Android 4.4 KitKat is set to be released on October 28, 2013 according to the image tweet revealed recently. Google plans KitKat to optimise and unify all Android devices, old or new in sharing the same ecosystem. If you desire to get the upcoming OS, here are five ways to obtain it.

Credit: Wikicommons/Etamme

Get the Nexus 5

Purchase the upcoming Nexus 5 to get the latest operating system version instead of waiting in line for updates. The upcoming Nexus smartphone recently appeared in Google Play Store with a starting price of $299 with 8GB internal storage and $349 for the bigger 16GB capacity. Expect that Nexus 5 will arrive soon to lots of network carriers around the world running Android 4.4 KitKat.

Google Play Store

Since the RAM chip will become an issue with the upcoming Android version, Google may use Play Store to deliver several apps and features among older devices. Certain apps such as Drive and Keep are going to be native on Android 4.4 KitKat while Hangouts is an optional SMS and MMS client for sending and receiving. Speculations point out the 'segmentation' of Android 4.4 KitKat firmware to enable old and aging devices to run it.

Exclusive Updates

If replacing Nexus 4 with Nexus 5 remains premature on your budget, Google will send an exclusive Android 4.4 KitKat update on the LG Nexus 4. Aside from that, Nexus 7 2013 and it's first-generation, Nexus 10 and Galaxy Nexus are also expected to get KitKat version soon. This is why Nexus devices are famous of - getting exclusive and latest updates from Google.

Official Firmware Releases

In case you own non-Nexus devices, you may still get the latest Android 4.4 KitKat but the firmware may not be available for every single model. Popular Android devices would be the first priority for development such as in Samsung's preparation for Galaxy S4 and Note 3 update while Sony on the Xperia Z family with Xperia Z1 as primary.

Custom ROM Developers

For full content of Android 4.4 KitKat, third-party developers would be the last resort. Some devices will definitely get only the fraction of Android 4.4 which can be frustrating the long run, forcing to spend users. Once custom ROM developers obtained the source code, you simply need to wait till the device becomes supported so you can flash manually a customised firmware. Be thankful that even your manufacturer denies upgrade there is some people still developing software for you to freely use.

Android 4.4 Features

Android 4.4 KitKat is expected to bring the following features among Android devices after release.

1. Optimisation on memory, processors and performance

2. Better network coverage, signal and support

3. Improved battery standby time

4. Enhanced 3D graphics and rendering

5. Smoother user interface, screen orientation and touch response

6. Full integration of Google apps and services

7. New cloud-based services such as Cloud Print and Tap & Pay

8. Fixes defragmentation issues via screen resolution management

9. More stability improvements in the system for less lag and hang-ups

10. Delivers Android Jelly Bean features such as Project Butter, Bluetooth Smart and more