Android 4.4 KitKat was announced less than a month ago. Normally that would mean we’d have a couple of months to wait before any non-Nexus device gets updated. Times have changed though my friends, at least in the Motorola camp. Today Android 4.4 KitKat is beginning to roll out to Moto X’s. The first carrier to get treated to the update is Verizon but I can’t imagine there being a huge delay for other carriers (including Rogers here in Canada!). Here’s what’s new in KitKat for the Moto X:
- An improved phone dialer. Now you can search for contacts directly from the dial-pad and easily see and tap on those you contact frequently.
- More gallery goodies. KitKat packs in some cool, new gallery effects—such as Posterize, Highlights, and Edges. You can even use the Draw feature to annotate your photos freehand with your finger.
- New Hangouts app. All of your conversations now in one place—texts, video calls, and other chats all together in one app. Plus, you can now send animated gifs and share your location.
- Color emojis. For when words aren’t enough, the Google Keyboard now includes colorful characters to send in text messages and other communications.
- Drag to focus and expose. An updated camera app lets you control both the focus and exposure of your photos. Simply drag your finger to set just the right exposure and focus point.
- And more… Restyled status and navigation bars, new full-screen mode, and enhancements to Motorola features like Touchless Control.
I really wish that other manufacturers would be able to push updates as quickly as this; however, as long as manufacturers continue to skin Android with their own UI’s these speedy updates can never become a reality. Nevertheless, good job Motorola and Google!
We’ll keep you guys posted for a Canadian release!
[Motorola]