Android 4.4 KitKat: A Screenshot Tour of New Features
Android 4.4 KitKat: A Significant Update
Despite the numerical designation, Android 4.4 KitKat represents a substantial advancement, not merely an incremental improvement. This release is considerably more impactful than the preceding Android 4.3 version.
Key Enhancements in KitKat
Google has implemented significant alterations to the Android user interface. These changes include the introduction of a completely new launcher experience.
The phone dialer application has been substantially enhanced with improved intelligence and functionality. This allows for more efficient contact searching and call management.
Further consolidation of Google’s messaging platforms has been achieved, streamlining communication for users. The Email application has also received notable improvements and refinements.
Benefits for Developers
Android 4.4 KitKat introduces a wealth of new features specifically designed to empower app developers. These additions provide expanded capabilities and opportunities for innovation.
Developers can now leverage these new tools to create more sophisticated and engaging applications for Android users. This ultimately benefits the entire Android ecosystem.
Google focused on optimizing the operating system for a wider range of devices, including those with limited resources.
The update also brought improvements to graphics rendering and memory management, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user experience.
Google Experience Launcher
This article details the Google Experience Launcher, and how to install it on various Android devices.
Although not officially a component of Android 4.4, the launcher was first introduced alongside this version on the Nexus 5.
Key Features
With Android 4.4, the Google Experience Launcher features a semi-transparent status and navigation bar on the home screen.
This design choice allows your wallpaper to be more visible, effectively minimizing the appearance of black bars.
Installation on Other Devices
The Google Experience Launcher can be installed on Android devices running Android 4.1 or a later version.
Currently, Google officially provides the launcher only for the Nexus 5.
Therefore, activation on other devices, including other Nexus models such as the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7, requires manual intervention.
The process involves enabling the launcher yourself, even on officially supported devices.
This allows users to experience the features of the launcher regardless of their specific Android device.
Android 4.4 Dialer Enhancements
The dialer application in Android 4.4 introduces a new search capability. Users can now directly search for businesses and initiate calls through the dialer interface.
For instance, opening the dialer and entering a search term like "pizza" will facilitate a quick connection to a local pizzeria.
Caller ID Functionality
With each incoming call, Android is now capable of leveraging Google’s servers to identify the caller. This caller ID feature is activated by default.
However, users retain the option to deactivate this functionality if desired. The dialer’s core functionality is now driven by Google Search.
Visual Demonstration
A Shift in Palette: From Blue to Gray in Android
One of the first changes users will observe is the transition away from the vibrant neon blue characteristic of Android’s Holo interface. A more subdued, neutral gray now defines the visual scheme.
Specifically, icons representing battery status, Wi-Fi connectivity, and cellular signal strength within the Android status bar have been updated to gray. This color scheme extends to the quick settings panel options and the accent colors used in the official Google Keyboard.
Rationale Behind the Color Change
The intention behind this alteration is to offer app developers a more versatile foundation. A neutral gray backdrop is expected to enhance the visual presentation of applications.
For instance, the distinctive red color scheme of the Netflix app will likely appear more harmonious when contrasted with gray system icons, rather than the previous blue.
This change aims to create a more cohesive and visually appealing user experience across the Android platform.
Hangouts SMS Integration
The integration of SMS functionality within Google's Hangouts application – which succeeded Google Talk – now negates the requirement for a dedicated Messaging app. This capability isn't limited to devices running Android 4.4; it's also accessible on earlier Android versions following a Hangouts update.
Within Android 4.4, Hangouts functions as a designated "SMS provider." Other SMS applications are also able to register as SMS providers, thereby establishing themselves as the default messaging application.
While multiple applications can monitor for incoming SMS messages, only the user’s selected default SMS app is authorized to dispatch SMS messages.
How SMS Provisioning Works
The system allows for multiple apps to listen for SMS messages. However, the operating system restricts sending capabilities to just one app at a time – the one the user has chosen as their default.
This design ensures that SMS messages are handled consistently and prevents conflicts between different messaging applications attempting to send messages simultaneously.
Users retain control over which application manages their SMS communications, offering flexibility and choice.
- Hangouts can now handle both Hangouts messages and traditional SMS.
- Older Android versions receive this functionality via a Hangouts update.
- Multiple apps can receive SMS, but only one can send.
The introduction of SMS support within Hangouts streamlines the messaging experience for Android users. It consolidates communication channels into a single application.
Printing Capabilities
Related information: A guide to initiating use with Google Cloud Print.
The Android operating system now incorporates a native printing framework. This integrated system feature provides default support for both Google Cloud Print and HP ePrint. However, developers are also empowered to extend printer compatibility through the provided API.
Consequently, users should be able to expand printer support by installing applications from Google Play, which will then seamlessly integrate with Android’s printing infrastructure.
A dedicated Printing section is now accessible within Android’s Settings menu. Furthermore, numerous pre-installed applications now offer printing functionality.
For instance, within the Chrome browser, selecting the menu button and then choosing the Print option allows for the printing of webpages.
File Selection in KitKat
Android 4.4 KitKat introduces an enhanced method for locating and selecting files. This new file picker provides access to both files stored directly on your device and those residing in cloud-based storage platforms, such as Google Drive.
The system is designed to be extensible, allowing integration with a variety of cloud storage providers. Currently, Box integration is available, and other services like Dropbox or SkyDrive can be added through the implementation of a "document provider" interface.
Key Features of the File Picker
- Unified Access: Users can choose files from either local device storage or connected cloud services.
- Cloud Service Compatibility: The architecture supports integration with any cloud storage service capable of implementing the necessary protocols.
- Existing Integrations: Box is already supported, offering seamless file access.
With the KitKat file picker, selecting the appropriate file for any task is simplified, regardless of where it is stored. The ability to choose from multiple sources streamlines the user experience.
Immersive Mode in Android
Android has introduced a new functionality known as "immersive mode." This feature enables applications to conceal both the status bar, located at the screen's upper portion, and the on-screen buttons situated at the bottom, specifically on Nexus devices.
Consequently, applications such as games, video playback software, and digital book readers are able to utilize the full display area for content presentation.
How Immersive Mode Works
It's important to note that this functionality isn't automatically activated. The decision to implement immersive mode rests with the individual app developers, who must determine its suitability for their respective applications.
Alongside this feature, Android incorporates two novel edge gestures designed to enhance user interaction.
- When immersive mode is active within an application, a swipe originating from either the top or bottom screen edge will temporarily display the previously hidden status and navigation bars.
This allows for quick access to system controls without disrupting the immersive experience. The gesture-based reveal provides a seamless transition between full-screen content and essential system information.
Enhancements to the Email Application
Significant updates have been implemented for the pre-installed Email app. The application’s interface has been redesigned, now closely resembling that of the popular Gmail app.
This redesign extends to shared navigational elements and settings, resulting in a more familiar and intuitive user experience.
A Modernized Experience
Previously perceived as outdated, the Email app now benefits from a contemporary aesthetic and improved functionality.
The changes address long-standing user feedback, transforming the app from a neglected component into a competitive email client.
Tap and Pay Functionality
Tap and Pay is a feature found within the Settings menu of KitKat devices. It is closely linked to NFC (Near Field Communication) technology and its diverse applications.
Through a process called "host card emulation," Android now empowers applications to mimic the functionality of an NFC smart card. This capability expands the potential uses of NFC technology on Android devices.
Current and Future Applications
Currently, this feature primarily facilitates the use of the Google Wallet app on any NFC-enabled device. The integration ensures seamless mobile payments.
Looking ahead, this integrated system provides a standardized method for a wider range of applications – including loyalty programs and alternative digital wallets – to interact with NFC-compatible payment terminals.
The implications are significant, potentially streamlining transactions across various platforms.
NFC Reader Mode
Beyond emulating cards, Android 4.4 also introduced "Reader Mode." This allows applications to operate as NFC readers themselves.
This functionality expands the versatility of NFC, enabling devices to not only make payments but also to read information from NFC tags and devices.
This opens up possibilities for data exchange and interaction with NFC-enabled objects.
Reduced Memory FootprintWhile not immediately visually apparent, a core improvement within KitKat lies in substantial optimization efforts. Android 4.4 KitKat is now capable of functioning effectively on devices equipped with only 512MB of RAM.
Consequently, Android’s performance should be notably enhanced on lower-specification devices. Manufacturers currently utilizing Android 2.3 Gingerbread on their most affordable products should now have a viable path to upgrade their offerings.
Enhanced Process Monitoring
A new “Process stats” feature has been incorporated into the concealed Developer Options menu. This provides a more detailed breakdown of each active process and its corresponding memory consumption.
This expanded information is intended to assist developers in refining their applications for more efficient memory utilization.
Google’s dedicated Android KitKat resource for developers details a comprehensive array of additional features.
A significant portion of these enhancements are geared towards developers, requiring integration into applications to become accessible and beneficial to end-users.