Massive List of Android 4.4 KitKat Features Mostly Detailed

[dgstorm]

[video=youtube;sONcojECWXs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sONcojECWXs[/video]​

It looks like the new 4.4 KitKat version is the most significant upgrade for Android in a quite some time. It includes a massive array of new features. The above video is a DevBytes teaser for a small few of the new features. Here's a quick breakdown of many more:

• Now supports lower-end devices and can run on just 512MB of RAM.
• It will now have a new launcher.
• Translucent system UI styling.
• Enhanced notification access.
• Includes faster multi-tasking.
• More advanced caller ID.
• new white/gray color scheme and fonts.
• There is a new sensor batching technology. This is meant to cut down on sensor power consumption by grouping and prioritizing requests. Google claims it is now 25% more accurate, and can ask back for clarification.
• It will now have wireless printing functionality.
• Includes support for IR Blasters natively. It is limited to sending functions only for now. It can't learn or receive yet. This is probably just a feature that is in progress since it is mostly not very useful yet.
• Native screen recording and can output in MP4 format.
• Now supports Moto X-style "OK Google" voice commands. For now this only will work with the Nexus 5. Supposedly this feature is hardware dependent, although Google hasn't shared what is required.
• Bluetooth devices will now be able to control the system volume directly instead of having to adjust two different volumes.
• There is a new lock screen which includes a camera shortcut. You can also rearrange your homescreen.
• Built-in Chromecast support.
• Chrome web view.
• Full-screen wallpapers with preview.
• HDR+ photography.
• Location in Quick Settings.
• Low-power audio playback.
• Music and movie-seeking from lock screen.
• The NFC payment system doesn't require using the secure element anymore. It uses a software based emulation work around. Because of this, carriers can no longer use this as an excuse to not support Google's NFC payment functions.

There's still quite a bit more we didn't include because the list would have been monstrous, but you can check out more at the source links below. It's amazing that Google just soft-launched this absolutely incredible and massive update without any kind of press show.

Source: Android Developers - Android 4.4 KitKat and Android.com

 

[Iggy08]

Sounds awesome, I'm excited about finally using my Google wallet for NFC capable transactions!

I was hoping for some alternative themes as well, glad to see that included :-D

 

[mountainbikermark]

How much of this will actually seen in non nexus devices? Probably not much after manufacturers and carriers overwrite and reskin things.

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[skennelly]

How much of this will actually seen in non nexus devices? Probably not much after manufacturers and carriers overwrite and reskin things.

Support Our Troops!!!
<><
I'm an "s pen aholic" Noteate

Good point. Makes me thankful for cyanogenmod!

 

[TOMMYBOT]

I wan this on my new maxx!!!

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[pc747]

was going to open a new thread but I think this video actually compliment this thread.

[video=youtube;f7TD3Z03l2I]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7TD3Z03l2I[/video]

Nice review by MB.

 

[Iggy08]

was going to open a new thread but I think this video actually compliment this thread.

YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7TD3Z03l2I

Nice review by MB.

That was a great video, looked at his other videos and I'm definitely going to start following him

 

[TOMMYBOT]

Yes I am already a subscriber on you tube. I really like his reviews.

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[IIGood]

It'll never see the light of day on a VZ Galaxy Nexus.

 

[cobravnm13]

Please let a dev get this working on a D3.

 

[TatDroid]

was going to open a new thread but I think this video actually compliment this thread.

YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7TD3Z03l2I

Nice review by MB.

As I was watching this review I was thinking "this guy's voice sounds a little like me", then two different times during the review he said "Google Now" and my Moto X touchless control fired up and wanted to know what I wanted it to do...

 

[FoxKat]

Roflol.

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