Android 4.4 KitKat Release Date Coming: Leaked UI Reveals New Features; Does It Predict 2013 Nexus 4 Instead Of Nexus 5?

As Android 4.4 KitKat and Nexus 5 leaks continue, a recent leak may give us a deeper look into the user interface for the coming smartphone and operating system.

Days ago tech website Gadget Help Line shared a series of photos that it believes may be Android 4.4 in stealth. The images feature seemingly updated Android software under the name “Key Lime Pie,” despite Google having announced the name of its next software iteration as Android 4.4 KitKat. However, Google has admitted that it continued referring to Android KitKat as “Key Lime Pie” internally for months after it had decided on its actual name, which could be an explanation for the reference.

We note, however, that the system name is listed under “Android version” as opposed to the system number as it usually appears, which could indicate the leak is a fake, or at least a crafty attempt by Google to keep the true Android identity hidden. The date for the kernel version is listed as Aug. 28, just days before the Android 4.4 KitKat name was announced, which falls in step with an internal Key Lime Pie reference.

Android 4.4 KitKat Leak Details

Entertaining this leak for a moment, its most prominent feature is the supposed Key Lime Pie “Easter egg,” in addition to the build number referencing the “Hammerhead” code name. That is believed to be linked to the Nexus 5 and the KRS65B version number coinciding with the next Android system, whether it is referred to as KitKat or Key Lime Pie. As Android KitKat was announced as a continuation of the 4-series in version number, most are expecting it to be a minor update, and this leak backs that up.

Among the new and updated features is a Printing and Payments system, which makes wireless NFC payment a native feature on the Android system. Android 4.4 also includes Miracast support, which allows users to wirelessly display video from a smartphone to a TV display. The camera app has seen updates, in which filters can now be previewed before they are applied, similar to Instagram; a print feature with several options has also been added to the user interface. Otherwise, Android 4.4 appears to be not much different from the most recent iterations of Android such as 4.3 and 4.2.2, save for a smoother UI and a few color changes.

Head over to Gadget Help Line for more leaked photos.

Nexus 5 or Nexus 4 (2013)?

Attempting to delve deeper into the leak, many pundits wonder if the model being listed as the Nexus 4, rather than anything in reference to the Nexus 5, could be an indication that the device will be a second-generation Nexus 4 instead of the Nexus 5. Tech website Tutto Android speculates that we may see a Nexus 4 (2013), similar to how Google released a Nexus 7 in 2012 and a second Nexus 7 in 2013 instead of a Nexus 8, for example.

Similar to the decoy operating system, we note that under the model number we see an actual device name and not a model number. Some speculate that the model listed as Nexus 4 could simply be hiding the true identity of the device. Phone Arena notes such physical aspects as a seemingly more defined display may indicate a more advanced device. Currently, the model number LG-D820 is connected with the Nexus 5 and has surfaced in many previous leaks. As mentioned, the Nexus 5 has also been connected to the code name “Hammerhead.” While nothing is confirmed, the Nexus 5 has long been referred to by this name; few references to a second-generation Nexus 4 have circulated until now. During its pre-release, the Nexus 7 2013 tablet was heavily referred to as the new Nexus 7, which ultimately turned out to be accurate. The device and operating system are still expected to be unveiled sometime in October.

What do you think the next Google device will be called; the Nexus 5 or 2013 Nexus 4? Let us know in the comments below.

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