Android 4.4 KitKat has been spotted running on a Google Nexus 7 2 tablet, although it is another early build of Google’s upcoming mobile OS.
Building on the first Android 4.4 screenshots we were given at the start of the month, this later version show the first KitKat influences we could expect to see when it launches later this month.
Previously known as Android Key Lime Pie, Google announced Android KitKat will be the name for its next mobile OS in September. Although this is a later build than previously seen, and bears some KitKat branding, the Android version is still listed as KeyLimePie in the Settings.
Google will seemingly introduce a moving mosaic dynamic wallpaper with Android KitKat that acts as a timeline for the various Android iterations ranging from Cup Cake to Jelly Bean and beyond.
As seen in the various side by side comparisons, there are noticeable design differences between Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and Android 4.4 KitKat. In the App Menu icons for YouTube, Voice Search, Settings, Google Settings and Google itself all get redesigns, while there’s the new addition of QuickOffice and Google Messenger disappears.
Supporting previous leaks of the upcoming mobile OS, Google will introduce Cloud Print with KitKat enabling users to print documents directly from their tablets and smartphones.
Also seen in the latest screenshots is the new “Tap & Pay” NFC payment system with Google Wallet integration. This will enable users to “Pay with just a tap”, similar to the Contactless payments service offered by some debit cards.
Within the apps themselves, Google has introduced subtle changes to distinguish Android 4.4 KitKat. The Clock display has been lowered and more centred, with the bold hour ditched in favour of a more streamlined presentation. The actual clock logo in-app has moved from the bottom left to top right as well.
Similar changes have been made to the Stop Watch as well, including the removal of the hour and minute markers. The Timer has retained the markers but they have moved from top to bottom and the bold font has been done away with.
Google has also changed the downloads menu. Previously it has been a smaller pop-out window in the current screen, but now it gets its own white, full-screen window.
Android 4.4 KitKat is expected to launch alongside the Google Nexus 5 any day now, but we’ll keep you posted on any updates.
Next, read our pick of the best Android phones of 2013.
Via: ZDNet
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
