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Nearly two dozen photos landing online may prove to be our first look at the upcoming Android 4.4 upgrade, also known as KitKat.
Tech blog GadgetHelpLine has shared a small gallery of images alleging to be an early build of Android 4.4. Judging by its impressions of the platform, the next version of Android could be an incremental update with minor tweaks.
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For what it’s worth, the OS in question was likely an older, perhaps unfinished, build, one that wasn’t called KitKat by name. Instead, there are multiple references to Key Lime Pie, which was this upcoming version of Android’s name before Google surprised us all with a last minute switch.
There are several noteworthy findings in the Android 4.4 release, like integrated options for printing and for managing payments. We might also see wireless display support (via Miracast), and on-screen tools to manage your mobile plan.
A taste of Android 4.4 KitKat? (pictures)
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Other, subtle changes include smoother animations and white icons in the notification drop-down instead of the blue color we currently have.
Gadget Helpline
Android’s stock photo gallery experience may see enhancements such as the option to save images locally in PDF format, export images in a variety of sizes and quality, and apply new native filters and effects. The native printing options include paper size, number of copies, orientation, and choosing between color or black and white. From the sound of it, Google may be including Cloud Print at an OS level, instead of relying on third-party applications to do the heavy lifting.
As far as apps are concerned, this particular build was loaded with staples such as Drive, Keep, and Quickoffice for productivity. These three apps and services may prove to be part of the stock Android experience moving forward.
Google is expected to unveil the Nexus 5 and official details of Android 4.4 KitKat later this month, so keep your eyes peeled forGoogle Nexus 5 more leaks in the coming days.
Article updated at 9:21pm PT to correct information about a portable hotspot, a feature that has already existed on Android.
