Google has confirmed that the Android 4.4 KitKat update has started rolling out to the Google Nexus 10 and Google Nexus 7.
The latest version of Google’s mobile OS was released alongside the Google Nexus 5 on October 31, but its taken an extra two weeks for the software to make its way to the rest of the Nexus range.
Now Google has taken to Google+ (of course) to confirm that this is so. “Starting today, Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013) and Nexus 10 will be getting a tasty update to Android 4.4, KitKat,” reads the post.
You’ve probably noticed that there’s one glaring omission from that list. What of the Google Nexus 4, last year’s flagship Android phone? That’s coming a little later – but not too much later, it seems.
“Stay tuned, Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 versions with mobile data will be getting the update soon!” continues the post.
In truth Android 4.4 KitKat isn’t a massive advancement over Android 4.1 to 4.3 Jelly Bean. It adds a cooler, more neutral colour scheme to its screen furniture, while there are newly transparent status and navigation bars to give apps more space.
Google has tucked widgets out of the way, where they can’t confuse first time users anymore (everyone uses the ‘press-and-hold’ adding technique anyway), icons are a little flatter, and wireless printing has been implemented.
But the real improvement to Android 4.4 KitKat is that it’s a far more lightweight and nimble OS, capable of running well on low-end hardware. As such, we should see more of the real improvements on these older devices (and the Nexus 4, when it catches up) than we did on the Nexus 5.
It’s also why there’s been a popular petition to get the KitKat update to the two-year-old Samsung Galaxy Nexus.
Next, read our Google Nexus 5 vs Nexus 4 comparison.
Editorial independence
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.
Editorial independence
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.
