Who is ready for the new KitKat release?!?!

     No, I am not referring to a new KitKat candy release.  The KitKat I’m talking about is Google’s latest Android operating system.  If you think that “KitKat” is a strange name, perhaps you might not be familiar with the previous Android operating system names which were:

Android 1.5, Cupcake
Android 1.6, Donut
Android 2.0, Eclair
Android 2.2, Froyo
Android 2.3, Gingerbread
Android 3.0, Ice Cream Sandwich
Android 4.1, Jelly Bean
Android 4.4, KitKat





As of right now, KitKat is only available on the Nexus 5 which was recently released on November 1, 2013.  Android Central did release a statement on Twitter saying:  

So while the rest of the Android people wait for their update, here are some of the changes and updates that KitKat offers.  Some of the main changes are hidden system support, hidden status bars, printer support, and a lower memory usage.  The new dialer system is also a key feature as well as the Google-infused home screen.  As mentioned, the black bar on the top and bottom of the screen previously used with Jelly Bean is no longer there.  The bars are now transparent with a gradient so that the white icons can still be easily seen.  This allows the screen to look cleaner design wise and bigger.               
              One of the most highlighted features with KitKat is how connected to Google the smartphone will be.  The home screen itself is actually the Google Search app.  Instead of having to search for the app and then tap it to open it, now all you have to do is turn on the screen and say “OK Google” out loud.  This will perform a Google search or other command automatically.  This is similar to Google’s other Phone, the Moto X.  However, with the Moto X, the screen does not even have to be on when you speak.  You could be across the room and just say “OK Google” out loud and it will work.
              Now I do have some complaints about Google.  I never would have thought I would ever say it, but Google fell short with the release of KitKat and the Nexus 5.  Both releases seemed to have come spur of the moment and Google just wasn't prepared like they should have been.  The Google Play Store ran out of inventory of the Nexus 5 pretty quickly.  The wait time varies from 3-4 weeks for both the 16 GB black and 16 GB white phone.  T-Mobile even has the Nexus 5 in stock while Google does not.  As for the KitKat release, phones with an older version of Android, such as the Nexus 4, will get updates gradually.  Some of the updates will have to be downloaded as separate files onto the phone.  Although I am happy for the update, it is frustrating having to wait for it when it should have been ready for everyone when they decided to release it in the first place.

Sources:
http://www.android.com/versions/kit-kat-4-4/
http://www.androidcentral.com/android-44-kitkat-rolling-out-nexus-7-nexus-10
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/11/android-4-4-kitkat-thoroughly-reviewed/


-Kendall Fagan