Android 4.4 KitKat: All the features that you need to know

Android version 4.4. KitKat is out for all Android fans and users with the Nexus devices are likely to get the update soon. What is even more interesting is that Google has ensured that version 4.4 runs comfortably on smartphones with 512 MB of RAM and thus even if you don’t have a top of the line of Android, you should be able to run 4.4. Of course all of this is dependent on the fact that whether you OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) will roll out the update but by ensuring that the OS runs even on lower end devices, Google has taken a much needed step. Google also says that they’ve reduced the memory consumption not just in Android but across Google apps like Chrome and YouTube as well which should bode well for both battery and speed. So what’s new in version 4.4 KitKat: 1) The Ok Google command is here: This feature ensures that you don’t have to touch the screen to open the smartphone and do anything. Currently however the feature is only available on the Nexus 5 but hopefully it will roll out to other Nexus devices soon. The feature was already shown off in the Moto X smartphone. The feature allows users to use Google Now to set commands and do things like make a call, send an SMS, even play music. Users can link a set of keyword commands to Google Now search and the phone will do the rest. Also KitKat allows for interaction between users and the smartphone to improve search queries, so yes, Google Now will talk back to you when you give a command as well. 2) Hangouts all the way: Google has got rid of the SMS app and now everything is about Hangouts. Users can search across contacts, including Google Apps accounts. All your SMS and MMS messages will in this one place. 3) Immersive mode: There’s a new immersive mode, which automatically hides everything else when you’re reading, playing a game or watching a movie. To bring it all back, just swipe the edge of the screen and the status bar and navigation buttons will reappear. [caption id=“attachment_1177489” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Android KitKat is here.[/caption] 4) An improved caller app: The new phone app automatically prioritises your contacts based on who you talk to the most. When you get a caller from an unknown number, Google Maps will search for matches from businesses with a local listing. How efficient this will be in India, remains to be seen. 5) Emoji: Google keyboard now has Emoji smileys in it as well. Good news for those who love these colourful Japanese characters. 6) Print from anywhere: Users can now print documents from phones. You will need to connect your printer to Google Cloud Print, or own an HP ePrint printer. Also other printers that have supporting apps in the Google Play Store will work. 7) Bluetooth MAP support: Got a bluetooth enabled car? Android now supports the Message Access Profile (MAP) so Bluetooth-enabled cars can exchange messages with your smartphone. Android 4.4 supports ChromeCast as well, although you will need a device to project what you’re watching on your smartphone to your TV. Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, and Google Play are all supported by ChromeCast. Android 4.4’s Downloads app has also been redesigned as was predicted. It now gives users new sorting options and list and grid views for all the files downloaded.