Google has just unveiled its latest mobile device software Android KitKat 4.4. This new software will improve performance and will feature some great new built-in applications. It also follows their line of sweet named software systems from Cupcake to Jelly Bean.
KitKat 4.4 Feature Improvements
Always listening
One of its most interesting features is its ability to listen and search. There’s no need to touch the homepage screen just say ‘OK Google’ followed by your request and it will react to you. It doesn’t need to launch a separate app to find the closest fast food restaurant or your favorite tune. KitKat follows in the footsteps of the Google Glass and is always listening for your commands!
Full screen
KitKat also makes the most of the mobile’s screen size especially when using web browsers or eBook reader apps. Using the full screen option will make the top bar transparent and can make the bottom menu bar disappear. You just drag them down or up if you need to see or use them.
See who’s calling you
KitKat will try to find out who is calling you from an unknown number. It will detect local listings via Google Maps from the area where the call is made.So if you are using your work’s phone line, the person you are calling might realize who it is. Really useful as many of us won’t answer calls from unknown numbers.
Google QuickOffice
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Android KitKat will have this pre-installed which means you will be able to edit documents that have been created in Microsoft Office. Really helpful for those receiving work emails with attachments whilst out of the office.
Older phones
KitKat 4.4 will run on lower powered mobile devices which means some older phones will be able to support it. As Google has also been trying to stabilize the Android systems for apps so that developers don’t have to produce an app for the various different versions of Android software. KitKat 4.4 should go some way to improve this.
Longer lasting battery power
KitKat 4.4. has also learnt a thing or two from Apple’s iPhone 5S which has a low-power motion processor. KitKat uses low power sensors known as ‘hardware sensor batching’. In layman’s terms this means that processing will be done in batches so that the main sensor doesn’t need to be on high alert all the time. And hey presto the battery lasts longer. That’s got to be good news.
Popular with other manufacturers
Google’s Nexus 5 smartphone will use this new software system and several manufacturers have said they will update their smartphones with this software. Google will also update the Nexus 4 smartphone and 7 and 10 tablets with Android 4.4. The HTC One series are also updating.
One manufacturer that isn’t following in their footsteps is Samsung who will not install KitKat on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus devices.
Mobile phone insurance
Your Android smartphone will be even more precious to you with KitKat – and more tempting to others perhaps? Make sure you follow all the usual rules about keeping it safe, not leaving it laying around or using it in crowded places for opportunists to snatch.
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