KitKat

In the creation of the newest version of Google's mobile operating system Android 4.4 KitKat, the developers responsible for testing it did so on modified Nexus 4 devices. One key element in the creation of the full feature set of Android 4.4 KitKat was "Project Svelte", a name for a goal that was to bring the software to any device running a mere 512MB of RAM. To create a system that worked this way, Android developers didn't go out and grab a 512MB smartphone, they crippled their Nexus 4 devices to do the work instead.

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This week there's word on the expected range of dates for the Android 4.4 KitKat software update for the current and second-most recent set of Samsung Galaxy smartphones, including the Galaxy S III, Galaxy S4, and Galaxy Notes. This tip suggests that models GT-I9500, SM-N900, GT-I9300, and SM-N7100 will all be updated to Android 4.4 KitKat inside of 2014, with the newest set of devices seeing this update inside of January.

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It's time at last for the Android 4.4 KitKat software update to work with both the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC One in their Google Play editions. These versions of the devices work with the "Nexus" version of the Android operating system from Google. This version of Android works with bits and pieces of the full gamut of in-built powers of the software itself.

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It's time already to see the Moto G hit the market in the USA despite previous suggestion that we'd have to wait until 2014. That is, if you're all about working with the GSM model of the device rather than the CDMA version, meaning you'll be working with the likes of AT&T and/or T-Mobile rather than Verizon. This single model works with a 4.5-inch display and a quad-core processor for $179 USD off-contract.

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If you own the HTC One Google Play Edition smartphone, some good news has started to turn up that you will be interested in. Reports are indicting that HTC One Google Play edition owners have begun to receive a 320MB OTD software update.

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There's a collection of factory images prepared by Google just waiting for the final push to airwaves for Android 4.4 KitKat on the remaining Nexus smartphones out in the wild this week. Meanwhile the Nexus 4, the smaller of the two smartphones offered up by Google right this minute, is seeing its Android 4.4 KitKat update arrive over-the-air this afternoon. This push upgrades the device to essentially the same software as exists on the LG-made Nexus 5 since earlier this month.

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While the world is left in shock by the fact that the Verizon version of the Motorola-made Moto X saw the Android 4.4 KitKat update before the rest of the Nexus family, HTC has assured that the HTC One will be next. They've made this re-assurance in the form of a mini-tweet and subsequent push on the idea that their 90-day promise would be met. That's 90-days after the reveal of Android 4.4 KitKat that their HTC One hero phone would be rolling smooth with the candy layout.

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Today Motorola has made clear that the Verizon version of the Moto X smartphone will be first to work with Android 4.4 KitKat. This update to the newest version of the Android mobile operating system will likely spread to the rest of the Moto X iterations in the very near future, but rests here with the big red carrier in the USA first.

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There's little argument over where Motorola is aiming with the Moto G. Having already made a mark in the United States with the Moto X in its customizable, hands-free mode-toting, multi-carrier subsidized form, this generation's hero phone for Motorola goes international with a taste the budget-friendly. This device works with a 4.5-inch LCD display at 1280 x 720 pixels (329PPI) up front with a 5-megapixel on its back, for starters.

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For those who have been chomping at the bit for the latest Android KitKat update, the wait is over -- if you're running a Nexus 7 or Nexus 10 tablet, that is. The Android 4.4 update is rolling out to these tablets today, and a promise in place that the Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 with mobile data will get the update in the near future. Of course, this is in addition to the Nexus 5, which is newly released and ships with the latest Android iteration on board.

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There's no two ways about it - Google's mobile operating system Android is becoming more focused on the internet with each new update. What we're having a peek at today in Android 4.4 KitKat is the notion that the gallery app - having existed in Android since its inception - will soon be cut from the operating system entirely. Cut, that is, in favor of the internet-based Google+ photos app, already incorporated in to the Nexus device lineup - and on iOS devices as well.

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Let's cut to the chase: at $350 without the ties of a two-year contract, the Google Nexus 5 is an excellent smartphone and a bargain at that. Flushed with the positive response the sub-$300 Nexus 4 received last year, Google and manufacturer LG have again struck a balance between powerful portable computing, and cost. This time around, the LG Nexus 5 creeps up in cost a little, but at the same time buffs away most of the complaints we had about its predecessor, taking on rival flagships from other Android OEMs several hundred dollars more expensive in the process. Does that make it the best Android phone on the market? Read on for the full SlashGear review.

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