Google’s latest Android 4.4 OS aka KitKat, may be headed our way soon, possibly this month, if speculation proves right. While this is still unconfirmed, an increasing number of leaks have helped create a pretty clear picture of the new OS. The latest report to surface comes from Gadget Helpline, which presents an extensive hands-on with what it claims is an old build of Android 4.4. And the leak comes with a list of probable features. Before getting to that, though, we should look at the validity of the claim. All images of the build prominently seem to show the name Key Lime Pie. The build itself is dated August 28. This establishes that the build is pretty old and many of the visual features currently being seen might not hit the final version. The build seems to be meant for a device codenamed Hammerhead, the known device codename for the new Nexus phone, although the model number clearly belongs to the Nexus 4. The first thing noted, in terms of additions, seems to be new sub-sections in the options menu for Printing and Payments. The first feature may be Google’s attempt to bring in native smartphone printing to its handsets. The feature, while being seen in the option menu, did not reveal much, as the Printing menu turned out to be blank when entered by the source.
The build, termed Key Lime Pie, is meant for a device tagged Hammerhead (Image credit:gadget helpline)
The Payments option, on the other hand seems to come with a bit more information. The report speculates that the feature may be used to integrate wireless NFC payments with the Android system itself, as opposed to doing so with a third-party app. Another feature already seen in older Android builds, wireless display, also made an appearance in the new OS. The option allows for wireless video output to TV units. Another feature seen in earlier builds, "Manage Mobile plan”, was spotted here within the Wireless and Networks menu. The feature can be used to prevent background apps from using additional data when connected to a personal hotspot. The source also claims that the KitKat will look similar to its predecessor, Jelly Bean. The lock screen, multiple home screens, dock and notification center look similar, although the animations are reportedly smoother. The icons in the notification center, which were previously blue, now come in a white avatar. Google has also given a fresh look to some of the system apps like the Dialer. The new version comes with the black colour being displayed less prominently. A large blue bar is now seen at the bottom of the screen featuring calling, call history and menu buttons. It would be a wise move to recall that this is an old build we are talking about. It is entirely possible that Google might land up scrapping some of the design UI in favour of another style. The lack of new wallpapers or themes seems to validate this thought, according to the source.
The new dialer should look good, provided Google sticks to the style
The new Android OS is also said to come with a few new photo editing options as well. These include a new Tilt-Shift and Center Focus options as well as Negative and Posterise effects. Users may also be able to export the edited images in a size of their choice and make use of an adjustable quality slider. Also seen in this menu was the Printing option spoken about earlier. The feature seems to come as a menu option while viewing an image. The user should now be able to save an image as a PDF on the device or search for network printers to get out a hard copy. You also seem to have options to select the paper size, colour or black and white, page numbers to print, orientation as well as the number of copies you want printed. A quick scan of the rest of the OS revealed by the source shows that Google may also be planning to integrate a bunch of new native apps as well. This includes Drive, for storing files, Keep, for note taking and QuickOffice, for text documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Quickoffice seem to link up with Drive to sync cloud-stored files to a mobile device as well, which is quite nifty. The option also allows users to save their images as PDF files in this folder to print later. Overall, it looks like KitKat is going to be a subtle step up and provide users with a few new features as well as a bunch of productivity apps. This is not the final version of the OS, though, and it is highly possible that the final version will come with a lot of changes. Be that as it may, Android 4.4 definitely looks good so far, and we can’t wait to get our hands on it.
ReadMore:Android Games
No comments:
Post a Comment