Android 4.4 KitKat Rules Them All: Confidential Document Reveals Wearable Support, NFC Payment, Remote Control and Bluetooth Maximisation
Newly leaked information revealed that Google plans to make Android 4.4 KitKat support wearable devices in addition to older device compatibility. Android's new ruling includes wearable gadget support, emulation of physical cards via NFC, TV control and Bluetooth boost.
Wearable Device Support
Android 4.4 KitKat won't be exclusive to Google Glass but will be enabled to support non-Google Android running gadgets such as Galaxy Gear and other wearable devices. According to the confidential document described by Jessica Lessin, KitKat is expected to grant three new types of support:
1. Geomagnetic rotation vector
2. Step detector
3. Step counter
These features are also expected to be included to future Android-powered smartwatches from Google, Google Glass and other non-Google devices. Certain features such as tracking fitness apps are also possible with these new sensors.
Better NFC Features
Android 4.4 will allow developers to emulate physical cards which are used for payments, earn royalty rewards, enter secure buildings and public-transit system through wireless technology via NFC or Near Field Communication.
Enabling NFC for payment will allow Android device users to purchase things at stores via mobile phones or retrieve rewards from services. In addition, emulate cards via NFC may not require storing information from users to sustain security. However, there is no specifics yet where would information be stored without endangering them against hackers.
Remote Control
Samsung Galaxy S4 and HTC One are usable as remote control for TV sets or cable boxes but Google wants every Android-powered device to become one. Android 4.4 KitKat is said to allow developers on building apps which serve as remote control for televisions, tuners, switches and even other devices through infrared signal. The challenge is avoiding developers on writing different apps for different hardware which currently heavily relied on controlling other devices.
Bluetooth Boosting
Android 4.4 KitKat may feature universal functionality of the Bluetooth wireless technology by enabling it to support gaming joysticks, wireless keyboards or in-car entertainment systems. Bluetooth HID (Human Interface Device) over GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) and Bluetooth Message Access Profile would be supported by Android 4.4 KitKat which makes it "talk" to more devices unlike before.