Google has built up Android to a point of consistency where almost all applications take basic framework and design aesthetic from Android’s core app builds, the term ‘Holo’ has become very familiar with Android UI designers.
The new Android 4.4 KitKat is set to add another Holo color to the mix, Holo Light. This is a two touch white/grey theme, different from the others that take in some sort of black shading on the main menu bars.
This is a move inline with Google’s new redesign of apps and logos, making them thinner and flat, like iOS7. The Holo Light theme can show the logo flatness and more thin text, without the user needing to squint to read.
Android has always been home to customisation and some may not like this style, but Holo Light is a solid choice for those that like the new Apple iOS redesign and want to make their apps similar on Android.
We are not sure how much Google will incorporate the new Holo Light theme into Android 4.4, we expect it to be a big change for users used to the dark blue/black Holo Dark theme, although this is all customisable.
Other changes on the new version of Android include significant battery life optimisation, making device work even longer. This has already been pushed on Android 4.3, with some users reporting double or even triple the battery life after the update.
We are also expecting to see Google add Google Now and other services more deeply into the operating system, with more features to help users on their daily commute, making it even easier to find, understand and use information.
Android is vast approaching almost 80% of the market share worldwide, with iOS on the other 15% and Windows Phone and BlackBerry fighting over the squabbles. This new update may bring forth even more smartphones and hopefully quicker updates.