At a casual glance, 4.4 KitKat looks much like the current version of Android.

The next version of Google's platform, Android 4.4 KitKat, is set to arrive any day now. After three helpings of Jelly Bean, we would hope that the Nestle-inspired build should prove to be a larger update, but so far signs point to minor enhancements.

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Until recently, Google has done a great job keeping KitKat under wraps. Officially, Google has only said that its goal with KitKat is to "make an amazing Android experience available for everybody." Some posit this to mean we could see new Android-powered devices such as game consoles, smartwatches, smart TV, and laptops. Others look for a kinder, gentler platform that plays nice with older hardware.

(Credit: Photo by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

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When you're away from home, even the smallest of distractions can keep you from getting to bed at your desired time. Sure, you could bring one of those sound machines on the trip, but that's just another thing to remember to pack.

White Noise Lite is a great utility app that plays relaxing sounds and can be used on your Android phone or tablet. You'll find some pretty standard sounds in the free version, like water flowing, crickets, chimes, and an oscillating fan. This app is especially useful for blocking out distracting noises at work, or when you just need a moment to relax.

(Credit: Screenshot by Nicole Cozma/CNET)

Ready to try it out? Download White Noise Lite for your Android device. Whe... [Read more]

The Galaxy S4 should be getting Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) soon.

Samsung's Galaxy S4 owners can download a near-final build of the company's Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) distribution.

The folks over at Samsung-tracking site Sammobile on Sunday released an Android 4.3 build that's designed to run on the Galaxy S4. The near-final build can be downloaded from the Sammobile site. However, it's not clear whether (a) it's a safe download and (b) if it will cause any trouble for those who download it.

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Rumors on when the Galaxy S4 will get Android 4.3 have been swirling for the past several weeks. According to Sammobile sources, who claim to have knowledge of Samsung's plans, it should be rolled out to the device's owners in the next couple of weeks.

[Read more]

Windows Phone 8 adds a third column for phablets.

It's been three years since Microsoft rebooted its Windows Mobile operating system as Windows Phone, but the operating system's mobile future is still in flux.

The optimist would say that Windows Phone's prospects have never been brighter. The pessimist would disagree.

On the bright side, Microsoft just announced Windows Phone 8 Update 3, which includes new support for quad-core CPUs and phablets that helps keep its spec lists looking fresh. Moreover, the buyout of Nokia's smartphone arm will bring Redmond's biggest hardware ally completely into the fold, all while BlackBerry's apparent demise topples the competition for third-largest ecosystem. All this gives the software giant a chance to at least double Windows Phone growth by 2017.

On the other hand, Windows Phone adoption has been slow, with the OS fighting for less than 10 percent of mobile's global market share, while Android ... [Read more]

The Google Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 KitKat are less than a week away, according to new rumors. Word on the street is that the new phone and next Android update explode onto the scene together on October 15 -- next Tuesday.

That date comes from whispers around the campfire at Google Launchpad, a two week-long event run by the Big G for helping startups to develop their business. However, with no formal press event scheduled on 15th, it could just be the usual idle speculation that flows around every major phone launch.

At the event, developers have been served lashings of Key Lime Pie -- the planned name for the next update -- and Kit Kat bars -- which lent their name to the update at the last minute.

Read more of "Google Nexus 5 and Android KitKat set for 15 October" at Crave UK.