#Android KitKat: It’s not so sweet for Nexus 4 users

After waiting several weeks, most of the Nexus 4 users have received an update for their phones that installs Android 4.4 aka KitKat on their devices. But these users are finding that the KitKat experience differs significantly on their phones compared to what Nexus 5 users get even though Nexus 4 is just one-year-old device and is supposed to run the 'pure' version of Android. 

In terms of user interface, KitKat offers several small but useful improvements over AndroidJelly Bean. Nexus 5, which is the launch device for KitKat, features a transparent notification and navigation bars. Also, the app drawer on the phone has translucent effect, through which a user can see the default wallpaper in the background. 

On Jelly Bean, notification and navigation bars are solid black. Similarly, the background in app drawer is also solid black. 

On Nexus 4 the same user interface has been retained even when the device has been updated to Android KitKat. 

The bigger and cleaner looking icons, which are part of Android KitKat on nexus 5, are also not available on Nexus 4. 

Compared to Android Jelly Bean, Android KitKat is not a major change in terms of user interface, even on Nexus 5. It looks cleaner and adds a few user interface elements, but most of the improvements are under the hood. 

With virtually none of these new elements available on Nexus 4, in terms of looks it is hardly different from Android Jelly Bean. 

"I used KitKat on my brother's Nexus 4. It's very boring," said Shamal Harkison, an Android enthusiast. 

Other than the lack of user interface elements, new wallpapers and bigger icons, KitKat on Nexus 4 also lacks the deep integration with Google search found on Nexus 5. For example, option to access Google Now through a swipe from left to right on the home screen on Nexus 5 is not available on nexus 4. On Nexus 4, users still have to swipe up from the home button. 

The "OK Google" command, which is available on Nexus 5, to perform search through voice commands is not part of Android KitKat on Nexus 4. 

But, the integrated phone launcher, which searches not only the local contacts but also publicly available phone numbers, is available on KitKat in Nexus. The new Hangout app, which integrates SMS and Google Talk is available, but it is not set as the default option. 

The KitKat user interface on the older Nexus 7 tablet is similar to the one on Nexus 4. 

Though they miss out on the user interface changes, users of older Nexus devices get other benefits that are part of Android KitKat. For example, the under-the-hood changes in the OS make Nexus 4 and Nexus 7 feel a bit faster with KitKat compared to the same devices running Jelly Bean. 

For some users, battery life has improved with the KitKat while a few others report a decrease in it. 

Install the KitKat user interface manually
To get the similar user interface, including Google Now on the left most screen and "OK Google" feature, Android users can manually install Google Experience Launcher (GEL) which is available as APK file on various websites. However, Harkison said the "side-loaded GEL lags badly". 

User can also try third-party launchers like Nova and Go to get KitKat user interface on their older Nexus devices. 

While it is not new for companies to not offer all features of an updated operating system on an older device - many features available in iOS 7 are not available on iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S - it is surprising to see Nexus 4, which has very capable hardware, getting a different version of KitKat compared to the one used on Nexus 5.

#Google starts selling Nexus 5, new Nexus 7 in India

Finally, you can buy Nexus 5, the official Google Android phone, and the newNexus 7 with FullHD screen in India. The two devices are now available on Google's Play store for Indian consumers.

The 16GB model of Nexus 5 sells for Rs 28,999 while the 32GB model costs Rs 32,999. The Wi-Fi version of Nexus 7 costs Rs 20,999 for the unit with 16GB internal stoarge and Rs 23,999 for the unit with 32GB internal storage. 

The 32GB unit of Nexus 7 is also available with support for LTE (cellular data connection). The LTE version costs Rs 27,999.
Nexus 5 will also go on sale in retail stores across India from today. However, in retail stores the device has been priced at Rs 29,999 for 16GB model and Rs 33,999 for 32GB model. The price is Rs 1,000 higher because of added retail-related costs.

To buy from Play store, a consumer has to use a credit card registered with the Google Play store. The two models of Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 (32GB) will ship immediately. the Nexus 7 (16GB) will ship after November 26.

The availability of the availability of Nexus 5 in brick and mortar shops may not be as good as what is possible for Samsung devices but sources said that it will be much better than what was the case with Nexus 4.

Nexus 5, which is made by LG, has high-end hardware but is sold at a much cheaper price compared to other high-end phones like LG G2 and Galaxy Note III because it is a low-margin product for Google. The device is powered by a 2.26 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor. It has 2GB RAM, a 4.9-inch screen with 1080P resolution, 16GB or 32GB internal storage, an 8MP primary camera with optical image stabilization, a 1.3MP front camera and a 2300 mAh battery. It weighs around 130 grams. It is powered by Android 4.4 aka Kitkat, which is the latest version of Android.

The Nexus 7 tablet is also priced very aggressively. It is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro, a quad-core processor running at 1.5 GHz. It has 16GB or 32GB internal storage, 2GB RAM, a 7-inch screen with FullHD resolution, 3950 mAh battery, a 5MP primary camera and a 1.2MP front camera with fixed focus. The device weighs around 290 grams.

While the hardware in both Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 is best-in-class, the real appeal of these devices lies in the software inside them. Like all Nexus devices, Nexus 5 and nexus 7 are powered by the unmodified version of Android. They come with the default user interface unlike other Android devices that ship with a user interface and software features modified by device manufacturers.

Nexus devices are also official Google devices and the Android operating system is fine-tuned to run well on them. This makes Nexus 5 and Nexus 7 fastest Android devices in the market even though they may lack some software or hardware features compared to more expensive phones and tablets.

Nexus 5 and the new Nexus 7 tablets are also guaranteed regular updates for at least 18 months without delay whenever Google implements new features in Android. The same updates reach other Android devices with a delay because those devices are serviced by their manufacturers and not by Google, which controls the development of Android.

#Google Nexus 5 vs. Nexus 4: What's changed

Google and LG finally unveiled the much-awaited new Nexus smartphone, the Nexus 5 with significant changes - they have made the smartphone more powerful, apart from lighter and thinner. The Nexus 5 is also meant to be the platform lead device for Android 4.4 KitKat, showcasing the potential of the new OS. Here is how the Nexus 5 squares up against the Nexus 4, its predecessor, and platform lead device for Android 4.2 Jelly Bean.

Display
Google and LG have decided offer a bigger display with the Nexus 5. It features a 4.95-inch full-HD (1080x1920 pixel) IPS+ LCD display which boasts a pixel density of 445ppi, and comes with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. On the other hand, the Nexus 4 sports a 4.7-inch HD (768x1280 pixels) IPS+ LCD display with a pixel density of 320ppi, and Corning Gorilla Glass 2. We've yet to get our hands on the Nexus 5, and for now, can't take a call on which display is better for now (in terms of viewing angles, colour accuracry, brightness and contrast), with both featuring the same display technology.

Camera
The Nexus 5 sports an 8-megapixel rear camera with OIS, a new addition to Nexus smartphone line-up. It also houses a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera. On the camera front, the Nexus 4 was criticised for its relative average camera performance. However, Google has now acknowledged the issue and has introduced the optical image stabilisation (OIS) feature in the Nexus 5's camera, which should ensure sharper images and video. The rest of the imaging optics appears to be the same as the Nexus 4, with the same 8-megapixel sized rear camera, and 1.3-megapixel front camera. In addition, the camera app was also updated with Android 4.4 KitKat (which will make its way to the Nexus 4), with Photo Sphere for Panorama 360 degree shots; HDR+ mode for burst shots which automatically chooses the best shot.

Hardware
The Nexus 5 is powered by top-of-the-line 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor, which is coupled with the Adreno 330 GPU. Its predecessor, the Nexus 4, is powered by 1.5GHz quad-core Krait Snapdragon processor with Adreno 320 GPU.

It seems for the Nexus 5, Google and LG decided to stick with the flagship tradition and chose the Qualcomm's latest processor, available on nearly all the recently launched flagship smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, LG G2 and Sony Xperia Z1.

There is an upgrade in the battery department as well; the Nexus 5 comes with 2300mAh battery which the manufacturer claims can deliver up to 17 hours of talktime (3G) and a standby time of up to 300 hours (3G). Nexus 4 came with a 2100mAh battery, which was rated to deliver up to 15 hours of talktime (3G), and 390 hours of standby time (3G).

Notably, the Nexus 5 does not feature expandable storage with a microSD card slot, once again knocking the smartphone off a potential purchase list for some users - the lack of microSD card support was perhaps the biggest omission the Nexus 4 was criticized for.

Design
The Nexus 5 at 8.59mm is definitely slimmer than the Nexus 4, which is 9.1mm thick. It is also lighter at 130 grams, compared to the Nexus 4's 139 grams. The overall design has been also re-worked and instead of the glass back seen on Nexus 4, the Nexus 5 comes with a Nexus 7 (2013) tablet style-panel, featuring a matte finish and prominent Nexus branding.

Connectivity options
Connectivity options on the Nexus 5 have also seen an upgrade with the much-requested addition of LTE network support. The Nexus 4 had been criticised heavily for not including support. The Nexus 5 brings dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 ac as well. Not many other changes have been made on the Nexus 5 on the connectivity front.

The Nexus 5 also features Android Beam, an NFC enabled feature which lets users share digital details with just a tap of smartphone. Other connectivity features included are wireless charging support, and Bluetooth 4.0, which are also available on the Nexus 4. T

Software
Google's new Nexus smartphone is the first device to run Android 4.4 KitKat out-of-the-box and is definitely an improved version of the Jelly Bean. The Nexus 4 will be receiving the update soon as well, and will have all the same features - so, only the preloaded aspect is different. The new features include a smart dialler, and Google-powered Caller ID. KitKat also brings the ability to wake the smartphone by just saying 'OK Google', a feature which was earlier seen on Moto X.

Google also claims that the Android 4.4 KitKat can now optimise memory and improve touchscreen response for better multitasking. Android 4.4 also bring some new features such as Hangouts app now can show messages and MMS; new immersive mode, offers full screen while reading, watching or playing, on swiping the edges offers navigation bar and status bar; native printing from Android, offers users an option to print documents, images and web pages from a device.

Price
Nexus 5 is priced at $349 for the 16GB variant while the 32GB model costs at $399. In India, the Nexus 5 has been priced at Rs. 28,999 for the 16GB model while the 32GB variant is listed for Rs. 32,999.

On the other hand, the Nexus 4 16GB was launched at $349 in October 2012, and received a $100 price cut in August 2013. For the Indian pricing, the Nexus 4 16GB was launched at Rs. 25,999 in May.

Overall
Those considering upgrading from the Nexus 4 to the Nexus 5 will get a better-specced device that will deliver much faster performance, new Android 4.4 KitKat software out-of-the-box, improved camera, upgraded battery and LTE support (though not for India).

Once again, like the Nexus 4, the Nexus 5 is a great deal for those looking for a value for money performance Android smartphone - just the Snapdragon 800 chipset at this price is a steal.

The Nexus 5 has now been listed on the Indian Google Play store with a pricing of Rs. 28,999, while the Nexus 4 has been removed from the store completely, though we expect online retailers to continue listing it for a while, without a price drop.

#Google India to launch second-generation Nexus 7 on November 12

It seems that internet giantGoogle has finally set its sights firmly on India as it gears up to launch the second-generationNexus 7 tablet and Nexus 5 smartphone in next two weeks. 

As reported earlier by TOI Tech, Google wants to launch the new Nexus 7 model in India at the earliest. According to our sources, it will hit the stores on November 12, along with the Nexus 5 that has just been launched in the US. Google does want to hold the launch of the tablet any longer so that it can notch up some market share for its tablet before the new iPad Air and iPad Mini with Retina are launched by Apple, added sources. 

Interestingly, retail stores will only stock the Wi-Fi versions of the Nexus 7 tablet. Though Google has listed the Wi-Fi and 4G model of the device on its Play Store in India with pricing, the price of the Wi-Fi variants has not been disclosed on its website. 

Not far behind is the new Nexus 5 smartphone, which is also expected to be launched within the "next 10-12 days," likely on November 12 itself However, there is still some uncertainty about the exact launch date of the device and the actual rollout might get delayed till the end of the month, sources said. 



Google has already announced that the smartphone will soon be launched in India, though it has not revealed any specific date. 

The second-generation Nexus 7 tablet will cost Rs 25,999 in India for the 32GB Wi-Fi and 4G variant. The company has listed only the US prices of the 16 and 32GB Wi-Fi versions of the model, giving rise to speculations that only the top variant will be available via Play Store. 

The new Nexus 5 will be available for Rs 28,999 and Rs 32,999 for the 16GB and 32GB variants in the domestic market. The prices are listed on the Play Store, suggesting that buyers will be able to purchase the phone online directly from Google. Nexus 4, which was launched earlier this year, was not available via Play Store in the country. 

Google has started launching its Nexus range of smartphones and tablets officially in India in 2012 only, though they have been available in the international market since 2010.

#Google Nexus 5 with Android 4.4 KitKat launched, coming soon to India at Rs. 28,999

Others: Wireless charging, NFC
After weeks of speculation, Google and LG have officially announced the Google LG Nexus 5.

The Nexus 5 comes with a 4.95-inch full-HD IPS display and is powered by a 2.26GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor alongside 2GB of RAM. It comes with an 8.0-megapixel rear camera and a 1.3-megapixel front camera. It comes in 16GB and 32GB storage options, with Black and White colours to choose from.

Google Nexus 5 is the first to run Android 4.4, which brings a new dialer that automatically suggests people the most likely call while Caller ID by Google matches an incoming phone number to a business even if that number isn't stored in the contact list. Users can send and receive text messages directly from Hangouts, and Hangouts for Android now supports location sharing. 

"LG is proud to partner with Google again to develop the fastest, most powerful Nexus phone ever," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "Nexus 5 offers the ultimate functionality in a modern design and is a testament to the level of innovation that can be generated when two great companies come together for a second act." 

Nexus 5 is now available for purchase (no contract required) on Google Play in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, U.K., Australia, Korea and Japan.

"We're excited to collaborate with LG on a new Nexus device," said Sundar Pichai, senior vice president of Android, Chrome and Apps at Google. "Google Nexus 5 is the slimmest and fastest Nexus phone to date and puts the latest platform innovations of Android 4.4, KitKat, right in the hands of consumers.

Interestingly, the phone has been listed on Google Play India as well carrying a price tag of Rs. 28,999 for the 16GB variant ($349 in the US) and Rs. 32,999 for the 32GB variant ($399 in the US).

However, the listing just says "Coming soon" and does not mention an actual release date. LG says the phone will be available offline in Asia and other market in mid-November, but it's not clear if that includes India.


Mobiles launched in October 2013

Google Nexus 5 technical specifications

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 with 2.26GHz Quad-Core Krait CPU 
Operating System: Android 4.4, KitKat 
Display: 4.95-inch full-ID IPS (1920 x 1080 pixels) 
Network: CDMA/1xRTT/EVDO, GSM/GPRS/EDGE, WCDMA/HSPA+, LTE 
Internal storage: 32GB / 16GB 
RAM: 2GB 
Camera: Rear 8.0-megapixel with OIS / Front 1.3-megapixel HD 
Battery: 2,300mAh Li-Polymer (embedded) 
Size: 137.84 x 69.17 x 8.59mm 
Weight: 130g 
Others: Wireless charging, NFC

#Google’s Nexus 5, Android 4.4 KitKat launch delayed

 
Google's launch of the Nexus 5smartphone and Android 4.4 KitKat mobile operating system has been delayed by a month. 

It is expected that Google will now make the announcement in November, instead of October 28 as planned earlier, according to a report by Phones Review website. 

Earlier, there had been media reports and also hints from KitKat's Twitter account that both the products would be launched on October 28. 

Google had recently 'leaked' the pricing details of the Nexus 5 on its Play Store which had also strengthened the rumours of an October release. 

It is being speculated the delay could have been caused due to LG's curved smartphone G Flex, which reportedly runs on the latest Android OS. The delay in the G Flex's release could have affected the new Android's release timings as well. However, there is no official word from Google or LG on the issue. 

The LG made Nexus 5 smartphone, codenamed Hammerhead, would reportedly have a 2.3GHz Quad-core processor complemented by an Adreno 330 graphics processor. Its 5-inch display will have 1920x1080p resolution, with on-screen resolution being 1794x1080p. It is expected to have a 13 MP rear camera and 2GB RAM. 

Reports about the Android KitKat have said it would have a totally new design and user interface. Apart from having its own printing options, the new OS would also have a new wireless NFC payment system within its Settings. It would also have the option to save images as PDF files on the device. 

Some reports have stated that Google Now will have the 'always-on' functionality of Moto X in Android 4.4 and could accept commands in several languages, not just English. Android 4.4 might also introduce SMS function to Google Hangouts app. Android 4.4 KitKat will come with pre-loaded apps like Google Drive and Google Keep. 

There is also speculation that Google will also unveil Nexus 10 tablet alongside the Nexus 5 and Android KitKat. This tablet is rumoured to be manufactured by Asus this year, instead of Samsungwhich had made last year's model, and could have a full HD screen.