Android 4.4 Kitkat

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Yabanize

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#133762 1-Nov-2013 13:04

Looks awesome.

I didnt see a thread about it? But if there is please let me know http://www.android.com/versions/kit-kat-4-4/

Im most excited about the fact it works better on older low end devices, Which means we could see it on low end phones like the Galaxy Y (If samsung would do it)

But this could be the end to how alot of android phones are still running old software!

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Vocus

#925647 1-Nov-2013 13:16

This is exciting stuff for sure... it looks like there are a lot of really good enhancements for the overall user experience - I hope the improved UI responsiveness includes older devices like Galaxy Nexus :/

sbiddle

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#925654 1-Nov-2013 13:30

Yabanize:
Im most excited about the fact it works better on older low end devices, Which means we could see it on low end phones like the Galaxy Y (If samsung would do it)

But this could be the end to how alot of android phones are still running old software!

Don't hold your breath. It simply means that manufacturers can build even lower cost phones in the future.

Is the S3 can't get even get 4.2 or 4.3 yet I'd say the chances of Samsung putting any development resources into a 3 year old phone that never made it beyond Gingerbread are about as close to non existent as you can get.

NikT

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#925656 1-Nov-2013 13:31

ubergeeknz: This is exciting stuff for sure... it looks like there are a lot of really good enhancements for the overall user experience - I hope the improved UI responsiveness includes older devices like Galaxy Nexus :/

Galaxy Nexus isn't (officially) receiving 4.4, unfortunately. Google claim that's because it's outside their promised 18-month window for updates. Would have been nice to see Kitkat go back all the way to the Nexus S, given the 512MB RAM support, but so it goes.

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Wade

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#925659 1-Nov-2013 13:34

Galaxy Nexus is confirmed as a no :(

sbaird

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#925707 1-Nov-2013 14:27

Wade: Galaxy Nexus is confirmed as a no :(

:-( Might have to look at the Nexus 5

ubergeeknz

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#925711 1-Nov-2013 14:29

sbaird:
Wade: Galaxy Nexus is confirmed as a no :(

:-( Might have to look at the Nexus 5

Boo to that :(

Wade

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#925723 1-Nov-2013 14:39

The driving force for me going back to Android was the Google Play edition phones and particularly the HTC One, I am glad i did, I've got a solid and quality feeling phone that so far as never been more than two weeks behind the latest Android release.

In some aspects buying an HTC One and converting it a better prospect than a Nexus 5, sure the N5 has a grunty motor under the hood but it looks as exciting as any other generic black plastic phone which is a real shame.

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#925782 1-Nov-2013 15:23

I am still conflicted between Windows Phone and Android, I have Windows (HTC) and an Android (S3) and can't decide which I prefer best. I do know I am not interested in returning to Apple especially with IOS7

bradstewart

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#925942 1-Nov-2013 19:04

The GNex isn't getting 4.4 because the TI OMAP SoC's are no longer supported, so no new drivers.

Since getting the HTC One, I've had a strong preference for Sense 5 and now 5.5 over the stock Android look which has tbh looked pretty rubbish and has gotten more inconsistent over the past year.

But now I'll look at building from AOSP source for 4.4.

I've puled apart the Nexus 5 factory images and got the new launcher running on 4.3 and it is very very pretty!

jeffnz

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#925946 1-Nov-2013 19:11

KiwiNZ: I am still conflicted between Windows Phone and Android, I have Windows (HTC) and an Android (S3) and can't decide which I prefer best. I do know I am not interested in returning to Apple especially with IOS7

keep them both if you can, I'd like to have a couple of phones so I can play around with one. If you haven't already root the S3 and try a custom Rom and see if you like the differance.

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lchiu7

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#926171 2-Nov-2013 09:39

I had planned on getting a N5 when they came out because my GN was getting really sluggish and unusable. But a factory reset fixed that so the life has been prolonged. I was also hoping for Kit Kat but that now is not an option and apparently not even via custom ROMS since the kernel cannot be readily update with TI no longer support the SOC and the staff who wrote the code having departed.

So while a port to Kit Kat on the surface might be doable, the underlying benefits will not be available and it might be like putting lipstick on a pig(!).

So if Kit Kat is really that much better I might be back to thinking of a N5 but wait until the Christmas sales or what plans 2D might have (they have already announced a plan free $699 price for the N5).

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#926245 2-Nov-2013 13:19

I havent seen anything in 4.4 that makes be turn cart wheels. My phone is quick enough for me and I have no issues with it so not searching for Valhalla. Always seems to be a rush to get updates and a lot of angst at time it takes for telco's to release them and then they aren't all they are cracked up to be. I'm spoilt a bit as I use custom Roms so always pretty much up to date but the older versions that the dev.s have worked on are pretty good.

{edit dam typo's)

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Wade

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#926258 2-Nov-2013 13:51

The caller ID by web search is pretty kewl, it sounds like 4.4 is mostly under the hood but very pivotal to the future direction of android

benokobi

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#926270 2-Nov-2013 14:45

People have been able to extract the launcher from a nexus 5 and have put it on the internet.. Works really well on my note 2 even the google voice "Ok Google" command.

Wade

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#926305 2-Nov-2013 16:50

And now we start to see how Google will attempt to combat fragmentation... I believe Google now is part of the new launcher and that the new launcher will be able to be used eventually on older OS's, all of a sudden gingerbread can have Google now..So while most old handsets will not get 4.4 they will be able to get some of the more exciting aspects

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