KitKat's new phone dialer and a new wallpaper treatment.
(Credit: Google)
As Google's Android chief Sundar Pichai put it, KitKat will be one version of the OS that will run across all smartphones. The goal is to bring Android to the next billion people and the way to do it is to make KitKat use less memory than previous Android versions.
Android 4.4 also will deliver a "beautiful immersive experience" and an expansion of Google's services to all corners of a device (I'll explain those in more detail below). KitKat will debut on the long-rumored Nexus 5 smartphone that Google also showed off today at a small meeting with reporters in San Francisco.
Giving everyone a break
Getting KitKat on all Android devices is by far the OS' most ambitious and most noble goal. Indeed, even devoted Android fans have to admit that the Android pie has long been cut into way too many slices.
Though Nexus phones and premium devices like the Samsung Galaxy S4 tend to be first in line for subsequent updates, low-end handsets tend to stay on one Android version (often Gingerbread) and one version only. And it's those entry-level devices (Pichai says that emerging markets have three times the Android growth of developed markets) that are prompting the change.
KitKat will give equipment manufacturers the choice to ship only one version of Android by 2014. According to Pichai, it's about selling devices with the latest version of Android and always keeping them on the latest version of Android.
So how will Google get there? While previous Android upgrades required more memory (often a challenge for budget devices), KitKat is changing that model by using 16 percent less memory than Jelly Bean. Also, on the performance front, KitKat brings a 12.9 percent more efficient use of pixels.
Yet, while this all sounds promising, it's unclear if Google will put any pressure on OEMs to ship every new handset with KitKat, even if they have the option to do so. Also, there's no guarantee that existing handsets already in the hands of users will get updated either. After you involve carriers and signature Android skins like Samsung's TouchWiz, the picture gets a little more complicated. So it will be interesting to see how this all plays out.
(Credit: Google)KitKat also is set to bring a new user experience that, as mentioned, Pichai bills as beautiful and immersive. Though "beautiful" is a matter of opinion, "immersive" actually means something real in this case (see below). What's more, though some of the feature additions confirm previously discussed dish from the KitKat rumor mill, there are other tidbits we hadn't heard about before. They include:
- The revamped phone dialer app will evaluate which contacts you talk to most and automatically prioritize your phone book accordingly. Also, integration with more Google apps such as Maps will let you search for nearby places and businesses right in the phone dialer.
- Caller ID gets a boost, as well. For incoming calls that don't match a phone number not in your contacts, Google apps will scan and display any matches from local businesses listed in Google Maps.
- The immersive mode will clear up clutter on your screen by automatically hiding everything except except the one thing you're viewing (like a photo, map, or game). In other words, you'll be in full-screen mode without status and navigation bars. When you're ready to move on, you can bring back your status bar and navigation buttons by swiping the edge of the screen.
- A new Hangouts app consolidates all of your text and mulitmedia messages, conversations, and video calls into one place.
- You'll be able to print photos, documents, and web pages from your phone or tablet. Any printer connected to Google Cloud Print will be compatible, along with HP ePrint printers and other printers with Google Play apps.
- If you have an Android device with an IR blaster, you'll be able to use applications that function as a TV remote. Also, capable devices will now support Chromecast.
- You'll get an emoji keyboard, if you're into that sort of thing.
- When switching between homescreens, you can change the order by moving them around.
- Support for the Message Access Profile (MAP) will let drivers exchange messages between their Bluetooth-enabled cars and devices.
- Closed captioning comes to most applications.
- A new look for the e-mail app brings nested folders, contact photos, and revamped navigation.
- NFC features now will work with more wireless carriers.
- App developers can take advantage of new step detection and counting composite sensors.
- Smaller details range from a uniform color for status bars to a new condensed font.
Lastly, KitKat has a deeper integration of Google services depending on how you use a phone. Google Now will be accessible via one swipe from the home screen. After saying "OK, Google," you can use voice search, send a text, get directions, or play a song. Also coming are new card types that give you more information specific to your interests.
When will I get it?
KitKat will debut today, October 31, on the Nexus 5, which is on sale at the Google Play store for $349 (though supplies are running low already). As for when it will land on existing Android devices, Google has said only that it will come to the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 Nexus 10 tablets, and the Samsung Galaxy S4 in the coming weeks. For its part, HTC has confirmed that all versions of the HTC One will get the update within 90 days (the HTC One Google Play edition will upgrade sooner) with the HTC One Max and One Mini following later.
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