Google Android 4.4 KitKat Pro Reviews

Google's Android 4.4, or "KitKat," is the latest version of the Android OS and is faster and more responsive than ever, but it lacks direction, defining features, and broad base of users.

Android 4.4 KitKat makes some important changes under the hood and introduces lots of new features, including some we've not mentioned here. We like the premise of the latest update from Google. The translucent user interface and the move towards getting more out of your display are welcomed, although they're only small changes at the moment, like the sowing of a seed that will grow into something more impressive. The deeper integration of Google Now we like too, because we've found that Now is becoming more and more useful, especially if you use a lot of Google apps and services. Despite sounding like something of a gimmick, the touch-free option of "Ok Google" has seen us talking to our phone much more than with previous devices and we hope to see more of it elsewhere. We think that the bundling of SMS into Hangouts is an ugly solution, though, especially with all those outsiders appearing as you search. On the other hand, we welcome Google trying to identify those who are calling us and giving a direct way to find local businesses through the dialer. Many aspects of Android 4.4 KitKat, however, provide potential for the future. The tweaks to accommodate lower-spec devices, the provision of support for features we're yet to see and the first steps we're seeing on the Nexus 5 feel like Android is being positioned for the next year of exciting launches. In many ways, KitKat doesn't bring a huge swathe of features you'll be desperate to get your hands on, but it feels like it's laying the foundation for some really impressive stuff to come over the next 12 months. Improved visuals, full screen apps, translucent elements, and better storage handling means that the KitKat future of your current Android device has the potential to be much refined and we're excited to see how it's embraced by manufacturers. For now, the fruits of some of that we'll have to wait on.