As we near the launch of Android 4.4 KitKat, details about the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system continue to emerge. The latest, courtesy of AndroidPolice, suggests that Android 4.4 will come with a new launcher called Google Experience.
The screenshot above shows the name of the proposed new launcher. Reference to this name has also been found in the Google Nexus 5 log file obtained by Myce.com late last month. The log file reveals a new package called com.google.android.gel with an acronym that fits the name Google Experience Launcher perfectly. The corresponding APK is located at /system/app/GoogleHome.apk, further evidence that it is a launcher.
Additionally, the launcher has been updated to version 3, up from the current 2.x version. This again suggests a significant upgrade.
As for what new features we can include in the Android launcher, the report lists a number:
- UI changes including transparent navigation and status bars in the launcher itself
- Deeply integrated Google Search/Now with a reserved homescreen
- Infinitely expandable number of homescreens
- App folders no longer limited to a maximum of 16 apps. They will now scroll when they contain more than 16 apps.
- Widgets can no longer be added from the app drawer
- The app drawer icon no longer has a circle around it
There are no official screenshots of the new launcher but check out AndroidPolice for some mockups of what they could look like.
Google could announce Android 4.4 KitKat (along with the Nexus 5) as early as October 15.
Source : AndroidPolice