Getting a new Nexus 5 running Android 4.4 KitKat as a Christmas gift would be fantastic and the new OS itself entitles the owner five freebies you may not find from another Android device or other operating systems.

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Totally Free with Android 4.4 KitKat

Nexus 5 is not free but inexpensive compared to the price tags of Samsung Galaxy S4, HTC One or Sony Xperia Z. The amazing freebie on the new Nexus smartphone is Android 4.4 KitKat along with its features.

Android operating system is free and you don't need to apply for any software warranty to Google just to fix or reinstall the firmware. Android firmware are available for manual download from the official Web site but requires some knowledge and understanding to install - Google posted the guidelines and how-to instructions.

Moreover, owning Nexus 5 earns the privilege to get new firmware update push, Google app updates and more.

So Much Better than Jelly Bean

Android Jelly Bean version is pretty heavy compared to Android 4.4 KitKat which features an updated system designed to optimise older devices. Moreover, Android 4.4 KitKat will actually include several advantages found in Android Jelly Bean such as Google Now, Project Butter, Bluetooth Low Energy, OpenGL ES 3.0, improved text input and more.

The new operating system will require minimal memory to run, provides smoother interface, better response on touch, new palette colour scheme and optimisation on several system performance like signal, battery and processor.

Optimisation for Older Devices

Getting optimised for the latest Android version is good news and it means that 'futureproof' properties will enable the device to run future updates. Android 4.4 KitKat will be pushed among other Nexus devices such as Nexus 4, Nexus 7 1st and 2nd generations, Galaxy Nexus and Nexus 10 tablet.

In addition, several non-Nexus which were former flagship smartphones such as Galaxy S3 and Note 2 may become eligible entries for Android 4.4. For owners of Nexus 5, you can expect extended life cycle to reach future Android versions - 6.0 or 7.0 - without the immediate need for replacement.

More Gaming and Entertainment Support

Android 4.3 supported 4K resolution and rumours about Android 4.4 KitKat entering smart TVs are growing. New updates put emphasis of Android 4.4 supporting connected televisions in the future. Although there are no specifics regarding what features will be included but it is not impossible for Google to run TV sets with Android and synchronise contents to Android-powered devices.

Gaming Centre in the Play Store allows players to access multiplayer modes on several game titles allowing them to post achievements, ranks and updates. Some game consoles are also running Android OS which could be accessed in the future by Android smartphones, tablets or Chrome laptops.

Google already use two OS - Android and Chrome - to support both mobile devices and laptop computers. In the future, Android and Chrome may power appliances, vehicles and other electronic gadgets and machineries in one ecosystem.

Customised Firmware

Another free from Android OS is the custom ROM installation over your Nexus 5. As soon as Google release the source code of Android 4.4 KitKat publicly, developers from CyanogenMod, SlimBean, Paranoid Android, Omega and others will immediately work on customised ROM to fit on hundreds of thousands of devices worldwide.

Those who cannot get Android 4.4 firmware from their respective manufacturer can expect software support from third-party ROM developers while owners of latest smartphones can get more out of it from tweaks, modifications, improvements and non-stop add-ons.

LG Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 KitKat will open 2014 along with its reshaping aspect on unifying all Android-powered devices in on operating system version for easier transition over the years to come.