Speculation continues to be rife over Android 4.4 KitKat, expected to be released later this year, but new details have been revealed which show significant improvements to the launcher, and introduce the possibility of a wider roll out.
References to a 'Google Experience Launcher' have been spotted within code leaks, followed by screenshots of new alert messages touting the name. Referred to internally as 'version 3' of the Android launcher, changes are likely to be very noticeable and include the option for unlimited home screens, folders which scroll, and new translucent navigation and menu bars. TuttoAndroid recently published a series of images of the Nexus 5 running the software, which show some of the design tweaks such as new icons, and a wallpaper based around the number '5'.
In addition, availability on Google Play is a possibility, giving users of phones like the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4 the pure Google experience without the need to pay for a Play edition phone. Android Police report a change to the launcher's packet name, which matches Google's apps already available on the store: what was previously com.android.launcher is now com.google.android.gel, similar to the stock calendar app which was changed to com.google.android.calendar when it was made available to all devices.
Android 4.4 is expected to be launched alongside the Nexus 5 imminently, with rumours about an announcement tomorrow and availability by the end of the month. With an expected starting price of $299, it will very likely grab the attention of previous Nexus owners, and those in the market for a smartphone but do not want to spend a significant amount.
Source: TuttoAndroid and Android Police | Images: TuttoAndroid
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