Google announces Android One In India, an entry level Android phone segment for eveyone

Congratulations to all Indians. Today in India Google debuted a new class of Android phones. Best of all, three local manufacturers viz. Karbonn, Micromax and Spice have started selling their Android One devices.

Named as Android One, this project is focused to provide best Android experience to everyone, despite of the class he belongs. The phone categorized under the project are cheaper upto $100 ($105 actually) that sums as Rs. 6,399 in India. Android One is an initiative by Google to provide the same fresh Android experience as it serves with Nexus and Google Play Edition devices. 

Three manufacturers: Karbonn, Micromax and Spice are offering one smartphone running under Android One. All of these devices are available on E-commerce sites that have contracted with a single manufacturer. For instance, Amazon is selling Micromax Canvas A1, Flipkart offers Spice Dream Uno and Snapdeal is tied up with Karbonn to sell Sparkle V. 

Android One will help improve Android Experience in developing nations

Tagged as Android One phones, these smartphones have basic features such as 1GB RAM, 1.3 GHz MediaTek processors, 4.5 inch display, 2 MP front camera and 5 MP rear camera with a flash. This whole package bundles under $100 to make it feasible for everyone to buy it. Ofcourse there are entry level devices being manufactured by local OEMs as well as outsiders, but they had their issues such as compromise with performance, faulty user experience, battery issues etc. Also in India there are entry level smartphones by leading companies like Sony, Samsung and LG, but they have shortage of specs such as low RAM, small screen size, low class cameras. 

To tackle all of these challenges Google announced Android One. Because it is a project maintained by Google, so the company focuses on providing the best of the experience in less of the cost. The icing on the cake is that these Android One devices will definitely get Android OS update for 2 years, that means atleast 2-3 version updates, which is a serious miss in currently available entry level Android phones. 

One more good news for Airtel users. Those who're having an Airtel SIM card can download apps upto 200 MB free of cost for a month. If under six months, a new Android version is announced, you can download it for free whether you have a data plan activated or not.

Google provides basic Google apps such as Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Google+ etc with these devices. As Google knows the condition of internet and it's connectivity in India there's an option to view YouTube videos offline. Play Newsstand also offers subscriptions in local languages. OEMs such Acer, Alcatel Onetouch, ASUS, HTC, Intex, Lava, Lenovo, Panasonic, Xolo, and chipmaker Qualcomm are in the queue to join the project. 

With Android One, Google can have a firm grip over Android fragmentation and can also focus on gathering more and more users to keep it's green robot on the top. 

From: Google Blog

Official Android One Website

Internet Explorer for Windows Phone will soon provide web experience like iPhone

Running Windows Phone? Sick of viewing websites in your Internet Explorer cause the visuals get smashed? It's a problem of all Windows Phone Users. 

Reason? Well, a website is made visible with the help of "Rendering Engine", a kind of software inbuilt in all web browsers. This engine renders i.e. converts the code written in a webpage to the layout that a user see. Internet Explorer uses "Trident" Rendering engine by Microsoft. 

Twitter.com on IE 11 with Windows Phone 8.1

But the things change get diverse here. While Microsoft insists user to view a webpage via Trident, the world is rapidly shifting and writing code for "Webkit", a kind of rendering being engine used by browsers like Google Chrome and Apple Safari. And because these browsers are serving more number of users day-by-day whether on mobile or desktop, this makes less compatible code for Trident. In short, because of the grossing popularity of Chrome and Safari, there are less websites fully compatible with Internet Explorer. 

But seems like Microsoft has found a solution for it. As in the latest blog post, Microsoft has stated that it has been working on Internet Explorer 11, as per the users' feedback, to make it provide an experience like browsers on Android and iOS. The update is expected to be rolled out soon. 

Twitter.com on iOS 7

Twitter.com on IE 11 with Windows Phone 8.1 update 1

This is a good approach from Microsoft. After all, atleast Windows Phone users can be happy in some state as compared to owners of iOS and Android users. 

Image Courtesy: WPCentral

Source: Internet Explorer Blog

LG G3: LG Has Never Made Something This Good

Well fellas, after a long awaiting time, LG has made official G3, the phone that was rumored and expected from a long. G3 is the flagship phone from HTC and this time, LG has drawn everything keeping everything in mind. 

So let's get started from the front. G3 welcomes you with a 5.5 inched 2560 x 1440p illuminating display with 534ppi sharpness. It's True HD-IPS + LCD display to watch everything in Quad HD. Bezels cover up the least part of the phone as most of the part is housed by the screen.

While talking about the features, the best to mention here is the Camera. It has got everything it needs to be a camera phone. Although LG has been making a good cameras since time, but G3's camera redefines photography from the mobile phone's perspective. It has a laser Autofocus sensor, a first of its kind in smartphones. It shoots pictures immediately as you touch the screen. LG has upgraded the camera to 13MP to take 4K pictures and videos upto 2160p. 

The Korean manufacturer has also brought an Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS+) system to get crystal clear pictures for you. As promoted, it takes astonishing images. 

LG has polished everything on its G3. 

Talking on the hardware's points, G3 houses Snapdragon 801 CPU clocked at 2.5 GHz and Adreno 330 GPU to process the graphics. It has a 3,000 mAh removable battery to serve you for a long. 3 GB RAM is the powerhouse for the phone while 32 GB internal memory serves you to store your memorable photos, docs on the go. If this is not enough, you can add a Micro SD card of 128 GB to expand your data house. 

Let's go Inside. The User Interface for which LG is being criticized for a long time seems going to be the talk of earlier times. LG has worked a lot on the UI factor, it has polished everything, whether it is icons, notification bar or the whole theme. G3's UI looks like in a neighborhood of Stock Android. 

Moving towards the software's view G3 runs on Android KitKat 4.4.2. Knock Code and Knock On are the offerings from LG to protect your phone. In addition to these, there's a new topping added: Smart Notice, a feature that LG believes is the best personal assistant among all available offerings. Oh, and it reminds about the rain to take Umbrella with you or not. 

From the inside to every corner of outside, G3's an incredible piece of design. Although deriving same design cues from G series, G3 has the least of bezels, best display and the thickest (149g) of all of the giants standing in the field. It has everything you need whether you a daily commuter or a photographer or enthusiast about phone. G3 is simple but yet powerful. 

iPhone 6 Concepts Show Larger Screens and iPad Mini Like Desgin

So fellas, it's been long since we are listening that Apple will announce iPhone 6 this year. Well, we don't know how much will it take Apple to release the next gen iPhone. But there are some enthusiasts who can't wait, and hence they reflected their own views in form of iPhone 6 concepts. 

First of all there is imagination of Federico Ciccarse who brought us the curvy body designs of Apple's phone apart from the flat and sleek tradition of the company. Ciccarse designed  5.5-inch display (1,568 x 878 pixels) as well as one with a 4.7-inch (1,338 x 750) display. He put both of them with current running iPhone 5S, comparing all of them.

Wall Street Journal has already reported that Apple will release iPhone 6 with larger screens than the iPhone 5 and iPhone 5C. The next-gen iPhone may come with 5" and 5.5" displays. Current version of iPhone have a 4-inch display. This move will bring the iPhone to the phablet category. It may be possible, because once Apple never had a intention to release iPad Mini. 

Another designer Martin Hajek shows his imagination with a iPad mini inspired iPhone not having Home button. Yes, you read correct. Martin Hajek imagines of such an iPhone with the tagline "Homekeys are so 2013". 

Homekeys are so 2013

Hajek stretched the phone's screen eliminating the home button and reducing the bezels as much as possible. Volume rocker and power keys are also slimmed down. This is a different kind of approach from Apple but still Hajek's views seem to be the design of future. Who knows, someday Apple may get inspired from him.

Android 4.4.2 arriving for HTC One and LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition

Six days ago, Google pushed Android 4.4.2 System Update to Nexus devices. Now its HTC One's turn. Not the OEM edition, but the Google Play Edition is getting Over The Air update for KitKat 4.4.2. Also, LG is rolling out the update for its latest tablet: G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition.

As per HTC posted the framework files, it can be said that the update will weigh around 468 MB. For the tablet it will be just 56 MB in size. These updates are to be rolled out Over The Air, so sooner you will get the system update notification. You can also manually check via Settings> About Device> Check for Updates. 

HTC One Google Ply Edition KitKat 4.4.2 update

LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition KitKat 4.4.2 update

No more need to press "Display Images Below" in Gmail

Google introduces update to Gmail so that users no more need to press the button "Display images below" in their mails.

As Google is using its own secure proxy servers, so there's no use of external servers. It will be now handled by Google. Well, nice option. Lets see how much efficient is it.

Official Gmail Team announcement

Spiderman 2 Trailer goes Official, Shows Peter’s fight with Green Goblin, Rhino and Electro

Spiderman is set to take on The Verge with three villains this time, in May 2014. This summer we’ll see Peter Parker again saving the world in the sequel of Spiderman movie series: Amazing Spiderman 2. Sony Pictures has officially released the first trailer of the feature fantasy.

As the trailer shows, Peter initiates by saying, “Every day I wake up knowing that the more people I try to save, the more enemies I will try to make and it’s just a matter of time until I face those with more power than I can overcome.”

The trailer shows computer effects and characters feel animated. In this sequel, there’s a new face for Harry Osborn: Dane DeHaan, who is known for playing Jesse in HBO TV series “In Treatment”. Further characters such as Harry’s father Norman Osborn, Electro and Rhino are played by Chris Cooper, Jamie Foxx, Paul Giamatti respectively. The film is directed by Marc Webb and the story writer is James Vanderbilt.

With this trailer it seems, Peter seems to be stuck in huge trouble as there are three villains and no other Superhero to help him. We can’t say what Peter will do until the movie goes official. Is he Waiting for Superman? .

Official Spiderman homepage

Kitkat runs on 1.1% devices, Google reveals December month's Android Platform share figures

One month ago, Android KitKat was released. With new polished interface and search features, KitKat is the one of most responded version of Android. Manufacturers unveiled their update rollout plans and ROM community started tweaking the code. As each month Google releases figures for the share hold by each platform, Kitkat reaches to 1.1% in just a month. 

Jelly Bean has accounted 54.5% ownership which is summed up from 37.4% of JB 4.1, 12.9% of JB 4.2 and 4.2% of JB 4.3. It seems like Kitkat will soon succeed over Jelly Bean 4.3's share as manufacturers have planned to rapidly out 4.4 version to devices. 

ICS now runs on 18.6% devices only. Honeycomb which was rejected by users has only 0.1% share while Gingerbread is still on 24.1% devices. 

Sony Xperia SP is going to get Kitat 4.4 update, 4 more devices awaiting

Earlier this month, Sony announced Kitkat rollout plans for Xperia Z series devices: Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z Ultra and Xperia Z1. It was the first and elite batch of Sony's stable to get the treat. This time, we are seeing Xperia SP may see the Android 4.4 treatment soon. 

On visiting the Xperia SP's support page, we see Android 4.4 version is set for future release. That means company intends to release the update. Not only Xperia SP is the only device to get it, there are 4 more devices in the queue: Xperia ZR, Xperia T, Xperia TX and Xperia V. Software update with Android KitKat is under investigation for them. Although it is not confirmed that whether these devices will get the update ever published, but the strong possibilities hint towards the positive result.

Well, it is the time for Android KitKat rollout worldwide. We may see numerous devices getting updated as KitKat supports devices upto 512 MB. If your device hasn't got the update or the manufacturer hasn't announced yet, don't worry, you always have the option to install launcher, themes, wallpapers and Android 4.4 leaked apps. CyanogenMod is also working on Android 4.4's forking. Keep calm. 

Sony Support page

Time to develop Apps for Google Glass, Google releases Mirror API

After teasing from a long time, Google has finally made available the app development tool for Glass developers. This morning Google Developers page on Google+ shared that Mirror API is ready to be used. 

Mirror API is a smaller tool which can be used for deploying apps for Google's headset. As the website says, it is useful for those who want Platform Independence, Common Infrastructure and built in functionality. Official development kit GDK or Glass Development Kit is still in awaiting. The web based services that interact with Glass are called Glassware. These services will use the cloud based APIs and thus will not run on the Glass Hardware; Glass will connect to them only, rest of the work will be done over the web on servers. 

The basic difference between GDK and Mirror API is used for letting the apps communicate with the Google servers to send updates and notifications to user's Glass such as sharing, location update etc. While GDK is meant for developing apps that directly run on Glass hardware and rely on it. It is like the other SDKs. 

We are on the verge to have GDK installed and with the release of Mirror API to everyone, a new definition of application development is going to be set positioned. Go, have a hand on the new tool. 

Google Developers

State of ART: A new Android RunTime

With the release of Android 4.4 KitKat, Google introduced a new Runtime environment. Named as ART, an acronym for Android RunTime, it is deployed to help Android perform better. With the consistent 5 year use of default runtime Dalvik, KitKat ships with both runtimes available to be used.

But hey, what’s Dalvik?

The word “Runtime Environment” is the software environment created by the Operating System when a software is it in its running state. Dalvik is no exception. It is a process Virtual Machine RTE (Run Time Environment) that Google uses to run apps in Android OS. It is the base layer of the Android Apps. On the top of it, the Android apps execute. Android apps are coded in Java, and that code is converted to a code which is handled by Dalvik.

By the way, how does it work?

Dalvik has a Just-In-Time (JIT) Compiler. The Just In Time code means that code which is not compiled already, but when required, it gets converted to the executable code. The best example is Javascript code. A Javascript code always stays as non-precompiled in the website directory, but when user clicks on some spot where it is called, the code gets converted to an executable state.

Similarly Dalvik works. Android apps are not the compiled code, they are in a simply packed form. After installation, it gets stored on the hard disk of the phone (or a tablet). When it is executed, Android combines all the uncompiled code together, complies it and converts the code in Dalvik Executable .dex format. Then this .dex file is executed by Dalvik.

It is always a good option for application environments, but what the problem is that the dalvik executable takes much execution time and also battery hogs and CPU loads. Although it is not that much as it sounds, but still in the world where a single cycle of CPU and response time matters, Dalvik is not matching the requirements.

So, here we’ve got ART 

As an alternative solution to Dalvik, Google came with a new runtime environment called as “ART” or Android RunTime. ART incorporates AOT (Ahead-Of-Time) compiler, rather than JIT compiler. Instead of compiling the code at the time of calling, this environment has a different policy. Once an app is downloaded, it unpacks and gets compiled. If the user opens the app, the app opens up faster than Dalvik. This is because in ART there’s no compilation process occurs, hence it saves the processing time. Although it takes more space on the disk, but it results in lesser CPU usage and battery drain.

Google has kept ART turned off by default. Users can always switch from Dalvik to ART from Settings > Developer Options > Select Runtime.

Is it really faster?

Developers, those who have tested apps on ART, have said apps to be working 50% faster than in Dalvik. The small apps don’t have a notable difference, but large apps such as Photoshop Touch accounted fast opening in ART mode. Currently ART is in the testing phase. Not all of the apps work in the new environment.

The reason that developers should switch to start using ART Dalvik over ART is that they need to write the same code, and it results in faster apps. There is less UI latency, faster response, lesser battery drain and CPU usage gets reduced. ART is the future of Android. Google has worked two years to develop it, and finally it has made its inside the OS. 

Oh yes, by the way, following video shows Dalvik v/s ART which we found on YouTube.

Google India posts an ad showing reunion of two friends separated during partition

Are you busy? Take out some time from your busy schedule and watch the new advertisement of Google India. Entitled as "Google Search- Reunion", this video ad shows two friends that were separated during the partition of India and Pakistan. The granddaughter and grandson of these two pals helped old pals to reunite. 

This emotional video is an advertisement focused on Indian users, in order to attract them and make them know how Google can make things easy, whether they are big or small. 

Nexus 7 (2012 and 2013) and Nexus 10 getting KitKat update, Nexus 4 and mobile data Nexus 7 to join soon

Google has announced on Google+ and Twitter that the latest release of Android i.e. KitKat is going to be pushed today to Nexus 7, both 2012 and 2013 versions. Nexus 4 and cellular versions of Nexus 7 users will get the update soon, however the date is not announced. 

Android KitKat is the most polished version of Android which Google announced on the last day of this October. It has a new predictive dialer, SMS integrated Hangouts, improved Google Now and a lot of under the hood features. Unfortunately, as Google had already announced that only Nexus 5 will have the exclusivity of "Experience Launcher" and no other device will get this launcher. 

This update is not for everyone, it is just for Nexus owners. Have you seen the update notification on your Nexus? Are you running KitKat? Let us know in comments. 

CyanogenMod Installer app comes to Google Play, makes custom ROM installation easier

CyanogenMod is the third most installed operating system after Android and iOS when the talk comes to Mobile OS. Few weeks ago Steve Kondik announced that the group i.e. CyanogenMod has earned $7 million funding and has turned into a company that is named on the group itself: CyanogenMod Inc. and today we're going to see one more happy news; the awaited CyanogenMod Installer app has landed on Google Play. 

This app helps users to install CyanogenMod in a much easier way. You need to download a Windows client to pair it with your Android phone or tablet. It reduces the cumbersome process of manual flashing of the popular ROM. Currently there is Windows .exe only and the team says work is going on for OS X support. Here's a list of CyanogenMod Installer supported devices. 

Steve Kondik, the founder of CyanogenMod says, ""Our goal for the installer has always been to allow more users to experience the benefits of CyanogenMod, without the hassles of technical guides and concerns associated with the process."

CyanogenMod supports majority of devices such as Galaxy S4, S3, Note series, HTC One, Nexus etc. Once the installer has been released it will be much easy for the users to avoid the hectic process and enjoy a different taste of Android. 

Oppo is going to be shipping out limited edition N1 with CyanogenMod in December

Not happy with the stock Android? Touchwiz, Sense and Timescpe UI suck? Then man, its time to switch to CyanogenMod, the largest community developed Android's forked i.e. customized version. Is it about rooting? No, now you can get CyanogenMod without root. Oppo, a Chinese manufacturer has designed a phone that comes preinstalled with CyanogenMod.

N1 was introduced back in September. It comes with a 13 MP rear camera on a top panel that can be turned to make it front camera. Also it has a "O-Touch” back panel with which you can scroll, tap and take photos from the rear part of the screen. 

Oppo N1 is a premium phone with 5.9 inch full HD display. It has 2 GB RAM, quad core 1.7 GHz Snapdragon 600 processor, Adreno 320 GPU, 13 MP camera with dual LED flash and 16/32 GB onboard memory. It will cost around $570. Are you in mood to buy CyanogenMod installed phone ?

Oppo N1 quick specs

• 5.9" 1080p display
• 170.7 x 82.6 x 9 mm 
• 213 gm
• Quad core 1.7 GHz Snapdragon 600 processor
• Adreno 320 GPU
• 23 GB RAM
• 13 MP camera with dual LED flash
• 16/32 GB storage

Moto X customizing service Moto Maker comes to Verizon

After providing to the rest of carriers, Motorola has decided to launch Moto Maker for the Verizon. The big Red has got its Moto X customizing service a late, but now it will not be an exclusive to AT&T. 

Here's the official Verizon link for Motomaker. Although the device has already gone "Out of Stock". 

Here's how to obtain root access on Nexus 5

Nexus 5 is a great flagship device from Google. Ofcourse, being from Google's side, it runs on pure Android. Well it is only 3 days when Nexus 5 was announced, the root access has been achieved on it. Chainfire, the senior member of XDA Developers has given us this special treat.

There's a simple utility developed by Chainfire named CF-Auto-root. As stated by Chainfire himself

CF-Auto-Root can be thought of as “root for rooting beginners,” as well as those who want to stay as close to stock as possible while enjoying the sweet, root-enabled goods.

Root process is simple when using this tool. It supports all major platforms viz. Windows, OS X and Linux. To root your Nexus 5, download the zip file from the link below (XDA thread) and extract it, enter into fastboot by power off, then pressing Volume Up + Volume Down + Power. Then connect your device via USB and run following commands on your system.

For Windows:

Double-click the root-windows.bat file from the extracted CF-Auto-Root files.

For Mac:

Open Terminal, navigate to the directory where you extracted the CF-Auto-Root package, and enter the following commands one by one.

chmod +x root-mac.sh

./root-mac.sh

For Linux:

Open Terminal, navigate to the directory where you extracted the CF-Auto-Root package, and enter the following commands one by one.

chmod +x root-linux.sh

./root-linux.sh

Now follow the on screen instructions on your computer and device. Be happy and enjoy, your Nexus 5 has been rooted. Celebrate Diwali. 

Follow the thread on XDA developers

Android tops Mobile OS market share with 81 percent

Android is still on the top. Not only in fans' hearts, but also in the market. A recent research from the ABI Research reports that Android dominates in Mobile OS share with 81%. 

This year in third quarter, Android managed to make a good reputation with the help of manufacturers like Sony, Samsung, Xiaomi etc. This is a great figure for the green robot at the time when KitKat has been just announced. Apple has fallen down to 14% while Windows Phone is trying to maintain it with 4% share. This seems a quite fair rep for Microsoft. Blackberry, after the release of BB 10 and Z30, is still struggling and has only 2% share. While the other OS count for only 0.3% (as Android is actually 80.6%). 

All of these reports show that Android is seriously and rapidly dominating over the whole Mobile OS market. Is it going to kick everyone else out soon?

Source: ABI Research

Google unveils Nexus 5 running on Android 4.4 KitKat

With the release of much awaited Android 4.4 KitKat, Google has also announced its similar much awaited smartphone: Nexus 5. It is available to buy from Play Store.

Specs of this Nexus is quite similar to the leaked spec sheet. Display of Nexus 5 is a 4.95" full HD 1920 x 1080p IPS Corning Gorilla Glass screen with 445 ppi. It is loaded with 8 MP OIS enabled camera and a front shooter of 1.3 MP. On the inside there's a 2.26 GHz quad core Snapdragon 800 CPU, Adreno 330 GPU, 2,300 mAH battery, 2 GB RAM, Bluetooth 4.0, LTE, NFC, Dual band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Wifi. Dimensions of the phone are: 69.17 x 137.84 x 8.59 mm and weighs 130 gm.

Nexus 5 is available in two usual color models: Black and White and two storage editions: 16 GB and 32 GB, which is twice than that of Nexus 4 as Nexus is available in 8 and 16 GB variants. Unlocked 16 GB variant from Play Store costs $349 and 32 GB variant is available at $399. 

Find Nexus 5 on Play Store.

Google officially announces Sweeter taste of Android 4.4 KitKat

Now we don't need to breathe hard. Google has just announced Nexus 5 running on Android 4.4. Yes, this officially puts the end to the rumors of arrival of Nexus 5 and Android KitKat. The name was announced back in September this year, but after seeing numerous leaks and rumors, it was hard to control. Finally, KitKat is official. 

This is a beautiful update to Android. KitKat has a new launcher, more clean look, system apps icon are brighter than the previous versions. Notifications bar become hidden or translucent when opening some full screen app. This version of Android uses maximum part of screen. And when you are using Nexus 5, you get better results. Although, it is still not so serious upgrade, but Google has added some important features. 

Touchless Control like that of Moto X is now a standard part of Android. You don't need to touch your phone, just say "Ok Google" and you're welcomed with familiar screen of Google Now. You can get directions, call a friend, play a song, search for images and links on web etc. Lock screen is also updated. This time on unlocking, if some music is being played or some video is being mirrored via Chromecast, the cover art/ movie art will be shown on the lock screen. 

Google has updated the dialer. It highlights those contacts with which you talk most. If you receive a call from some unknown number, then it searches that phone number on the web and checks out if it is from some business in local area, following by showing you the picture of that business. SMS and MMS integration is made in Hangouts, so you will stay connected with your offline and online friends. It is somewhat like Apple's iMessage. Google calendar, a third party app from Google, is also updated with more Emoji icons. 

Screen's beauty is enhanced by "Immersive mode". This feature is useful for developers who want to create apps that can use every single pixel of the screen. Android 4.4 also brings the feature of recording screen as a video and save it as a mp4 file. Multitasking has been enhanced to a greater extent. App switching works fluidly. 

After iOS, Android is also able to connect with cars enable of Bluetooth can share information with Android devices using Bluetooth MAP (Message Access Profile). This will help developers to create apps like Siri in car. Your Android phone can now be used as a TV controller. By adding IR Blaster support to KitKat, Google has made it simple for users as well as developers to control Televisions using a Android device. 

If you want to save juice of your phone or tablet but don't wanna stop your favorite music, then here's a nice feature: Low power audio playback. This feature consumes lower battery life and thus produce nonstop playback of 60 hrs of your favorite music (claimed on a Nexus 5).

Two new sensors are also introduced with Android 4.4: Step detector and step counter. These counters collect data about the users walking, stepping on stairs, move away or running. This kind of sensors will help developers to create health regarding apps. 

There are not only these features, there's a plenty of it. Even Android 4.4 is not a major upgrade, but it brings a bag full of updates and improvements. What's the good thing is, that all current Nexus devices i.e. Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 will receive taste of the KitKat soon. Wait till Google pushes out the updates. You can check whole changelog on Android Developers page (link given below). 

Links: 

• Android
• Android KitKat
• Google Developers
• Official Android Blog