Android 4.4 KitKat Release Date Coming: Oct. 15 Launch And $405 Price Proposed As New Leaks Show Off Updated Downloads, UI, And Nexus 5 Tech Specs

While we are certain that Android 4.4 KitKat will be a minor system update, it does appear to have lots of tiny improvements. For instance, the download user interface has been revamped and given a fresh look. Android 4.4 reportedly will have a Holo Light background color, replacing its former Holo Dark theme. The new download UI will include a “proper action bar,” now found at the top of the screen, that will offer a cleaner, flatter download icon.

Android Police recently shared a screenshot of the new UI (left), and compared it to the download UI in Android 4.3 (right). While the changes are minute, they indicate Google may attempt to further streamline its system with Android 4.4. At the action bar, we see two option icons, which may correspond with downloaded items being listed by file size or by date. The other icon may correspond with a tiled organization, similar to the one in Google Drive. The latter would allow users to preview the downloaded item.

In addition to Android 4.4 screenshots, photos of what is believed to be Nexus 5 hardware has also surfaced, appearing to confirm details disclosed in previous leaks.

An Android 4.4 KitKat log file recently blew the lid of many Nexus 5 specs and Android 4.4 features. While some techies were able to decipher tons of information from the code, this time we see detailed specs reportedly taken from the Nexus 5's system information. The data was leaked by Gadget Helpline, which also brought us the leaked log file. Gadget Helpline rehighlights such features as Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 (MSM 8974) chipset clocking in at 2265MHz (2.2GHz); the Adreno 330 GPU, 2GB of RAM, and, of course, Android 4.4 KitKat for the Nexus 5.

A major difference between the two leaks is details about Nexus 5's display. According to the Android 4.4 KitKat log file, the device will sport a 5-inch 1920 x 1080 Full HD display at 443 ppi, while the current leaked screenshots suggest Full HD display with resolution of 1776 x 1080 at roughly the same ppi. Most of the critical functionality has already been determined.

The recently leaked specs indicate a 16GB Nexus 5 with 12.55GB of available space; the Nexus 5 is expected to come in 16GB and 32GB options. In addition, OpenGL 3.0 is expected in conjunction with the Adreno 330 graphics chip, bringing much-improved gameplay and HD video. Details on the 2,448 x 3,264 image resolution seems to back up previous claims of an 8-megapixel rear camera for the Nexus 5. The handset is expected to include continuous focus, a macro-shooting option and updated color effects such as "blackboard" and "whiteboard."

While no leaks have been confirmed by Google, a lot of the information about the Nexus 5 is likely accurate at this point. Though it seems like Android 4.3 Jelly Bean was just-released, reports indicate that the Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 KitKat and the Nexus 5 will be announced in a matter of days.

Previous reports suggested an Oct. 14 launch, but more-current reports indicate we may see the Android 4.4 and the Nexus 5 unveiled on Oct. 15.

According to tech website GreeceAndroid, developers at the Google Launchpad conference divulged the new launch date. Most seem certain that the operating system and smartphone will be official before the end of the month.

Notably, the Nexus 4 smartphone and Nexus 10 table in conjunction with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean were announced online on Oct. 29, in lieu of an event, which was canceled due to Hurricane Sandy. It makes sense for Google to have its fall unveiling event a little earlier to hopefully avoid any weather catastrophes.

In addition, the Google Launchpad developers also reportedly revealed that the Nexus 5 won’t exceed € 300 ($405). This follows information from Tech Radar that suggests the Nexus 5 will cost half the price of the iPhone 5S. GottaBeMobile believes that means that the Nexus 5 will sell for between $299 and $399. Regardless of exact price, many believe that the Nexus 5 will remain affordable, similar to the popular Nexus 4, which costs about $299.

What do you think of the recent news on the Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 KitKat? Let us know in the comments below.

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