it and now so can Android KitKat. Navigate to Settings, turn the feature on and say “Okay Google” and watch Google Now magically appear before your eyes on your handset's display –– no touching required. 

You can ask it about the weather, for directions, theatre times, and sports scores. Or, you can get it to play a certain song, text a friend, or make a phone call.

Hangouts is the new SMS

In a bid to bolster its position against the likes of WhatsApp, Viber, and BBM –– now available on Android and iOS –– Google has repurposed its Hangouts application to feature SMS and MMS messages, as well as IM threads from your Google contacts.

You can even share your location with the new Hangouts and send animated GIFs.  

Screen recording

Screen-grabs are one thing but having the ability to capture real-time video of what’s happening on your droid’s display is another thing entirely. With Android KitKat this is now a reality, and all saved content is stored on your device as an MP4 file.  

“By default, the utility selects a resolution equal or close to the device's display resolution in the current orientation. When you are done recording, you can share the video directly from your device or pull the MP4 file to your host computer for post-production.”

Built in support for IR blasters

“Android 4.4 introduces platform support for built-in IR blasters, along with a new API and system service that let you create apps to take advantage them.”

That means all new Android handsets, providing they have latent IR functionality, can be used to control a myriad of devices including your HDTV and stereo. 

And because the API is open to developers there’s likely to be all kinds of IR Blaster features added to current and upcoming applications and content inside Google Play.

That’s it for now, but we’ll update this piece with more information once we’ve had a play with Android 4.4 properly. In the mean time why not check out all the Nexus 5 details –– it’s a god damn monster! 

Android 4.4 KitKat update coming to Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 "very soon"

OK, so Android 4.4. isn’t coming to the Samsung Galaxy Nexus – but other Nexus devices won’t miss out. As Google’s senior vice president Sundar Pichai writes on the official Google blog, it will be coming to the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 “soon”. “Android 4.4, KitKat, which comes on Nexus 5, will also soon be available on Nexus 4, 7, 10, the Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One Google Play edition devices in the coming weeks,” he writes.

Cult of Android predict that those with a Nexus (what’s the plural of Nexus – Nexi? Nexuses? Nexon?) won’t have too long to wait. “Just think of those with other devices from the likes of Samsung, HTC, and LG who will likely wait months for it.”, it reports.

Click over to the next page for all the pre-release Android 4.4 gossip.

13:25

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