Android 4.4 KitKat: All you need to know

Finally, Google’s latest iteration of Android is here. The Android 4.4 KitKat comes with some nifty changes under-the-hood, aimed at improving Android phones. It’s now confirmed that Android KitKat will support lower-end Android phones too. Until now, memory constraints and resource utlisation by newer versions of the OS had prevented some lower-spec phones from enjoying new Android releases. This time around, Google has trimmed down Android’s memory fooprints and removed services that run unnecessarily in the background, which has eventually helped reduce memory consumption. Moreover, KitKat will now comfortably run on a phone with merely 512MB of RAM, bringing Android to a wider number of Android users.

Let’s take a quick look at what’s new in the Android 4.4 KitKat version of the OS. Firstly, expect an even deeper integration of Google Now. Google has included the “OK Google” command. The feature ensures that you don’t have to touch the screen to start using the device. You can swipe once from your homescreen to summon Google Now and put it to work by saying “OK Google”, to launch voice search, send a text, get directions or even play a song.  Users simply have to link a set of keyword commands to Google Now search and the phone will do the rest. However, currently the feature is exclusive to the Nexus 5 but is expected to  roll out to other Nexus devices soon.

More from News & Analysis

What is the US HIRE Bill and why is India’s $250-billion IT sector worried? Is the internet dead? What's this theory that OpenAI's Sam Altman says might be true?

Some real sleek changes

One of the most talked about feature of the 4.4 KitKat version is “Print from anywhere”. It allows users to print documents from their phones. Users will need to connect their printers to Google Cloud Print or own an HP ePrint printer, though. However, the feature will work with other “supporting” printer apps on the Play Store too.

The new KitKat version also introduces an all new Dialer app with integrated search functionality. Google is making calling easier than ever, by helping users search across contacts, nearby places, or even Google Apps accounts. The improved caller app automatically prioritises contacts based on who you call frequently. In fact, if you get a call from an unknown number, Google Maps will search for similar matches from businesses with a local listing.

One will also find the new Immersive mode that automatically hides everything else when you are watching a movie, reading an ebook or playing a game. Simply swipe the edge of the screen, and the status bar and navigation buttons will reappear. Google also bids goodbye to its SMS app, now pushing all the focus on Hangouts. It recently announced SMS and MMS integration in Hangouts, and users can even search across contacts, including Google Apps accounts.

An immersive fullscreen and an integrated message experience

The Android KitKat version will also come with Bluetooth Message Access Profile (MAP) support. This means Bluetooth-enabled cars can exchange messages with your smartphone.  There’s support for ChromeCast too. It should be noted that Netflix, YouTube, Hulu Plus, and Google Play are all supported by ChromeCast. The Downloads app gets a facelift with new sorting options, and list and grid views. The Google keyboard will now include Emoji smileys in it as well.
 
Recently Google made QuickOffice free and it will now come preinstalled with Android 4.4. QuickOffice suite that lets users create and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files, view PDF files and also access files in Google Drive. Besides, some other changes include support for multiple local and cloud storage services and native screen recording.

The OS is first launching with the Nexus 5 and will then make its way to devices like the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, the Google Play editions of Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One as an over-the-air (OTA) update, in the coming weeks.