What's New in the Android 4.4 Kit Kat?

As is the norm with smartphone operating system developers lately, Google released its periodic major update in the form of Android Kit Kat. This new version is unique in a lot of ways: firstly, it ties up with Nestle's Kit Kat brand to share the name, and secondly, it brings a lot of new features that makes it a way lot different from its predecessor, Jelly Bean 4.2. Apart from introducing certain features that smartphone users have been wanting for years, the new operating system version has been optimized for budget phones and tablets. Here are some of the striking new features in the latest Android version:

a. Revamped user interface: The new version offers an intuitive user interface with impressive transition effects added when you open the app launcher. Moreover, display would work on the full-screen mode when you are reading a book or browsing through web pages - thereby letting to take full advantage of the large screen tablets. The default keyboard has been upgraded to meet the needs to people who are inclined towards internet messaging.

b. Enhanced Dialer app: The default dialer screen now uses contextual information from your call history to sort your caller list. This means that the app would show contacts that you are most likely to call during the particular time of the day. Kit Kat also integrates Google search services to help you locate nearby addresses and contact numbers.

c. Embedded Chrome: There are several apps that use an embedded browser to display their content. With Android 4.4, Google officially moves to Chrome to provide HTML-5 supported embedded browsing experience. This service is being called as the Chromium WebView, and supports CSS3 and JavaScript as well.

d. Deeper cloud integration: Google has been recently merging a few of its services with the Cloud service, Google Drive. With this new version, it is easier to identify printers that are connected with Google's Cloud Print and HP's ePrint technologies. A new interface has been added to Kit Kat for managing cloud printers and handling printing properties.

e. Better Hangouts: Google Hangouts have transformed massively over the last few months, and is now currently Google's unified messaging app. With Android 4.4, Hangouts would be getting SMS and MMS integration, and can be used as the device's default messaging app. Apart from that, Hangouts now support location sharing and animated GIFs along with high-resolution video conferencing.

Although Android 4.4 would launch with the latest tablets for now, it is expected to work efficiently even on the cheapest tablets. Kit Kat powered devices are expected to be available on most tablet devices very soon.

By Shelia Z Smithson

Cheap LCD HDTV: Demand Is Shooting Up, Prices Are Tumbling

The demand for cheap televisions has begun to grow and in earnest as well. An HDTV has many features that help to distinguish it from the more traditional type of televisions and among such features is space saving as well as ease of portability. The viewer is also able to experience seamless viewing and each new upgrade in the modern TVs is attracting even more buyers.

Better Features

With better and more dynamic contrast ratios, better angles of viewing as well as higher resolution the demand for these new TV sets is seeing phenomenal growth. The same is the case when it concerns cheaper HDTVs because now buyers from all walks of life are keen on owning an LCD HDTV - preferably a cheap LCD HDTV as well.

The new and emerging market for televisions means that competition amongst manufacturers of HDTV has also grown. This in turn has led to price wars and that in turn means that it is now much easier to buy a cheap LCD HDTV than it was just five years ago. Today, middle as well as low class families are shopping for cheap LCD HDTV and with many manufacturers targeting this segment of buyers the prices of LCD HDTV have come down.

Among the big manufacturers of televisions you can include names such as Sony, Vizio, LG and Samsung. The latter excels in LCD-led HDTVs - both high end LCD HDTV and cheap TV. What makes Samsung so popular today is that they may be selling both cheap LCD HDTV and high end ones; but, none of their products ever compromise on quality and so whether you pay through your nose for a high end model or scrimp together enough money to buy a cheap LCD HDTV; the quality that you get will leave nothing to be desired.

Many of the cheap televisions being offered by manufacturers such as Samsung and Haier have numerous interesting features that are helping these companies capture a larger segment of the budget buyer market. Samsung is even offering excellent quality flat panel TVs which is sure to change your whole television viewing experience for the better. It is not for nothing that Samsung, with its mix of costly as well as cheap HDTVs has emerged as a major player in the LCD HDTV manufacturing market. Other manufacturers too are going to toe the Samsung line and offer customers better TV sets at more affordable prices.

If you want to learn more on how to make your choice for the best HDTV on the market, then you will be interested in reading more. Come to best-tvs.com and find out the pros and cons of each of the best HDTV models. You can also go and read TV reviews and find the best TV deals available right now.

By Terry Sandler

New Developments Provide More Flexibility Out Of HDMI Matrix Routers

For any business, HD video presentations add an extra dimension for customers. Whether attracting new foot traffic or creating an interesting and dynamic environment for existing clientele, a high definition video system or digital signage system delivers the professionalism and desirable atmosphere everyone wants in their business. While HD systems have certainly been revolutionary in entertainment and commerce, implementing such vibrant video has been limited by the unwieldy cables that make for video displays that are hard to manage and encumbered by unattractive connections.

Anyone who wants to harness the power of HD video and displays will be thrilled with the latest developments in HDMI Matrix technology. A Matrix allows for quick and effective routing of HD signals to a variety of HD displays, and the newest models to hit the market utilize those trusty and durable CAT5e/6 cables to exponentially extend the possibilities of HD signal switching and routing. By giving users hundreds of feet of cabling to play with, it's now easy to create the ultimate HD display experience for businesses of all sizes without being bogged down by short and bulky cables. A more elegant and intuitive experience can be crafted by each end user, enhancing production values and profitability.

The key, as always, is maintaining the fidelity of the signal. Through the CAT5e/6 cable, it's easy to send multi-channel audio, 1080p video and IR signals without any degradation or delay. After all, it would be nearly pointless to invest in a high definition video or digital signage system without getting the utmost in video quality. New and previous customers alike will be wowed by the seamless integration of HD displays as they shop and procure services.

For businesses, individuals and system architects looking to find the pinnacle of this new technological development need look no further than the premier manufacturers of professional AV technology. The very best long-distance Matrix routers even include a single remote control, so that users can easily switch the inputs and outputs on the HDMI Matrix while also controlling the input devices, giving users the ultimate HD video and digital signage solution in any environment.

With this update to HDMI Matrix routers, it's now simple for the end user to get the kind of video system and/or digital signage system they want, with an elegant design and impressive HD video. The sky is truly the limit for the businesses that utilize this fantastic upgrade for high definition signal routing.

To get the best price on this new technology, SmartAVI, based in California, can't be beat. With a diverse clientele that starts with NASA, DreamWorks Studios, Monte Carlo Resort and Casino and continues on from there, it's clear that industry professionals across the globe depend on SmartAVI as the go-to solutions provider for any professional audio-video system. Visit SmartAVI at http://www.smartAVI.com and learn more about the HDR-ULTRA at http://www.smartavi.com/products/matrix/hdmi-matrix/hdr-ultra.html.

By Eric Graf