TechLoverHD

Google released Nexus 5 with Android 4.4 update, which is called KitKat. There are a lot of changes, modifications, improvements and updates inside the latest Android version. If you are already using it, you know what I’m talking about. There are some down-points too, which I didn’t like. There are some nice features and I’m going to give a brief description in this post.

Android 4.4 Features

KitKat Launcher

Android 4.4 features a new KitKat launcher with a beautiful apps drawer button. A really nice and cool launcher with Google Now integration. First you will get three swipe-able home screens. From the default screen if you want to get the left window you will open Google Now with cool animation. Number of screens will add as you start installing more apps or if you drag any icon to the corner to take to the new screen.

Android Dialer

In Android 4.4, the dialer app got a new paint job all over, with re-designed UI. You will see the favourites contacts when you open the dialer app. On the top you can search for any contact or nearby place by typing or using voice search. This enables you to call to any nearby shops, places or restaurants even if you don’t have their number. Google will get it for you. In this new dialer, don’t swipe your contacts away. You will be deleting them. The dialpad is in the middle, touch to expand it and you can see your call logs by selecting the time (history) icon.

Hangouts with Integrated SMS

This Android 4.4 feature is only available for the Nexus 5 phones at the moment. Rest of the users will get this feature in the coming weeks and months. Recently Google VP Vic Gundutra announced it on an LIVE event called “A Morning with Google+“. Yes, we got this update and using integrated SMS with Hangouts. A nice and unified messaging experience, where you can chat with your friends like you used to do in Google Talk.

Theme Color Scheme

Android 4.4 came with a new color sets for the small little icons in the status bar. The Battery, Network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS and other system related icons are now in grey. Nice change from the blue theme.

New Settings

Android 4.4 features cloud printing. Now you can use your phone and get the printing done over the cloud. Google partnered with HP for this cloud printing service. Location settings got improvements and now show the apps and battery use level. Tap & Pay, a new feature included in Android 4.4 KitKat. This uses the NFC and default payment app.

Sure, there are more updates and improvements. More Android 4.4 features will be discovered soon. Still the consumers are getting the phone in their hands. Let us know if you notice any other major visible changes. To know more about Android 4.4 and changes check here.