Android 4.4 KitKat Update to be Compatible With Low-End Smartphones and Tablets

By Vincent Funaro, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, October 31, 2013

The Android 4.4 KitKat update will be compatible with low-end smartphones and tablets.

A recently leaked document reveals that Google's intention with the new mobile operating system was to make it available to various low-end devices and also with wearable gadgets such as the Galaxy Gear.

News of the document was published by The Wall Street Journal's Amir Efrati and happens to line up with a previous rumor from the publication that said Google's K-release Android version will be compatible with older devices and other types besides smartphones and tablets.

He obtained this new information from a "confidential file that Google shared with the companies that make Android devices to explain the most important new features.

"KitKat optimizes memory use in every major component and provides tools to help developers create memory-efficient applications for entry-level devices such as those that have 512 megabytes of memory," read the report.

KitKat is also expected to hit devices that have never been updated to JellyBean, according to Efrati's report. He discusses the fact that the software is made to work well with wearable gadgets such as the Galaxy Gear and Google Glass since it will support new types of sensors that are relatable to them such as a geomagnetic rotation vector, step detector, and step counter.

KitKat will offer users new NFC functionality which will allow developers to emulate physical cards that let people make payments, earn loyalty rewards, enter secure buildings and transit systems without requiring access to a secure element.

The document also revealed the Google wants to turn all Android devices into TV remotes. This basically means infrared-based actions will be built into the new software.

Android 4.4 KitKat is expected to be unveiled later on this year.