Massive List of Android 4.4 KitKat Features Mostly Detailed

[dgstorm]

It looks like the new 4.4 KitKat version is the most significant upgrade for Android in a quite some time. It includes a massive array of new features. The above video is a DevBytes teaser for a small few of the new features. Here's a quick breakdown of many more:

• Now supports lower-end devices and can run on just 512MB of RAM.
• It will now have a new launcher.
• Translucent system UI styling.
• Enhanced notification access.
• Includes faster multi-tasking.
• More advanced caller ID.
• new white/gray color scheme and fonts.
• There is a new sensor batching technology. This is meant to cut down on sensor power consumption by grouping and prioritizing requests. Google claims it is now 25% more accurate, and can ask back for clarification.
• It will now have wireless printing functionality.
• Includes support for IR Blasters natively. It is limited to sending functions only for now. It can't learn or receive yet. This is probably just a feature that is in progress since it is mostly not very useful yet.
• Native screen recording and can output in MP4 format.
• Now supports Moto X-style "OK Google" voice commands. For now this only will work with the Nexus 5. Supposedly this feature is hardware dependent, although Google hasn't shared what is required.
• Bluetooth devices will now be able to control the system volume directly instead of having to adjust two different volumes.
• There is a new lock screen which includes a camera shortcut. You can also rearrange your homescreen.
• Built-in Chromecast support.
• Chrome web view.
• Full-screen wallpapers with preview.
• HDR+ photography.
• Location in Quick Settings.
• Low-power audio playback.
• Music and movie-seeking from lock screen.
• The NFC payment system doesn't require using the secure element anymore. It uses a software based emulation work around. Because of this, carriers can no longer use this as an excuse to not support Google's NFC payment functions.

There's still quite a bit more we didn't include, because the list would have been monstrous, but you can check out more at the source links below. It's amazing that Google just soft-launched this absolutely incredible and massive update without any kind of press show.

Source: Android Developers - Android 4.4 KitKat and Android.com