Say hello to Android 4.4 KitKat, coming next in line

Google recently announced its latest version of Android - 4.3 Jelly Bean, which turned out to be nothing to write home about. Ever since then, the next iteration of Android OS has taken the spotlight and has been the talk of the town.

Just when all of us thought that Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie would be the next upcoming version of the Android OS, Google has announced that the successor of the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean would be named KitKat (yeah, the brand) and it is Android 4.4, not 5.0 as rumored before.

Sundar Pichai, the Android and Chrome head has confirmed the naming scheme of the next version of Android. Android 4.4 KitKat is named after Neslte's popular candy bar, which is trademarked and licensed by Hershey in the US.

Google also says that "it's our goal with Android KitKat to make an amazing Android experience available for everybody". The bold statement also suggests that Google plans to make use of its next iteration of Android in smartwatches, gaming consoles and other electronic gadgets.

Sundar Pichai, in his Google+ post also revealed that Android device activations have now passed 1 billion and says he "can't wait to release the next version of the platform."

Here's the list of past Android versions with the dessert naming scheme:

Android 1.5: Cupcake

Android 1.6: Donut

Android 2.0: Eclair

Android 2.2: Froyo

Android 2.3: Gingerbread

Android 3.0: Honeycomb

Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich

Android 4.1: Jelly Bean

Android 4.2: Jelly Bean

Android 4.3: Jelly Bean

Android 4.4: KitKat

Android 4.4 KitKat OS Features

Google may include the Android iteration in the upcoming 4.4 KitKat version which may use Linux 3.8 kernel to support lower memory devices. As of now, only mid-range and high-end Android phones/tablets can support 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 Jelly Bean which requires 512 MB of RAM. Devices with a single-core processor such as Nexus S suffer issues with the Android 4.1 version and declared not upgradable to Android 4.2.

Here are some hints of speculated Android 4.4 features coming really soon for Nexus devices:

1.      Beautiful and immersive display

2.      Multiple sensor support

3.      Better CPU core support

4.      Intuitive orientation in portrait and landscape

5.      Exclusive Cloud system for Android

6.      Wider and more stable network coverage

7.      Nexus availability and system compatibility enhancements

8.      Upcoming Android accessories

9.      All-new refined software and UI

10.  Matching hardware and unibody design

11.  Enhanced multi-touch support and responsiveness

12.  Thinner design and lighter weight

13.  Thinner bezel on the screen

14.  Universal network compatibility across the globe

15.  Better battery life

16.  Low memory support