Several Nexus devices have been predicted to receive Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, while a few will end their life cycles with Android 4.2. However, Google announced Android 4.4 which was rumoured to be lighter than any other version. Can Android 4.4 refresh Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S to restart life cycle?

Android 4.4 Light and Optimised for Old Android Phones

According to AndroidCentral, Google has been working with Linux 3.8 kernel which will bring three great changes for mobile devices:

1. Support for open source NVIDIA Tegra and Samsung Exynos DRM drivers

2. Support for the Flash-Friendly File-System

3. Lower memory footprint

Due to the growing popularity of NVIDIA Tegra- and Samsung Exynos-running devices, Google needs to work on total support for more hardware components in the future. Another advantage of Android 4.4 rumouring around is the optimisation for devices with low RAM which was speculated with Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie major iteration plan.

Some devices in the market which were released early are running single- or dual-core processors with only 512 RAM which make them not eligible for upgrade depending on the point of view of the network carrier or manufacturer. Android 4.4 KitKat may mend this crisis among Android users.

Samsung Galaxy Nexus and Nexus S Revival

According to GSMArena, Samsung Galaxy Nexus is upgradable to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean due to the mid-range hardware components, while the Google Nexus S remains locked with Android 4.1.2 and unable to get Android 4.2.

Source: Android.com

Galaxy Nexus features 1.2-GHz dual-core processor and 1 GB RAM, but Nexus S is only equipped with 1-GHz single core CPU and 512 MB RAM. If Android 4.4 really features optimisation among low memory Android phones, there is a great chance that Nexus S may be revived and join other Nexuses upgraded by Google.

Source: Android.com

The possible drawback on the Nexus S is the hardware components already installed which may not support upcoming games and apps in the future unless developers can optimise them via Android 4.4. Still, owners of the smartphone may possibly enjoy new features and additions to their so-called "expired" Nexus S via Android 4.4 KitKat.

As of date, only custom ROMs are applicable to upgrade or enhance the performance of the Nexus S, but owners are reminded to take precaution as some custom-made ROMs contain bugs which are not supported by the manufacturer.