Android 10 features

10 new features of Android KitKat

The launch of Android 4.4 is just around the corner, with rumours hinting at October 31 launch for the next version of Google OS. But you don’t have to wait that long to know what new features Google is bringing in the next version of its new mobile OS name KitKat. 

Several leaked images and videos have given clear details about the upcoming Android OS. Here are 10 new features of Android KitKat.

Feature:1

SMS integration in Hangouts

One of the biggest changes in Android KitKat will be the integration of SMS and MMS into Google Hangouts app, which recently replaced Google Talk. The new app update will indicate whether any particular message has been sent as a SMS, MMS or instant message (online chat).

Feature:2

Notification and Navigation Bars

The Notification Bar, which have remained solid black in colour till now, will be transparent and icons like battery, signal strength etc will be white in Android 4.4. Same is the case with Navigation Bar, where the Home, Back and App Switcher software keys are located.

Feature:3

Always listening

The report says that Google Now will have the 'always-on' functionality of Moto X in Android 4.4 and may accept commands in several languages, not just English.

Feature:4

Camera icon on lock screen

With Android 4.2, Google made it possible for users to access the Camera app from the locked screen by swiping to the right. While that option remains in Android 4.4, the new OS also features a Camera icon on the lower right corner for easy access, similar to iOS 7.

Feature:5

Design tweaks

The updated operating system will also bring a flatter look to the icons of apps like YouTube, Settings, Google Settings, Google and Voice Search and Settings. There are also a few tweaks to the font and designs in Downloads, Timer, Stopwatch and Clock apps. 

Feature:6

QuickOffice integration

Android KitKat is expected to come preloaded with QuickOffice, the productivity app that Google purchased recently. The company has already made it free for Android and iOS platforms.

Feature:7

Smoother UI

It also states that Android 4.4 is much lighter and faster than Android 4.3 and older versions. This is in line with rumours that the next version of Google’s mobile OS will be optimized for low-end phones.

Feature:8

Quick-start apps halved in number

The quick-start applications have been limited to just two in Android KitKat; previously, users could add up to four apps of their choice or create folders for more apps to access commonly used apps from any Home Screen.

Feature:9

Menu wallpaper

In the app menu, the background -- which used to be black in colour in previous Android version -- now has the look of the Home Screen wallpaper.

Feature:10

Cloud Printing

In Android 4.4, users will be able to send print commands over the web via Cloud Print, a service that was launched in June this year. It will allow them to send commands to print documents from their tablets, smartphones and laptops to connected printers.