What Android 4.4 KitKat?
Android 4.4 is the latest version of the mobile operating system from Google. The first phone to use the kitKat is Google’s Nexus 5, and we spent a few days with this mobile to discover new Android 4.4, also known as KitKat.
Interface of Android 4.4
With each new update of Android, there are always new features, but one of the most important changes in Android 4.4 KitKat has a new approach in terms of interface. In fact, the software does not seem totally different, but some fundamental changes are present. The line separating the bar containing quick access shortcuts have disappeared from the home screen, like tabs applications/widgets in the application menu.
This may not seem like much, but it makes the appearance of Android 4.4 Kitkat much simpler than Android 4.3. This change was clearly made after a thorough study of the use of the system by users. The truth is that people do not often change widgets. Generally, you will find a bar you like and maybe one or two widgets if you have a geek side, and that’s all. By hiding the widgets menu, Google gave a much more rough appearance to the system in the proper sense.
Still, add widgets is easy. A long press on an empty area of the home screen brings up a menu widgets wallpapers. We do not know for cons if widgets tab will remain on Android 4.4 tablets or not, because as mentioned above, our test is done from a smartphone.
You will also notice that the application icons have changed. They are now more curved, and their style is somewhat reminiscent of the world of comics.
Looks nicer Android 4.4 KitKat should delight fans of the new technology, and especially its more minimalist style is more enjoyable when using. However, anyone who has used Android recently will feel at ease. The basics of navigation have not changed, the system has simply been refined intelligently.
The notification bar is really simple compared to that of most manufacturers overlays. But, yes, there is a “but” No key enables / disable features or adjust the brightness, functions that would have been useful. Instead, you must navigate through the menus to access these features.
Android 4.4 Hangouts
There is a further integration of Drive storage service in the cloud, Google, and SMS are now in Google Hangouts. Hangouts, which I remind you, is the instant messaging service, Google Plus social network. This is a rather aggressive change whose goal is to eliminate applications such as whatsapp, but it is extremely easy and convenient to use if you already have a living on the internet led by Google (if you use Gmail, for example).
However, Google has made a compromise. In the settings menu, you can choose what you want to use SMS application. Base, there are only Hangouts in this menu, but you can download other applications from Google Play. For example, Handcent SMS is an application that has been chosen by many Android users.
Android 4.4 and Google Keep KitKat
Messaging applications are not the only Android 4.4 wants to eliminate. The Google Keep pre-loaded app attempts to replace Evernote. It allows you to create virtual sticky notes color, add images and sound.
Keep Google is very easy to use and it also allows you to create reminders of your upcoming events or tasks, and basic notes. As a reminder, Google Keep was introduced in March 2013, but received more advanced features in August 2013. For example, you can now create reminders based on your location. You will be alerted as soon as the GPS of your smartphone will realize that you are in the right place.
Android 4.4 and Quickoffice
Quickoffice is the most important new application that is pre-installed on Android 4.4 KitKat. This is a Microsoft Office suite that eliminates one of the major advantages of Windows Phone type ie its Office integration. Quickoffice was bought by Google in 2012, but this is the first time the application is included in a default version of Android. This is bad news for third office suites like Polaris OfficeSuite, but it is good news for us because it will save us to download other applications.
In addition to allowing people to edit and create documents, it also allows you to open PDF files. Google quickly removes the need to download third-party applications for everyday use. The number of things that a smartphone with Android 4.4 can do without third-party application is quite impressive.
But is that Quickoffice is really good?
If you use Google Drive is set up for backups, it is extremely convenient. You can slightly edit your documents and read them. You get a free 15 GB of cloud storage (cloud) which is enough to store many documents. Because good desktop applications are among the most expensive Google Play, it’s nice to see this feature introduced free.
Android 4.4 KitKat: An update on other improvements
Android 4.4 Kitkat is quietly smarter, and this is something that is visible in the phone app to Android 4.4 KitKat . Indeed, a feature called Caller ID is now available. This smart application seeking information about unknown numbers on the internet, and display the name of the company that calls when possible.
This is the kind of functionality that invisible considered obvious, but it is also a feature that announces the future of mobile operating systems.
It’s a little scary too, but hey, it’s Google after all.
The effect “seeing eye” is based on Android 4.4, and it shows in the way the system is designed. The new interface does not belong to an application “home screen” separate, but is part of the vast empire of Google search.
Android 4.4 and Google Now
Google Now, application similar to the voice of the iPhone virtual assistant, Siri, is being more forward with this new version of Google’s operating system. You can access it by holding down the home button, rather than opening the Google menu. Or simply by dragging your finger from left to right on the first home screen.
As before, the first sight of Google Now is a series of maps that provide helpful information based on your location. For example, the weather, the different ways to go home, or the list of nearby restaurants.
Google claims to have improved voice features of Android 4.4. But at present, they are still well below those of IOS. It is apparently possible to wake a Smartphone or open the Google Now menu by saying “Go Google“, but it just did not work during our test. Maybe an update is required?
Improvements in the Google search Now are not visible at the moment. Google provides an API that allows applications to integrate with the Google search Now. For example, you may be directed to an application containing recipes when looking for a recipe for chicken curry. That’s great, but at present the research always refer to the internet. We’ll see how it goes.
Android 4.4 KitKat and Printing
Printing part that is present in the settings is another new Android 4.4 KitKat. Print with Wi-Fi printers becomes easier.
Nothing new though, printer vendors already offer applications that do the same thing, and only support HP printers is now based. However, with this feature, many people will realize that printing from a phone is possible.
Android 4.4 KitKat and Tap & Pay
Tap & Pay is one of the new features of Android 4.4 the most useful, although quite useless in France. This is an application that gathers all the NFC payment services.
Android 4.4 KitKat: What Performance
Performance has never been a problem with Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. It was and still is a very responsive system that makes you forget the bad experiences that people have had with older versions of Android, which, admittedly, was not always very fluid.
Android 4.4 continues this. It is quick, and the only significant slowdown is caused by the device under Photo slowdown is probably due as much to the software components of the Nexus 5.
Should we move to Android 4.4 KitKat?
If your phone can be updated to Android 4.4 KitKat, there’s really no reason not to perform the update. The new design makes the new much more attractive interface, and the system is always full. However, if you use a phone other than a Nexus, it is likely that many interface changes will be hidden behind the overlay manufacturer.
Verdict
Android 4.4 KitKat is an excellent update that gives the Google operating system more user-friendly look that people particularly enjoy on iOS and Windows Phone.
