Android 4.4 KitKat Release Date Nears: Leaked Google Play Store Version 4.4 Touts Revamped UI Design

The rumor mill has been overrun with news on Android 4.4 KitKat as of late, and a recent leak of what may be a new version of the Google Play Store could be another indication of what is in store for the upcoming operating system.

Android Police has shared screen shots it obtained of a completely redesigned Google Play Store, reportedly version 4.4, which may coincide with the Android 4.4 release. The new Play Store, which is still in development according to Android Police, features a "hamburger"-style slide-out navigation, much different than the current Play Store UI. The current version 4.3.11 Google Play Store features all options on a cramped Store front.

The main aspect of the version 4.4 Google Play Store is the more seamless navigation. From the slide-out navigation drawer includes options such as: Store home, My apps (My movies & TV and similar options), Shop, My wishlist and Redeem. The Settings and Help options alone remain in the menu.

The new Google Play Store look is reportedly a taste of what's in store for all Google specific apps in terms of UI changes. Apps like Google Now, Google Keep, and Gmail are all expected to adopt a card-like UI.

Currently, there is no word on whether version 4.4 Google Play Store will release alongside Android 4.4 or if it will roll out before or after the operating system release. As said, the new Google Play Store UI is not yet complete, so other tweaks and developments are expected for the app before it is released.

Luckily, the version 4.4 Google Play Store is expected to be backwards compatible, as far back as Android Froyo.

Meanwhile, the masses have been attempting to decipher a launch date for Android 4.4 KitKat from various clues reportedly left on various KitKat social media pages and other Google sources. Among the dates being thrown around, Oct. 28 is now the most accepted for the unveiling of Android 4.4 on the Nexus 5 smartphone. Other dates include Oct. 18, Oct. 23, and Oct. 31.

More questions seem to pop up as more information about Android 4.4 is surfaces. Many still wonder if Google will announce its new operating system randomly, as was the rationale behind previously proposed Oct. 14 and Oct. 15 release dates. However, Google does have a pretty consistent pattern of announcing its events approximately one week prior to an unveiling. October is hardly over, there is still plenty of time for Android 4.4 to become official.

What do you think of the recent Android 4.4 KitKat findings? Let us know in the comments below.

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