Which is better Android Lollipop or Kit Kat. Which version of Android is the best: compare from the first to the newest Versions of Android 4 2
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One has only to mention the quantitative changes in subversions. This is necessary so that you understand exactly what firmware you need to download, and whether it is worth downloading at all.
Android version 4.4.1 received minimum changes, which is very strange, since usually after the first release many bugs appear that are fixed in the next build.
Update 4.4.2 is useful in that it introduces a useful wireless monitor feature. Thanks to it, it became possible to view photos taken on a mobile gadget on the large screen of a smart TV with Wi-Fi. The most useful firmware version with Android 4.4.3. It received the largest number of changes and additions, comparable to the differences between the basic version and the previous generation. Numerous errors with the operation of the Internet, camera and system programs have been fixed.
Well, Android 4.4.4 released only due to fixing glitches with security protocols.It’s up to you to choose which firmware to download, but we recommend downloading only official assemblies in Russian language and preferably not beta. Alternative and other custom firmware can do more harm than good. Although, if you know how to flash a phone or tablet on Android (for example, with the Odin program), then this will only be an advantage for you.
It would be a good idea to remind you that before installing the firmware you need to make a full backup of the system!
Latest 20 added Android 4.4 KitKat firmware
| date | Smartphone | Android | Link |
| 02-10-2017 | Impress_Alfa_SDcard on VERTEX Impress Alfa | 4.4.4 | |
| 02-10-2017 | impress_brainstorm_0.6.2 on VERTEX Impress Brainstorm | 4.4.4 | |
| 02-10-2017 | m942g_v1 on SUPRA M942G | 4.4.4 | |
| 25-09-2017 | 20150126 for Acer Liquid Jade Z | 4.4.2 | |
| 13-09-2017 | m725g.rar on SUPRA M725G | 4.4.2 | |
| 13-09-2017 | m847g.rar on SUPRA M847G | 4.4.2 | |
| 13-09-2017 | 1.0 on Acer Iconia Tab B1-A71 | 4.4.1 | |
| 13-09-2017 | App. Guide_Acer_20150126_A44K_A on Acer Liquid Z410 Duo | 4.4.4 | |
| 05-07-2017 | 20121224_v1013 on Digma Plane 1601 3G | 4.4.4 | |
| 17-06-2016 | Open Source Code on Lenovo TAB 2 A7-20F | 4.4.4 | |
| 01-05-2016 | Miui7 on DEXP Ixion XL240 Triforce | 4.4.2 | |
| 01-05-2016 | XL240_R01_07/25/2015_V1.0 on DEXP Ixion XL240 Triforce | 4.4.4 | |
| 24-03-2016 | Rev.3-4 for CWM recovery on Digma HIT 3G | 4.4.4 | |
| 24-03-2016 | 06.11.2015 on Digma HIT 3G | 4.4.2 | |
| 24-02-2016 | qumo507_(zp780_port) on Qumo QUEST 507 | 4.4.2 | |
| 15-02-2016 | tt1040mg on Digma Optima 10.7 | 4.4.4 |
Android 4.4.2 is an operating system developed for mobile devices by Google. This version is called KitKat, and it is perhaps the best version of the firmware if we consider all releases of Android 4. The operating system has become very widespread and is now used on many devices, delighting its users. If you wanted to download firmware for Android to update your phone or tablet with a newer version, then this page is for you!
The new update has significantly lowered the OS system requirements, thereby increasing the number of smartphones that can now fully support it. Therefore, today almost every user has access to Android 4.4.2 firmware for free download in Russian, which can be downloaded at Cyclone-Soft! If you haven't been able to update your phone for a long time or don't know how to flash your tablet, then the installer package available for download via torrent will help you a lot. In other words, today almost any device supports Android 4.4.2, so you have an excellent opportunity to quickly update the operating system.
Among other things, the OS has been highly optimized, which can only mean that devices using it get a nice boost in power and performance. Of course, hardware plays a major role here, but often perfectly debugged software performs an equally important task.
Features and innovations of Android 4.4.2 KitKat
Interface options and new features
There is no doubt that the most visible change in a given operating system is in the user interface. It has become even more comfortable and informative, allowing you to conveniently and easily manage desktops and divide installed applications into types and categories. This is an excellent option on how to flash Android, because version 4.4.2 was considered much more successful than previous releases.
Choose the color palette you like, use the convenient notification panel and translucent buttons at the bottom, which have perfectly updated the appearance of the operating system. Android 4.4.2 firmware can be downloaded for free in Russian, which can be found at the end of the page, and has also received updated controls for many elements of the system. For example, the user can hide system elements, unnecessary on-screen buttons, and the notification panel itself.
Sensor support
The new version of Android has interesting updates in terms of processing specialized sensors. The fact is that now KitKat can receive all the information from them in batches and group the data at certain intervals. This solution helped not only to reduce the load on the device’s processor, but also to reduce power consumption, which depends on its operation. The new firmware program has many new functions that allow you to use detection sensors, pedometer and many others in your smartphone.
The user will also have access to built-in support for infrared ports and a module for working with several Bluetooth profiles at once. KitKat 4.4.2 will help you print absolutely any documents wirelessly.
Updated photo editor
Android 4.4 has received a brand new graphic editor, which you can activate while in the gallery. The utility will do an excellent job of adding filters and frames, cropping photos and many other tasks. One could even argue that the functionality is in no way inferior to the Instagram application, in which you can process your photos. Crop frames, straighten the image, rotate it at the desired angle and create a mirror copy - all this is available to you!
How to update Android to version 4.4 KitKat
Downloading, installing and further updating the operating system will not cause you any difficulties, regardless of whether you decide to flash a smartphone or tablet. Download Android 4.4.2 KitKat and follow the instructions from the downloaded archive, which will answer all your questions about how to flash your Android phone or update your tablet OS.
Be sure to share the page with friends who do not yet have Android 4.4.2 KitKat, so that they can also update to this excellent version by flashing the firmware of their device. Write comments and don't forget to rate the software! Thank you for your attention!
The question regarding which Android is better worries every user who goes to the store to buy a new gadget running this operating system.
The OS, whose logo is a green robot, today occupies one of the leading positions on the market, is installed on hundreds of devices, and is constantly improved and updated by developers. And Android receives updates with enviable regularity.
In the first half of 2017, Google announced Android O (8), while its predecessor, Nougat, only managed to cross the 10% mark, and Marshmallow remains the most popular. So is it worth chasing the numbers in the name of the operating system or sticking with the old and proven version? Let's figure it out together.
Android OS: advantages and disadvantages
You've probably noticed that the gadget market today is divided by two operating systems: iOS and Android. The first is the brainchild of Apple, which has a closed source code and is used only on products of this company. The second is the development of Android, Inc., which was purchased by Google. The main feature is that it is open and free, which is what made it so popular for manufacturers of smartphones, tablets and other devices.
Little-known company Android, Inc. was purchased by the search giant back in 2005. Google planned to create a free, open-source operating system, which it did in the fall of 2007, introducing the first version of the package for developers. Officially, the first version of the system was shown on September 23, 2008, along with the first Android smartphone – HTC Dream. The OS, despite the skepticism of many experts, managed to attract the attention of both ordinary users and equipment manufacturers.
The rapid growth of the mobile operating system began, which was accompanied by the emergence of new versions with various improvements. Android OS in a very short time managed to oust a number of other platforms from the market, sharing a place on Olympus with its main competitor, iOS.
Why is this system so popular?
Firstly, users liked the functionality and openness. Android opened up a lot of possibilities, it allowed us to delve into the file system, install a bunch of applications from different sources, we can even change the appearance of the OS. The operating system, if you put in just a little effort, can change beyond recognition, which is difficult to do on many other mobile operating systems.
We must not forget about custom firmware developed by ordinary users, which are completely capable of turning a “green robot” into something completely different. In addition, the official Android store is simply overwhelmed with thousands of applications and games, many of which are absolutely free (paid ones, by the way, are much cheaper than in the same App Store).
Whatever one may say, Android also has disadvantages.
- One of the most annoying and hated disadvantages among users is system freezes and lags (although this problem disappears with the release of new improved versions of the OS, and serious errors occur only on very cheap devices).
- Another weak point of even the best versions of Android is considered to be frequent infections with viruses that can get onto the device even from the official application store.
- Finally, the disadvantages include the slow updating of devices to more current and better versions. It may take a year before the smartphone receives the latest version. In addition, the overwhelming number of budget/mid-range devices remain without updating to the latest version.
Which version of Android is better: outdated, current and new
Having familiarized ourselves a little with the history, advantages and disadvantages of Android, we move directly to the existing versions of this operating system. To make it easier for you to understand, we will divide the material into several blocks according to the state of Android versions: outdated, current and new. Here we will talk in detail about the features of each version, their advantages, disadvantages, as well as the relevance of use in 2017. Well, in the end, we’ll decide which version of Android is more convenient and better today.
We are telling you about outdated versions of Android for informational purposes. For most users they are no longer able to provide the necessary functionality, and therefore are of interest only to geeks.
Outdated versions of Android
Android is a relatively new operating system, but it can boast of an abundance of versions. Like other well-known systems, it was constantly being improved, new editions were released, and the old ones were gradually forgotten. The same thing happened, for example, with Windows - not many people will remember Windows 95, and XP is gradually being forgotten. Android also has such dinosaur versions, although finding them on devices is not easy. Moreover, they have nothing to surprise today’s user.
Android 1.0 "Apple Pie"
So, the system begins its journey with version 1.0, which was named after apple pie. This is the first stable build, introduced in the fall of 2003. It looks a little different than the latest best versions of Android, but the similarities are undoubtedly visible. Naturally, Android 1.0 was filled with bugs, and many of the usual smartphone functions were not provided at all.
What made version 1.0 stand out:
- a notification system familiar to Android with a drop-down top curtain;
- desktop widgets;
- integration with Gmail services;
- online application store.
It’s clear that Android 1.0 “Apple Pie” is hardly suitable for everyday use: it lacks many “tricks”, it is impossible to install many programs, and a device running “Apple Pie” is quite difficult to find.
Android 1.1 "Banana Bread"
At the beginning of February 2009, Android received a major update that made a number of functions available, although outwardly the system did not change at all. Version 1.1 was available for a single smartphone - T-Mobile G1 (HTC Dream).
Key innovations include:
- voice search Google Voice Search;
- the ability to sell paid applications in the Play Market;
- the function of updating the firmware “over the air” (at the same time the “About phone” item appeared in the settings).
Android 1.1 “Banana Bread” is nothing more than history today, and the HTC Dream, the device that supports it, is a rarity.
Android 1.5 "Cupcake"
“Keks” (the name of the version translated into Russian), released in the spring of 2009, brought a lot of small improvements that partially improved the system by adding new features. Thus, on-screen keyboards appeared, which allowed users not to provide the usual mechanical keys. The first smartphone to try Android 1.5 was again the brainchild of HTC – Magic.
In addition to the on-screen keyboard, the following appeared:
- new icons;
- ability to install third-party keyboards;
- animations when moving from window to window;
- changes in the browser;
- the ability to publish photos or videos online;
- support for MPEG-4 and 3GP and new Bluetooth profiles.
Like its predecessor, Android 1.5 “Cupcake” is forgotten today, which is understandable.
Android 1.6 "Donut"
Also in 2009, in the fall, Android received a new update, in which special attention was paid to the application store. Its interface was redesigned, errors were eliminated, and application screenshots appeared. Also major innovations were support for CDMA networks and display resolutions over 480x320 pixels, which attracted the attention of new manufacturers to the system.
In addition, Android 1.6 "Donut" boasted:
- improved camera interface and new capabilities for working with photos and videos;
- multilingual voice search;
- significant expansion of search capabilities;
- applications began to work faster;
- the ability to find out which programs are draining your battery.
Android 2.0/2.1 "Eclair"
Not stopping there, already in November 2009 the developers rolled out a new Android 2.0, which can be called breakthrough. It was this version that began to be massively introduced into smartphones of that time and widely distributed throughout the world. In the debate about which version of Android is the most convenient and best, at that time 2.0 definitely won. Smartphones running Android 2.0 really surprised us back then with their capabilities and fairly powerful hardware.
What's new:
- ability to work with multiple Google accounts;
- The camera interface has been updated, effects and flash support have been added;
- the keyboard has become more comfortable;
- updated calendar and graphic architecture;
- support for new display sizes and resolutions;
- improved user interface;
- a lot of other minor improvements.
The new 2010 introduced update 2.1, the main innovations of which were “live” wallpapers and improvements to Google Maps. Based on this version of Android, the famous Nexus One is released, a smartphone that was a desirable acquisition for any geek of those years.
Android 2.2 "Froyo"
In May 2010, the frozen yogurt update was released and first appeared on the Nexus One smartphone. In Android 2.2, attention was paid to optimizing the interface, memory, etc. Now applications began to launch noticeably faster, and Adobe Flash appeared in the Play Market, which made it possible to launch videos and even some Flash games in a standard browser.
The list of innovations in Android 2.2 “Froyo” is quite wide:
- Possibility of Wi-Fi distribution;
- installing applications in extended memory;
- support for ultra-high resolution screens;
- the browser received integration of the V8 JavaScript engine;
- a bunch of small updates.
Google subsequently released several security updates to Android 2.2 “Froyo”, after which it introduced a new version of the OS.
Android 2.3 "Gingerbread"
One of the most famous, innovative and best versions of Android, which is still found on many devices. It was presented in December 2010, and received many subsequent updates that added something new to the system. There really were a lot of changes, which allowed Android 2.3 “Gingerbread” to receive a lot of positive ratings. Firstly, the system has changed slightly in appearance - it has become darker and more elegant. Secondly, there is support for even clearer displays, as well as audio and video codecs. In addition, the new version received:
- support for more sensors (barometers, gyroscopes);
- redesigned keyboard;
- the ability to clear memory of garbage;
- more energy efficient use of battery.
Android 2.3 is rightfully considered one of the best and most convenient versions of the OS (for 2010-2011 - the best). Even today it is not difficult to find a device that will work under the control of “gingerbread”, but its purchase does not seem entirely advisable.
Android 3.0/3.1/3.2 "Honeycomb"
Already in February 2011, Google introduced another version of Android, although it was developed exclusively for tablets. The update contained many innovations that made using tablets more comfortable. For example, the user mode has been optimized, support for multi-core processors has appeared, and multitasking has been improved.
The list of innovations with subsequent additions looks impressive:
- support for hardware acceleration appeared;
- support for peripheral devices;
- optimized work on different devices;
- improving stability and security;
- Auto-updates appeared in Android Market;
- Improved support for Adobe Flash.
Android “Honeycomb” was full of various innovations, but Google decided to continue to present universal OS that will work on both tablets and smartphones.
Android 4.0 "Ice Cream Sandwich"
“Waffle Ice Cream” was announced in May 2011, and in the fall the version was already officially presented. Android 4.0 was the first version of Google's OS that supported work with tablets and smartphones. It brought a lot of useful improvements and was very popular with users, although at the start it had a lot of bugs and operational problems.
The list of innovations is quite long:
- The notification panel has changed;
- improved multitasking;
- The lock screen has been changed, shortcuts have appeared for quick access to phone functions;
- typing has become more comfortable, spell checking has become more stable;
- The camera now has more capabilities;
- Screenshots can be taken programmatically;
- subsequent bug fixes and security updates.
Android 4.0 turned out to be innovative and quite convenient. Today the OS version is seriously outdated, although about 1% of devices still run 4.0.
Android 4.1/4.2/4.3 "Jelly Bean"
At the end of June 2012, an updated version of Android was presented, which remained virtually unchanged in terms of interface design, but received a lot of improvements at the hardware level. The improvements ensured smoother operation of the interface, faster launch of games and applications, and a minimum of bugs. The best version of Android at that time received:
- new keyboard with gesture support;
- support for multiple profiles on one device;
- Miracast technology, which allows you to transfer videos and photos to your TV wirelessly;
- quick settings menu in the notification panel;
- camera interface update.
In the fall, a convenient version of Android 4.2 was presented with minor improvements, and in the summer of 2013, version 4.3 was released to the public, which brought new updates and fixes to the operating system.
Today, Jelly Candy still has a decent amount of market share and can still be used, but more and more app developers are dropping support for it.
Android 4.4 "KitKat"
The KitKat version, despite being introduced back in 2013, is still very common. Currently, the share of Android 4.4 is slightly more than 18% (the latest Nougat, for a moment, has a share of no more than 10%). Until recently, KitKat was installed on the vast majority of budget devices and has repeatedly received the title of the best version of Android. The secret of success on cheap devices lay in excellent optimization, which is why today many users prefer KitKat.
What did the version bring:
- Google Now voice assistant;
- optimized memory allocation;
- faster application launch;
- support for wireless printers;
- “remote control” appeared;
- switching launchers in device settings;
- The security system has been improved and minor bugs have been fixed.
Be that as it may, the share of Android 4.4 “KitKat” is declining quite quickly, and gadget manufacturers are giving preference to newer versions of the OS. Therefore, we will write down the beloved version as outdated and move on to the current ones.
Current versions of Android
Outdated versions of Android, despite the affection of many users, are seriously inferior to current ones, which boast a wider range of functions and regular updates. In addition, the current versions of Android can be called the best due to the minimum number of problems and mass distribution on the market.
Android 5.0/5.1 "Lollipop"
One of the best and most popular versions of Android so far. Introduced in the fall of 2014, the OS from Google won the hearts of many users, and manufacturers of smartphones and other devices liked the new product. Lollipop stood out with its updated interface, which the developers called Material design - working with devices became easier, more pleasant and more comfortable. Attention was also paid to autonomy, thanks to which.
In addition, Android Lollipop brought:
- improved notification system;
- the ability to encrypt user data;
- redesigned automatic screen adjustment mode;
- setting up alerts;
- new animations;
- a lot of subsequent minor updates that made the system more stable and secure.
The Android Lollipop version can still be considered the best today, because in terms of prevalence it is second only to Marshmallow - 31% versus 22%. A huge number of smartphones running this OS version are still on sale and they definitely deserve attention.
Android 6.0 “Marshmallow” – the most stable Android today?
Android 6.0, introduced in May 2015, remains the most popular version of Google's OS to this day. And, apparently, he is not going to give up his position in the near future. Many budget devices, despite Nougat, receive Marshmallow, which is polished by the developers and is practically not inferior to the newer version. Externally, not everyone will be able to distinguish this version from its predecessor - the same Material design with similar icons has been preserved. However, the functionality has expanded with new interesting features.
- Now Android devices can be unlocked using a fingerprint scanner;
- natively supports 2 SIM cards;
- it became possible to control application access to personal data;
- multi-window mode has been introduced;
- added Android Pay application for electronic payments;
- Some new animations and updates for stable system operation.
Overall, Marshmallow is a modified Lollipop. Version Android 6.0 is really convenient, has all the functions that a modern user needs and is also the most common. Marshmallow will be relevant for at least another year.
New versions of Android
It is the newest versions of operating systems that attract the majority of users, which is not surprising. The updated OS, although slightly, is improved compared to its predecessors, boasts better developer support and regular updates.
Android 7.0 / 7.1 / 7.1.1 / 7.1.2 "Nougat"
This is the newest version of Android today. It was introduced in August 2016, but so far has not been able to conquer the market among Android devices. Visually, Nougat is noticeably different from its predecessors, and it is not without new functions.
The most noticeable changes in Android 7.0:
- it became possible to split the screen into two halves;
- now all running applications are deleted from memory using one button;
- The notification system has been improved, a quick response function has appeared;
- night mode, which allows you to achieve a level of contrast that is comfortable for the eyes;
- improved energy saving mode;
- folder design has been redesigned;
- new emoticons;
- picture-in-picture mode;
- Full hardware support for virtual reality has been added.
It seems that the capabilities are not the most important, but the system has noticeably improved. In the future, three quite significant updates will be released - 7.1, 7.1.1 and 7.1.2. The first update introduced the Daydream VR mode. A notable innovation in 7.1.1 was round application icons. Well, the latest update 7.1.2 brought improved encryption capabilities and corrections of minor errors.
According to many users, Android “Nougat” has become the best and most convenient version of Google’s mobile OS. Nougat looks stylish and modern, supports many useful functions and will be relevant for many years to come.
Android 8.0 "O..."
This fall, Google released a beta version of the future Android 8.0 for select smartphones, which will apparently be named after the Oreo liver. The official release of Android O, according to a number of sources, is scheduled for early autumn 2017. True, most users will be able to try out the coveted new product no earlier than the first quarter of 2018.
It’s too early to talk about all the innovations of the future version, but some details are already known:
- notifications will be improved;
- An event counter will appear on the application icons;
- dynamic icons will appear;
- minor interface updates.
Well, all that remains is to wait for autumn.
Is the new version of Android the best?
Not really. Getting acquainted with the new version of Android every year, which was supposed to be the best, experienced users decided that:
Updates bring not only improvements, but also bugs.
It often takes developers months to fix all the problems, and during this time, as a rule, the next version is announced. That is, the user receives a perfectly polished system closer to the presentation of the new version. Therefore, many people prefer to “sit” for an extra month on an older, but more convenient version of Android, rather than put up with the bugs of the new product.
However, you should not rush from one extreme to another and remain faithful to long-outdated versions. In addition to poor functionality, older operating systems are more susceptible to virus attacks and are unable to protect 100% user data from intruders.
Based on this, we can conclude that in the near future the best choice remains Android versions Marshmallow and Nougat. By purchasing a device running Android 7.0, you'll get the most up-to-date features, and many devices running Marshmallow are likely to receive an update to the next version. If you like a smartphone running Android Lollipop, then it’s better to find out in advance whether it will receive an update to at least 6.0.
Conclusion: do not chase the latest version of Android
In today’s rather extensive material, we tried to tell you about the most important features of each version of the Android OS, as well as answer the question of which one is the most convenient and best. Google's operating system does not stand still, bringing something new with every update. However, it is difficult to keep up with each new version of the OS, and there is no particular point in this - solutions from two years ago still cope with their tasks perfectly. We hope our article will help you understand all the nuances of each version of Android and decide which is the best.
After the update of the Android operating system to version 5.1 with the sweet name Lollipop was released, many users were interested in the question, what has changed? Today we will compare the two 4.4 and 5.1 for you and help you finally see which version of Android is better than Lollipop or Kit Kat, and consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
Main differences
Many people say that nothing has changed in the new version of Android Lollipop. Others say Kitkat has been changed beyond recognition. In general, the developers worked on many areas, which we will now consider.
“We have developed a new design philosophy” - this is how Google developers commented on the new version. They've updated every corner of the system, from the volume to the Wi-Fi icon. In the new version of Android, they added colors, made the design bright and contrasting, which was not the case in KitKat.
Google Inc has significantly redesigned the main functions of the system. They have improved the “multitasking screen” function (several open applications on one screen) and expanded the notification settings. The developers have also introduced new features. They created a “smart lock” (the device is blocked once if it is in a “safe place”, the device saw your face or there is a trusted gadget nearby), it became possible to work with the “curtain” application.
The developers said that the new version of the operating system will increase performance and the device will hold more charge. A comparison of OS 4.4 and 5.1 showed that this is a myth. Although Google has made a complete transition to the ART runtime (Android RunTime) and made support for 64-bit processors, various tests have not shown anything new.
Changes have also been made to graphics. The new version of Android brought us a new graphics API (Application Programming Interface), which made games more vibrant, high-quality and exciting. Android Lolipop is great for gaming.
In the new version of OS 5.1, the audio output has been improved (now it can also be used in a USB connector, which makes it possible to obtain digital quality), Bluetooth (a new protocol 4.1 has been created, now it has excellent network reception). The developers have increased the speed, quality and reliability of the connection.
Pros and cons of Android 4.4
Back in 2013, Google released a new version of the operating system called KitKat. The developers planned to get rid of various bugs and comments, which were abundant from users, and make the new version more comfortable for people. Although the Android 4.4 OS has become very popular, the developers have not succeeded in everything.
Advantages of Android OS KitKat
RAM
Google was going to make the OS available for any gadget. KitKat introduced the Process Stats function, which made it possible to use the new OS on the cheapest devices without slowing down, while more expensive models received their advantages from this, which manifested themselves in multitasking.
Interface
Developers who create new applications for the Android OS can now work more with application design. We also added different full-screen mode options. All this has led to the appearance of applications becoming better and more beautiful.
Unified signatures
With KitKat OS, it became possible to choose the font size that is on the screen, the background color, and the language of captions.
KitKat has introduced support for several sensors that can respond to steps (the first sensor recognizes, and the second counts steps).
Infrared sensor
Many people would like to use some kind of remote control to control their home appliances. With the help of the new Android operating system, this has become possible.
Flaws
Recording prohibition
Since the Android KitKat version, the developers have prohibited writing applications to external drives; this was done to protect the system. But at the same time, the functionality of applications that may be located on an external memory card was disrupted.
In KitKat OS, it was impossible to automatically erase SMS messages that requested applications to control the balance of the device.
The Android KitKat operating system is perfect for users who have budget devices. Updating the system to this version will bring a lot of new things that will make working with the device more comfortable.
Pros and cons of Android 5.1
In 2015, Google made a statement that they would soon release a new, updated Android Lollipop OS. The long-awaited update came out only a few months later. Android 5.1 became a new generation operating system, but it did not achieve great popularity right away. This is a new generation operating system in which almost everything has changed - from appearance to performance.
Advantages of Android OS Lollipop
Interface
Google took care of the users; in the new version of the system they began to use rich and bright colors, due to which the eyes do not strain and are not irritated. The interface became more responsive to requests, and the standard buttons were changed into geometric shapes.
Device Security
The developers have created a new Smart Lock feature that allows you to access the device when connecting it to “trusted” devices, but they must support the Bluetooth protocol.
Memory card
In Lollipop, you can assign each application a separate folder, only there it will write, read and use various data. Thanks to this new technology, we will be able to save internal memory. For this to work, every developer must optimize their application for this technology.
Internet and media
Google has improved the “video stream processor”. Smooth transitions, high-quality and clear images immediately catch your eye. There are also new options for setting up the camera, through which you can take high-quality photographs.
The new Open GL 3.1 technology (software for creating applications that use two or three-dimensional computer graphics) allows you to run the highest quality games. Using this technology, you can run applications that have graphics similar to some consoles.
Google Assistant
Now, in order to “talk” to your gadget, you don’t need to unlock it; the device can be locked and in your pocket
Flaws
Performance and battery life
Google cannot cope with the main problem - the gluttony of devices. Now their new operating system requires about 2 GB of RAM. The developers also promised to increase the battery life, but after various tests, it turned out that they did not change anything.
Interface
In the new version of the operating system, the developers focused on minimalism. All standard icons were replaced with simple geometric shapes, and the “Gallery” was renamed “Photo”.
Incompatibility
Lolipop will simply not support some useful and important applications. To fix this, it is necessary that all application developers make support for the new operating system. Even though it came out a long time ago, many developers are in no hurry to do this.
Android Lollipop is not recommended for use on budget models, as it will heavily load the smartphone, which will lead to slowdowns. Users of expensive models are recommended to upgrade to a new version of the OS; if you like minimalism and ripples in your eyes, then do it.
Conclusion
We looked at Android KitKat and Lollipop, and helped you understand the main features and nuances of these OS versions. But which version is better to use, 4.4 or 5.1, is up to you to decide. Nowadays the main versions of Android used are 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 5.0, 5.1, in some cases even versions 6.0 and 7.0.
Not all owners of budget devices will be able to upgrade to the new version 5.1, so you will have to stay on the old version of the OS, as it will provide more stable operation. Expensive devices can be updated to Lillipop and enjoy new features.
Many people speculated about the release date of Android 4.4 in the fall of 2013. At first she was “assigned” to mid-October. But then the 15th arrived and nothing happened. There was information about October 18, but new information brought everything down to the end of October, in particular to the 31st. And so it happened - the release date of Android 4.4 was set for October 31, 2013.
Google decided to make us happy on Halloween in a special way and it succeeded. It was possible not only to announce the new system, but also the new smartphone Nexus 5 - a 5-inch device, the main feature of which is an excellent screen, a high-performance processor and an affordable price. But we will stop at this towards the end of the article.
Note that the new version 4.4 offers significantly more changes. In general, the last release was mainly aimed at developers. From the point of view of programmers, everything was just fine there: OpenGL ES 3.0, updated APIs with animation support, and so on. In general, programs should become cooler. But Android 4.4 already offers new features aimed at everyday use. There are changes both in the interface and in the built-in basic programs. By the way, there are even more such programs. It’s not for nothing that the code name has finally changed from Jelly Bean to KitKat. But first things first.
Android 4.4 – what's new?
Of course, this is not a new major version of the system from Google - back in May 2013, but instead Android 4.3 was released, and now 4.4. So we don't expect any major changes to the interface. No, they exist, but they are rather cosmetic. Like the white color of the font and icons in the notification bar at the top, which replaced the blue one first introduced in Android 4.0. The panel itself is made translucent. The Roboto font used in the system has also been redesigned. Google's OS has once again been simplified in terms of interface - it is not so intrusive and does not distract from work.
In general, now Android has almost introduced its own Siri. Well, of course, not fully - we are not talking about a complete assistant, like the Apple or Samsung S Voice application. Rather, it's a quick call to voice search. Now, being on the desktop, just say “OK Google” and the Google Now application will open. If someone feels awkward about this, then you can simply “swipe” across the screen from left to right and the same thing will happen.
Overall, Google Now has done a decent job. This application now searches not only the Internet, but also takes into account data from your location, sites visited, and even TV shows watched. Just some kind! The similarity becomes even stronger when you learn that Google Now can direct you not to the browser to this or that page, but to the corresponding application. For example, to reserve a ticket, the necessary program will be launched. Of course, if one is installed.
Google also worked hard on the music player. First of all, the operation of the system was optimized during this process, which does not require significant diversion of computing resources. The company promises up to 60 hours of music playback. Plus, when something is playing or streaming on Chromecast (yes, this is also a new feature), an image of the album the song is included in is displayed in the background on the lock screen. Or it could be a movie cover. In addition, here you can control playback without unlocking the phone.
Remember the Back, Home and context menu buttons that Google decided to remove from the smartphone and move to the screen? Do you remember how she endured them? All this was done so “powerfully” that these buttons “hung” even in games where they could be accidentally pressed! No, no one removed them, but Android 4.4 introduced a special “full-screen” mode where these buttons will not be present. I just want to shout: FINALLY! However, developers must still activate this mode in their applications. That's when there will be happiness. For now, only the desktop background will extend under these buttons.
Separately, work on multitasking is noted. Although everything is more modest here. In Android 4.4, they simply optimized the distribution of resources between applications. Now switching between them occurs more smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
By the way, Google generally positions the new Android as a panacea for fragmentation. It seems to be able to work on devices with 512 MB of RAM, for which both the system itself and standard applications were optimized. Although the question is, how will Google force device manufacturers to update all of them to Android 4.4? After all, this is not iOS or Windows Phone, where a notification about the possibility of updating will appear - here everything does not depend on the OS developer, which is a pity. But in any case, we are waiting for even budget smartphones with Android 4.4.
Some Android users are unhappy with the built-in dialer. Moreover, this may be the one that the manufacturer offers in its own shell. To eliminate the need to install a separate application, the standard dialer has been modernized. In fact, yellow pages were built into it - the most frequently called contacts. It has become easier to search by contacts, and not only by them - from the “dialer” you can also search by local companies and people added to your Google Apps domain.
By the way, Android 4.4 number will now be determined not only by your address book. More precisely, it’s not like that - if the caller’s number is not there, the system will try to find data about him somewhere else, for example, in Google Maps. Of course, its location will not be revealed, but if they call from any company whose number is publicly known, then information about it will be shown.
And Google clearly wants to oust WhatsApp. How else to explain such a serious integration of the native Hangouts application into Android 4.4? How serious? Yes, now it is used as the main means for sending SMS, MMS, as well as making voice and video calls. You can even send animated GIFs through it! Of course, you can use a more traditional tool for SMS and MMS, but Hangouts is more versatile and functional. Moreover, Emoji icons have also been added - there is everything from emoticons to flowers with cars. Of course, this applies to changes to the on-screen keyboard, and not to Hangouts - the icons are available to any application.
In June 2012, and then, a year later in September 2013. Now Quickoffice is part of Android 4.4. This office suite has also been integrated with Google Drive - all documents can be directly saved there. They can also be opened from there.
Another notable “office” innovation is printer support. You can send a photo, document, or web page for printing. The main thing here is to take care of connecting the printer. Not by wire, of course, but through an application like Google Cloud Print or HP ePrint, or any other similar plan from the Google Play store. In addition, applications can now add printing capabilities to their functionality.
Google lists other changes almost in one line, since they will be almost invisible to the average user. Although can you say the same about the built-in pedometer? Or about the redesigned application for downloading files? Among other things, we added HDR+ mode to the camera application, redesigned the standard email client, and added the Location item to Quick Settings. We have improved support for infrared ports for controlling consumer electronics, if one is built into a smartphone. Another decent update is the new open architecture for NFC payments. All this is done through Host Card Emulation (HCE) and any application can use it.
Developers were able to use the Chrome browser engine in their applications to display various web components. And in general, all applications will be executed in a special protected environment, Security-Enhanced Linux. Android 4.4 also now includes a remote device search service.
You can speed up your 3D games using RenderScript. The corresponding graph shows a noticeable increase in speed. But again, support must be provided by the developer himself. Continuing the topic of graphics and screens in particular, we’ll add that the Wi-Fi Miracast standard is now supported, allowing you to broadcast images to a TV.
By the way, a very cool feature is the ability to capture the screen to record video. Why this is needed, everyone will decide for themselves (for example, to demonstrate an application, create marketing material, and so on), but in any case, it is a useful thing. The video is recorded in screen resolution or close to it. All this can be configured, as well as the bitrate. The resulting video will be saved as an MP4 file. And yes, no special program is needed - everything is built into Android 4.4!
To summarize, we note that there are noticeably more changes in Android 4.4 KitKat than in Android 4.3, introduced in July 2013. Moreover, these are changes to such basic applications as the dialer and SMS messages. And the system music player has become better, printer support will be useful to someone, as well as the pre-installed Quickoffice. Now we can say for sure that innovations are visible to the “naked eye” and they are really useful. However, we are all waiting for Android 5.0 and all that it has to offer us. And in conclusion, let's talk briefly about the Nexus 5.
Nexus 5
The Nexus 5 smartphone was introduced along with Android 4.4. Actually, this is the first device based on this system. In the summer, let us remind you that the Nexus 7 tablet was updated. And now, in addition to the “tiny” Nexus 4, an older brother has appeared. It's not hard to guess that its main change is a 5-inch screen (4.95-inch to be exact).
The Nexus 5 screen resolution has increased to 1920x1080 (445 ppi), which is exactly in line with the current trend. An IPS matrix is also used. But the processor has become noticeably more powerful - it is a 2.26 GHz 4-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chip. This is considered to be one of the fastest solutions on the smartphone and even tablet market.
2 GB of RAM is installed - like many modern flagships. Built-in memory – 16 or 32 GB. There is also no slot for a microSD card. They save money, you know! But there is an 8 MP camera and a 2300 mAh battery. At the same time, the weight of Nexus 5 is not very large - only 130 grams. Its thickness is 8.6 mm, which is also quite small. Plus, the smartphone supports wireless charging!
The cost of Nexus 5 is set at $349 for the 16 GB version and $399 for the 32 GB version. For the money this is a very good deal!
However, many are interested in the question: when will other smartphones receive Android 4.4? We answer: soon. More precisely, Google promised to provide an update “within weeks.” So in November 2013 the issue will be resolved. We are apparently talking about at least the Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tablets, as well as Developer Edition devices – Galaxy S4 and HTC One with bare Android. And HTC also promised to equip its HTC One with a new system very, very quickly. It would be absolutely wonderful!
But I wonder if Google is so actively promoting Android 4.4 as a super-optimized OS that can easily run on 512 MB of RAM and is perfect for budget devices, does that mean its Nexus One and Nexus S will also receive an update?? Yes, it has a single-core processor and only 512 MB of memory, but these are precisely those “budget” devices by modern standards!
Okay, let's leave it all up to Google. In the meantime, we will wait for the next Android. If only it were Android 5.0! And so we ask you to tell us about your experience with Android 4.4, as soon as it appears, in the comments below. Or just share your opinion about the new OS.