After the update came out operating system Android up to version 5.1 with the sweet name Lollipop, many users were interested in the question, what has changed? Today we will compare two 4.4 and 5.1 for you and help you finally see which version Android is better Lollipop or Kit Kat, and look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Main differences
Many people say that nothing has changed in the new version of Android Lollipop. Others say Kitkat has been changed beyond recognition. In general, the developers worked on many areas, which we will now consider.
“We have developed a new design philosophy” - this is how Google developers commented on the new version. They've updated every corner of the system, from the volume to the Wi-Fi icon. In the new version of Android, they added colors, made the design bright and contrasting, which was not the case in KitKat.
Google Inc has significantly redesigned the main functions of the system. They have improved the “multitasking screen” function (several open applications on one screen) expanded notification settings. The developers have also introduced new features. They created a “smart lock” (the device is blocked once if it is in a “safe place”, the device saw your face or there is a trusted gadget nearby), it became possible to work with the “curtain” application.
The developers said that the new version of the operating system will increase performance and the device will hold more charge. A comparison of OS 4.4 and 5.1 showed that this is a myth. Although Google has made a complete transition to the ART runtime (Android RunTime) and made support for 64-bit processors, various tests have not shown anything new.
Changes have also been made to graphics. The new version of Android brought us a new graphics API (Application Programming Interface), which made games more vibrant, high-quality and exciting. Android Lolipop is great for gaming.
In the new version of OS 5.1, the audio output has been improved (now it can also be used in a USB connector, which makes it possible to obtain digital quality), Bluetooth (a new protocol 4.1 has been created, now it has excellent network reception). The developers have increased the speed, quality and reliability of the connection.
Pros and cons of Android 4.4
Back in 2013, Google released a new version of the operating system called KitKat. The developers planned to get rid of various bugs and comments, which were abundant from users, and make the new version more comfortable for people. Although the Android 4.4 OS has become very popular, the developers have not succeeded in everything.
Advantages of Android OS KitKat
RAM
Google was going to make the OS available for any gadget. KitKat introduced the Process Stats function, which made it possible to use the new OS on the cheapest devices without slowing down, while more expensive models received their advantages from this, which manifested themselves in multitasking.
Interface
Developers who create new applications for the Android OS can now work more with application design. Also added different options full screen mode. All this led to the fact that appearance applications have become better and more beautiful.
Unified signatures
With the KitKat OS, it became possible to choose the font size that is on the screen, the background color, and the language of the captions.
KitKat has introduced support for several sensors that can respond to steps (the first sensor recognizes, and the second counts steps).
Infrared sensor
Many people would like to use some kind of remote control to control their home appliances. With the help of the new Android operating system, this has become possible.
Flaws
Recording prohibition
Since the Android KitKat version, the developers have prohibited recording applications on external drives, this was done to secure the system. But at the same time, the functionality of applications that may be located on an external memory card was disrupted.
In KitKat OS, it was impossible to automatically erase SMS messages that requested applications to control the balance of the device.
operating room Android system KitKat is perfect for users who have budget devices. Updating the system to this version will bring a lot of new things that will make working with the device more comfortable.
Pros and cons of Android 5.1
In 2015, Google made a statement that they would soon release a new, updated OS. Android Lollipop. The long-awaited update came out only a few months later. Android 5.1 became a new generation operating system, but it did not achieve great popularity right away. This is a new generation operating system in which almost everything has changed - from appearance to performance.
Advantages of Android OS Lollipop
Interface
Google took care of the users; in the new version of the system they began to use rich and bright colors, due to which the eyes do not strain and are not irritated. The interface has become more responsive to requests, and the standard buttons have been changed geometric shapes.
Device Security
The developers created new feature Smart Lock, which allows you to access the device when connecting it to “trusted” devices, but they must support the Bluetooth protocol.
Memory card
In Lollipop, you can assign each application a separate folder, only there it will write, read and use various data. Thanks to this new technology, we will be able to save internal memory. For this to work, every developer must optimize their application for this technology.
Internet and media
Google has improved the “video stream processor”. Smooth transitions, high-quality and clear images immediately catch your eye. There are also new options for setting up the camera, through which you can take high-quality photographs.
New Open GL 3.1 technology ( software for creating applications that use two or three-dimensional computer graphics) allows you to run the highest quality games. Using this technology, you can run applications that have graphics similar to some consoles.
Google Assistant
Now, in order to “talk” to your gadget, you don’t need to unlock it; the device can be locked and in your pocket
Flaws
Performance and battery life
Google cannot cope with the main problem - the gluttony of devices. Now their new operating system requires about 2 GB RAM. The developers also promised to increase the battery life, but after various tests, it turns out they didn't change anything.
Interface
In the new version of the operating system, the developers focused on minimalism. All standard icons were replaced with simple geometric shapes, and the “Gallery” was renamed “Photo”.
Incompatibility
Lolipop will simply not support some useful and important applications. To fix this, it is necessary that all application developers make support for the new operating system. Even though it came out a long time ago, many developers are in no hurry to do this.
Android Lollipop is not recommended for use on budget models, as it will heavily load the smartphone, which will lead to slowdowns. Users of expensive models are recommended to upgrade to a new version of the OS; if you like minimalism and ripples in your eyes, then do it.
Conclusion
We looked at Android KitKat and Lollipop, and helped you understand the main features and nuances of these OS versions. But which version is better to use, 4.4 or 5.1, is up to you to decide. Nowadays the main versions of Android used are 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 5.0, 5.1, in some cases even versions 6.0 and 7.0.
Not all owners of budget devices will be able to upgrade to the new version 5.1, so you will have to stay on old version OS, as it will provide more stable operation. Expensive devices can be updated to Lillipop and enjoy new features.
The Android 5.0 Lollipop system does not run on every smartphone, but KitKat firmware designed for almost any type of device. The version named above at one time established itself as the best. So why not upgrade your smartphone to this OS? In this article we will talk about version 4.4 from KitKat.
Quick installation of firmware on Android 4.4 KitKat: video
Preparation
The device being updated is a Samsung tablet. First you need to find the appropriate firmware version for this device. Everything you need can be found on the website. Once on this resource, you will need to select a manufacturer and model. Next, find the firmware you are interested in and download it. As a rule, it comes with separate instructions and basic installation tips. In this case, the standard Android version KitKat is supplemented on the page with drivers for the tablet.Basically, the version can be updated using an SD card, but for the selected tablet you will need to download the flash driver - a utility that helps update the system firmware.
Process instructions
Now the update is in progress:Impressions of Android 4.4 Kit Kat using the example of the LG Nexus 5 smartphone
Previous Android Jelly Bean series carried the ideology of “let's correct our old mistakes.” Therefore, one of the most noticeable innovations of Jelly Bean can only be said about a very good system of separate profiles, but all the main things remained behind the scenes: Google assures that the main point of updates from version 4.1 to 4.3 was to bring the operating system to mind and correct old glitches. “Fine-tuning” consisted of correcting code errors that slowed down and worsened the system’s performance, as well as making life easier for developers. However, for users all these things still remain behind the scenes. Because even the work with RAM, for example, still has not been improved. Android still devours her like a Minotaur, without leaving free space neither in a device with 512 MB, nor with 2 GB. Although a smartphone from the latter category slows down, of course, less than from the former.
New Android loves KitKat chocolate
Life has become better, life has become more fun
Although the update with the serial number 4.4 and the code name Kitkat, which was named after the famous chocolate bar beloved by the employees of the Good Corporation, is called “long-awaited,” there are still not that many updates as such. Otherwise, probably, the number would not be 4.4, but at least 5.0 and something about lime. But even though their quantity is not too large, they are great in quality, and you will see this for yourself in the future.
Among the main declared differences is less resource absorption, by as much as 16%. In other words, that number uses less memory, according to Google. In addition, it is announced that the Corporation’s built-in applications will be optimized in order to reduce memory requirements. And generally speaking, about the work done on the platform great job in order to improve its performance on weak devices: obviously, to encourage Android owners on 2.3 Gingerbread (of which there are still millions and millions even today) to finally remember what century they live in.
For the same purpose, it is stated, for example, that many interface elements have been simplified: the status and notification panels are now translucent and completely disappear when running full-screen applications. The main font Roboto has also been redesigned. But slightly.
This is what typing a message in Gmail and the dialer now look like:
The dialing app also looks different. Now the reference book with the list of characters from your fairy tale is built right into it, and the search has become faster as a result. Plus, if someone calls you from an unfamiliar number, Google will try to find out who the number belongs to thanks to greater search integration. In general, no one will remain in the shadows - although the details of this integration are not disclosed, everything will be visible when the update arrives.
By the way, it is now claimed that the new version of the OS will work without problems on those same weak smartphones with 512 MB of memory. The details of trouble-free operation are not specified, including which modes and applications will work without problems.
Google, it's not OK
The Evil Corporation is getting into your life more and more with these search services. For example, in version 4.4 it will go not only into your phone book, but also into voice search: Your words will be analyzed in real time, and Live Search now extends to speech too. And even for shipping text message. Speech recognition has also been "improved by 25%" for this purpose, and the answer to the question of what to do if you don't need such intervention is simple: it's, fortunately, turning everything off.
At first glance, the desktop has not undergone any significant changes.
Ubiquitous Google Now is now called by a simple gesture from left to right, swiped across the screen, or the phrase “OK Google”. Analyzing search information includes determining location and tailoring results to it (a nightmare for constantly traveling people), visited sites, favorite TV shows, and so on. And the results of this search can now lead not only to websites, but also to the corresponding application.
Even better: if you select a restaurant, you will immediately be offered the OpenTable app (for example) to reserve a table.
SMS and Hangouts are now one
The integration also affected all instant messengers. SMS messaging has now been merged with Hangouts, formerly Google Talk, but at least the user can choose whether to use both apps or only want to live in one of them.
Not a step without Chrome and... other little things
Most popular browser Google Chrome also underwent even more severe integration. Now applications that interact with web content at work use this browser to display information - as opposed to some kind of default browser that has been around for a long time.
Music player default
In fact, there are a lot of changes in small things as well. Let's say there is now a button on the lock screen quick call for the camera and options to rearrange the desktop. Navigation in the built-in audio player was also expanded (it is not specified how exactly) - which, by the way, was also made more modest in devouring resources. Unfortunately, there are also no details yet.
You can now print from the cloud Google service Cloud Print
Additionally, the OS now supports wireless printing from cloud service Google Cloud Print, similar to Apple's AirPrint, where printers are connected, control applications for which are available in Google Play. This can be done for documents, photos from the Gallery, and web pages. Other little things can be simply listed: improved integration with Google Drive(for example, in office application Quickoffice), support for Bluetooth MAP and Chromecast has appeared (a small dongle or “whistle” that connects to the HDMI input of a TV or receiver and can play multimedia content), the download application has been redesigned and the email client has been improved.
There is also a pedometer and control support infrared ports for developers (hello from the past): it seems like little things, but the IR port recently got a second life Samsung flagships and LG, they began to use it to control household appliances; support has now been implemented at the OS level.
All at once
Developers will also appreciate the new open architecture of NFC payments, and users will appreciate the improved experience with touch screen. In general, third-party vendors had a great influence on the new products of version 4.4: now the OS has a built-in function to support finding a device if it is stolen, for example. Well, again, developers will appreciate the fact that applications can now be executed in a more secure environment, Security-Enhanced Linux.
Google Play in 4.4 KitKat
Of course, all these words pacify, but real numbers in benchmarks they should show something better than any words. Unfortunately, we couldn't test this on the reference Nexus 7 tablet we have, since it still hadn't received the KitKat update by the time this article was published. Like all other Nexuses, however: today only LG Nexus 5 is allowed to have it - we’ll move on to it.
New Nexus
As already mentioned, along with the new operating system, the new smartphone Nexus family. This time it has acquired the quite predictable name Nexus 5, where the number traditionally means the diagonal of the display. The previous Nexus 4 smartphone was launched with Android Jelly Bean 4.2 OS and was also manufactured by LG. But the new tablet was not presented, which means the transition of the old Nexus into a new era as a new standard (though Google needs to be told about this).
New Nexus 5
It is quite obvious that the new reference smartphone must comply with all modern trends in all aspects, but the declared lower power consumption of Kitkat did not affect the very powerful hardware.
| Options | LG Nexus 5 |
| Chip |
Qualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800 |
| Memory |
16 or 32 GB flash cards are not supported |
| Display |
True HD IPS Plus 4.95'' 1080x1920 Gorilla Glass 3 protection |
| Cameras | 8 MP+1.3 MP |
| Video | 1920x1080p@30 fps |
| Communication |
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 4.0 with A2DP |
| Geopositioning | |
| Battery | Non-removable, 2300 mAh |
| Dimensions |
13.8x6.9x0.86 cm |
| Price | About 15,000-17,000 rubles |
But at the same time, the “Good Corporation” plunged the owners of the first Nexus from Samsung into despondency: they were informed that from now on support for their pet was stopped, and new versions of the OS for this smartphone would not be released. Obviously, Nexus 1 owners will have to master CyanogenMod or something similar in order to keep up with the times.
Not a masterpiece
Externally, the fifth Nexus cannot be called a masterpiece of design. This is exactly the same as before, a black rectangular box, but this time the Koreans made at least rounded ends at the top and bottom. There are no touch buttons, just as there were none on the first Nexus, but this time the screen is also made according to latest fashion almost the entire width - the borders are very thin and practically invisible. By the way, here we can also say that the rejection of hardware touch buttons may have made it possible to make the body a little shorter than it could have been; now the screen occupies almost the entire front surface. Only space is left on top for the front video camera with an outdated 1.3 MP resolution and sensor. It’s difficult to say what exactly this sensor is - there is only one, and the second one is obviously hidden somewhere.
Nexus 5 rear view
By the way, there is a full set of sensors - with each new device there are more and more of them. In addition to the standard gyroscope, accelerometer, compass and proximity and light sensors, there is a magnetometer and barometer.
According to the latest fashion, the screen is made with FullHD resolution, 1920x1080. Well, it is precisely this resolution with a pixel density of 445 ppi that is now the most fashionable and demonstrates the latest achievements of high technology. Everything is also protected using the latest glass technology, Gorilla Glass 3. And the screen type is not IGZO, but IPS. Simple, it should be noted - without any technologies like ClearBlack from Nokia.
The sizes are quite modern
By the way, the dimensions of the new standard are very impressive - 137.84x69.17x8.59 mm - this is the thinnest and fastest Google smartphone and one of the same on the market, and the weight is almost a record 130 g, which brings the new standard closer to latest Samsung Galaxy S. In general, LG has almost caught up with its Korean brothers.
But somehow it didn’t really catch up with anything else: the battery is only 2300 mAh, and it’s also non-removable. Taking into account the news quoted above about the end of support for the Nexus 1, this already looks like a clear impetus for more frequent replacement of smartphones, which may be good for corporations, but for most normal people this is not a pleasant thing: when the owner of a modern and normally working device is forced to change it to the new one is like this in a not very nice way.
Stereo speakers are located on the bottom end
Inside there is also a very popular quad-core Qualcomm processor Snapdragon 800 with a core frequency of up to 2.26 GHz, and Adreno 330 is used as a graphics coprocessor. But the amount of RAM is already slightly “outdated” - the Nexus 5 has “only” two gigabytes. About “obsolescence” - this, of course, It’s a joke, but since there are already three-gigabyte smartphones, and Google in its Nexus embodies the trends of today... In general, “somehow, doctor, it’s a little sloppy.”
Wireless interfaces are presented to the greatest extent possible. All major communication standards are supported, including CDMA and LTE, dual-band Wi-Fi via 802.11 ac/a/b/g/n protocols, Bluetooth 4.0 with low power consumption, aGPS and an NFC chip.
By the way, it’s worth saying a little more about the camera than just pointing out that the resolution of its matrix is eight megapixels. The former Korean company Goldstar (that is, LG now) brought a little of its own experience in the production of smartphones to the standard and added optical stabilization Innotek, previously used in the top-end LG G2 (by the way, this smartphone will receive KitKat “by the end of the year,” not earlier). This system allows longer shutter speeds for handheld photography and compensates for shake in video recordings. Of course, the latter can be said about a similar system on YouTube, but there are still hardware improvements here. The camera also supports HDR+ continuous shooting mode (which allows you to suppress glare and brighten shadows, as well as take sharper photos at night) and shooting multi-row 360-degree Photo Sphere panoramas.
The white lid looks very nice: but there will also be a black one for aesthetes
Plus, to all this, Auto Awesome technologies have been introduced, which automatically analyzes a user-specified set of photos to create animations or panoramas, and Auto Backup: the latter automatically improves each captured photo or video and allows you to save them immediately in the cloud.
Listing the hardware innovations, we must say about the dual microphone for active noise reduction and support for video output via the Slimport adapter, which can be purchased separately. It allows you to connect your smartphone to screens via DVI, VGA, HDMI and DisplayPort interfaces and supports image transmission up to 1080p.
The new reference LG Google Nexus 5 is priced without a contract at $350 for the 16GB version and $400 for the 32GB version. Please note that, unfortunately, there is no slot for a memory card, which means you will have to be content with only the built-in memory.
What's the result?
Not much can be said about the new reference smartphone. If you read it carefully technical specifications, then they probably didn’t see anything special. That’s right: this is an ordinary modern device, at the same time similar to all smartphones at once. What distinguishes it is that it is the same standard, which for some time will guarantee it updates in the very first place in comparison with both competitors and previous Nexuses (only until the next OS update, however). And in everything else - really, nothing special. And the device is unlikely to be popular, except for those who want a clean OS without unnecessary proprietary applications from all sorts of Samsung and made just like shells. Well, or the design if you like it, perhaps.
A wonderful neighbor has already settled in Google's yard
But the new operating system, in terms of the totality of updates, will be clearly more interesting than the previous three-part saga called “Jelly Bean”. Google made it quite clear that, without changing the code name of previous updates, it did not introduce anything special for users there (again, except for the introduction of separate profiles). And the new Android 4.4 KitKat OS brings much more to the table than the previous three updates combined. Here, as proof, we can mention the fact that updates have not yet been released on previous Nexus - this probably speaks of the great work that Good Corporation is doing for these devices. Well, or they simply didn’t make it on time - since the three previous Jelly Bean updates were released on Nexus of previous generations almost immediately - within the first 24 hours.
The most interesting thing, of course, is the declared reduced appetite of the new operating system: previously they only increased. Of course, these notorious 16% are impressive - but we will see the real numbers when 4.4 finally creeps up to other devices except the new Nexus 5. When this will happen, no one can say yet: Google vaguely states “the coming weeks” which is definitely depressing.
However, according to other sources, the coming weeks mean only “two weeks,” which is even more pleasing.
It's the OS's turn Android, or rather, its new version Android 4.4 Kit Kat. It just debuted on the Nexus 5. To be fair, Google hasn't made too many changes to it, but there are still some new features worth taking a look at.
First, we warn you - Android 4.4 will not turn your device into chocolate, but it will still provide you with several convenient functions. Let's look at five of the most interesting of them.
Or more accurately, sending all your messages from one place. Google Play has always had huge amount messengers, but they did not communicate with each other. Finally, it's over. Now all your messages, both SMS and MMS, will be grouped in one place, and you will not need to install various applications to stay in touch with your friends. In addition, you will now be able to send your location data and, most importantly, send animated GIFs. And one more thing: emoticons have appeared on the keyboard, which is good news.
If someone calls you from unknown number, then your device is under Android control 4.4 can search the Internet to find out something about this number and its owner. And when you dial numbers, you'll see that the ones you call most often are at the top of the list to make them easier to find. New search mechanisms have also been added to phone book, which will allow you to find the numbers you need much faster.
Android 4.4 Kit Kat makes the home, back, and apps buttons invisible when you're watching a video, playing a game, or reading a book. This means that you can immerse yourself in any process without distractions. You can make these virtual buttons visible again by swiping at the bottom of the screen to bring them up. Your device's screen will now become much more sensitive thanks to new technology for processing your taps.
After removing some built-in apps, Big G was able to reduce system requirements for Android 4.4. This means that even if your device's processor is a little weak, you still have a chance of running a new version of Android. Much depends on the manufacturer of your device, but Google continues to make strides to eliminate device fragmentation.
Team Google developers tried to implement several solutions related to resource-intensive applications in Kit Kat. Now your processor will not process all the data sent in its direction, which means you can appreciate various applications without the fear of being alone with a disconnected phone.
Android 4.4.2 is an operating system developed for mobile devices by Google. This version was called KitKat, and she, perhaps, best version firmware, if we consider all releases of Android 4. The operating system has become very widespread and is now used on many devices, delighting its users. If you wanted to download firmware for Android to update your phone or tablet with a newer version, then this page is for you!
The new update has significantly lowered the OS system requirements, thereby increasing the number of smartphones that can now fully support it. Therefore, today almost every user has access to Android 4.4.2 firmware for free download in Russian, which can be downloaded at Cyclone-Soft! If you've been unable to update your phone for a long time or don't know how to flash your tablet, then the installer package available for download via torrent will be of great help to you. In other words, today almost any device supports Android 4.4.2, so you have an excellent opportunity to quickly update the operating system.
Among other things, the OS has been highly optimized, which can only mean that devices using it get a nice boost in power and performance. Of course, hardware plays a major role here, but often perfectly debugged software performs an equally important task.
Features and innovations of Android 4.4.2 KitKat
Interface options and new features
There is no doubt that the most visible changes in this operating system are user interface. It has become even more comfortable and informative, allowing you to conveniently and easily manage desktops and divide installed applications into types and categories. This is an excellent option on how to flash Android, because version 4.4.2 was considered much more successful than previous releases.
Choose the one you like color palette, use the convenient notification panel and translucent buttons at the bottom, which have perfectly updated the appearance of the operating system. Android firmware 4.4.2 can be downloaded for free in Russian, which can be found at the end of the page, and also received updated controls for many elements of the system. For example, the user can hide system elements, unnecessary on-screen buttons, and the notification panel itself.
Sensor support
The new version of Android has interesting updates in terms of processing specialized sensors. The fact is that now KitKat can receive all the information from them in batches and group the data at certain intervals. This solution helped not only to reduce the load on the device’s processor, but also to reduce power consumption, which depends on its operation. New program for firmware it has many new functions that allow you to use detection sensors, pedometer and many others in your smartphone.
The user will also have access to built-in support for infrared ports and a module for working with several Bluetooth profiles at once. KitKat 4.4.2 will help you print absolutely any document wirelessly.
Updated photo editor
Android 4.4 received brand new graphic editor, which you can activate while in the gallery. The utility will do an excellent job of adding filters and frames, cropping photos and many other tasks. One could even argue that the functionality is in no way inferior Instagram app, in which you can process your pictures. Crop frames, straighten the image, rotate it at the desired angle and create a mirror copy - all this is available to you!
How to update Android to version 4.4 KitKat
Downloading, installing and further updating the operating system will not cause you any difficulties, regardless of whether you decide to flash a smartphone or tablet. Download Android 4.4.2 KitKat and follow the instructions from the downloaded archive, which will answer all your questions about how to flash your Android phone or update your tablet OS.
Be sure to share the page with friends who do not yet have Android 4.4.2 KitKat, so that they can also update to this excellent version by flashing the firmware of their device. Write comments and don't forget to rate the software! Thank you for your attention!
