Samsung is preparing an Android 4.4 KitKat update for a number of mid-range Galaxy handsets, including the Samsung Galaxy S4 mini.
An image containing the list of mid-range handsets eligible for the Android 4.4 KitKat update has been leaked online.
The apparently official list entitled “KRT16 update under investigation for mid-range devices” lists seven devices Samsung is looking to upgrade.
The Galaxy S4 mini is named alongside the Samsung Galaxy Ace 3, Samsung Galaxy S3 mini, Samsung Galaxy Ace 2, Samsung Galaxy S Advance, Samsung Galaxy Core and Samsung Galaxy Fame in the UK.
Samsung has already said the flagship Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy S3, Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2 will all be getting a taste of KitKat.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any download dates for these KitKat upgrades but we’ll keep you posted of any updates.
One of the defining features of Android 4.4 KitKat is that it is compatible with older smartphones with less memory.
“With KitKat, we’ve slimmed down Android’s memory footprint by doing things like removing unnecessary background services and reducing the memory consumption of features that you use all the time”, explained Google at launch.
Android 4.4 KitKat can run on smartphones with as little as 512MB of RAM, so it makes it easier for manufacturers to update mid-range and entry-level handsets.
Samsung will have to tweak its TouchWiz UI to be compatible with Android 4.4 KitKat on lower-specced devices before the rollout can commence.
Other features of Android 4.4 KitKat include voice search, improved multitasking capabilities and prioritised contacts based on those who you communicate with most.
Google also checks local businesses for a match when you receive a call from an unknown number on Android 4.4.
The Google Messages app has also been ditched in favour of a new, improved Hangouts app. This groups all messages from a single contact in one place, regardless of whether it’s an email, text or other chat type.
Read more: Google Nexus 5 review
Via: TheMobileBlog
