5. Revamped messaging
This is the feature which has been talked about extensively, due to information leaking. It will be interesting to see to how Google goes about tackling messaging in a world where apps such as Whatsapp dominate.
Google's "Babel" service is expected to allow users to access messages across Android smartphones and tablets. The web giant is also tipped to launch clients for other popular platforms such as iOS.
Folks over at the Google Operating System blog found a javascript file on Gmail servers appearing to confirm the existence of Babel and some of the key features it will include:
- Redesigned conversation-based UI
- Access conversation lists from smartphones, tablet and PCs
- Advanced group conversations
- Ability to send pictures
- Improved notifications across devices
4. Offline maps and better control over location settings
Nokia has been leading the way in this field by allowing users to download comprehensive guidance and then use it for free offline. Google already offers comprehensive guidance through its Maps and Navigation apps, but it does crunch through battery when in use.
Privacy hasn't been a strong point for Google, with the firm receiving numerous fines about collecting data from individuals. A way in which Google could try and rebuild its privacy image would be to let users choose whether they want to share their location.
iOS already allows users to turn off location services on individual apps if they choose to. This feature would be welcome on Android so you don't have all your apps sending off data. Of course it would help to save battery life too.
3. Improved battery life and performance
There are whispers that Google will upgrade the framework of Android to the Linux 3.8 Kernel. What does this mean for regular users?
In short, such an upgrade should make Android less memory hungry. Devices should become more efficient as they gobble up less RAM for tasks and inturn this should result in improved battery life.
Google introduced its Project Butter initiate with Jelly Bean to help solve the latency issues Android was experiencing. This has gone a long way toward reducing the perceived "lag" associated with Android. Improvements to Butter are expected.
2. Enhanced multitasking
Android has been at the forefront of mobile computing when it comes to features such as multitasking. Users are able to run multiple apps at the same time and flick between them.
With the forthcoming Galaxy S4, Samsung will allow users to snap two apps onto the screen of the 5in device, so they can be used at the same time. It'll be possible to watch videos when replying to emails, or surf the internet and make notes.
It would be great to see Google take the initiative and make a multitasking feature like this standard across all high-end handsets.
1. Complete Android backup
Although it is possible to sync key features such as contacts and apps with a Gmail account a full blown native backup is lacking from Android handsets.
When you switch between Android handsets, photos, music and text messages are lost in the transition, as are any customisations you have made.
Apple already has a cloud backup service, which works well when you upgrade your iPhone and we hope Google will introduce something similar to this with Android KitKat.
This article was originally published on 24 April, but has since been updated to reflect the name change of Android from Key Lime Pie 5.0 to KitKat 4.4.
