What's sweet about Android 4.4 KitKat

By Tara Donnelly

Last updated 01 November 2013

With the release of the Nexus 5, Android 4.4 KitKat has been officially unwrapped. Sweet-toothed Android users will be dying to get their hands on the update as it rolls out across compatible devices, which Google is promising will deliver a "smarter, more immersive Android experience to even more people."

The list of features and changes looks promising. Google's plan is to have a single version of Android as the operating system across all Android smartphones, whether cutting-edge or entry level, and KitKat's streamlined design and memory-conserving performance is the closest to an all-inclusive OS we've seen from Google so far.

Alongside redesigned apps, touchscreen improvements and all-round faster and more accurate multitasking, here are five features of KitKat that we think will make Android users hungry for more.

Google Now improvements

Android 4.4 means voice search has become simpler and more accurate. You can now launch a hands-free voice search by saying ‘OK Google’ in Google Now (or from the Home Screen for the Nexus 5), and use voice commands to do everything from dictate a text to getting directions.

Google says Android’s speech recognition is now 25% more accurate, which is great news for fandroids who've struggled with voice commands in the past.

Google Now will also reportedly be able to send you 'contextual info' it deems relevant based on your location, interests, and frequently visited sites.

Immersive Mode

Google is determined to make the Android experience as engaging as possible, by finally making good use of every pixel of screen space. With Immersive Mode, users can become fully engrossed in the article they’re reading or the game they’re playing, as distractions such as the status bar are automatically hidden.

To bring back the navigation buttons, just swipe to the edge of the screen and whatever content you’re enjoying will switch back, from full-screen to regular size.

Updated Hangouts

Streamlining the way Android users communicate, all your SMS and MMS messages will be grouped together in the one Hangouts app, along with any video calls and other conversations.

Instead of a separate Messaging app, SMS will automatically be sent and received through Hangouts, and the updated version is set to become the go-to app for communication on any Android device.

You’ll also be able to share location information and animated GIFs, and if you feel like your messages aren't adorable or kitsch enough Emoji characters will finally be available on Google Keyboard,

Updates to Phone app

We’re looking forward to experiencing the new and improved phone app, which will begin prioritizing contacts based on who you talk to the most.

You’ll also be able to search through your contacts, Google Apps accounts, and for nearby places and businesses directly from the app itself – it’s basically like adding the Yellow Pages to your phone.

The introduction of smart caller ID means that if you receive a call from a number not saved in your contacts, your phone will automatically search for matching numbers from local businesses listed on Google Maps.

Tap to pay/ NFC improvements

Despite an initial furrowing of brows over the safety of using NFC and tap-to-pay, Google is forging ahead with the technology in a bid to change the way its users make purchases.

KitKat will now allow any app to work like an NFC smartcard, regardless of mobile carrier, and will make it easier to manage your payment information and make payments with Google Wallet or wherever the technology is accepted.