5 Sure Shot Things That We Know About Android 4.4 KitKat: Release Date, Features And More

| Updated: Thursday, October 10, 2013, 14:47 [IST]

Google announced in September that it the next major of its popular mobile OS would be called as Android 4.4 KitKat. The company's announcement did not give away details on any new features or changes that would come with the OS.

But there have been several leaks and over the last few weeks, Gizbot has picked up many of them from around the Internet. They have provided a solid understanding of what to expect from KitKat.

Talking about the OS's promotion, Google has been able to develop a powerful global cross-promotion ties with Nestle. It looks like naming the OS as KitKat instead of Lime Pie (which was what Google initially called it) has allowed the company to enter into a powerful co-branding partnership.

With its 1 billion plus users, its not look Google has any trouble promoting its new offering, but by bringing KitKat into the mix, Google's made things a little sweeter. The two companies have kicked off competitions around the world which require participants to buy KitKat candy bars and submit unique codes found inside the wrapper. In return they stand a chance at winning one of the 1000 Nexus 7 tablets that Google is giving away in several countries.

Interested in learning about the top five things that we know about 4.4 KitKat? Then do go through the slider below.

October Release Date

While Google hasn't given out any official details on when it will be launching Android KitKat, most leaks point at an October launch date. AusDroid reported in September that it had learned from an insider that KitKat would be launched on October 14. Even though this is just a rumor, the timing makes a lot of sense. Why? Well, because Google will most probably launch the upcoming Nexus 5 handset at that time.

Nexus 5

It goes without saying that Google's flagship Nexus 5 handset will be the first device to get Android KitKat. Look back at Google's release cycle for previous nexus phones and you'll notice that Google announces the phone in the month of October and rolls it out into stores during November. So expecting the new handset and Android KitKat during October makes sense.

KitKat Will Not Have Revolutionary changes

Gizbot has mentioned earlier that leaks pertaining to KitKat have shown that the new update of the OS will not have any revolutionary changes. It will feature multiple themes, fragmentation changes (screen resizing), new gallery visualizations, New API for animation, new notification widgets and more. So yes, don't expect anything radical.

New Inbuilt Capabilities

Tech blog, Gadget Helpline, says that there could be two new functions in built with the phone. The first being a native printing option for Android devices and then a feature for NFC payments. Gizbot also mentioned earlier that the Nexus 5 will come with Miracast-based wireless video output to TVs , but it is not clear weather the feature will come with the KitKat distribution itself.

Productivity Apps

GizBot is certain that KitKat will come bundled with some homemade productivity apps from Google. The suspects include Quick Office (a MS Office compatible productivity suit), Keep (a note taking app) and Google Drive.