Clarification

[k140db]

Good morning everyone!!I'm not a tech guru or a no-it-all by any means. I've never rooted a phone, just fresh out of the box and start using it. I have been an android fan since it was first released but i'm not entirely up on all the lingo and inside info. So, I have a few questions and if anyone can answer them it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. 1. I have only used the HTC "evo" line since switching to android. I have never used a different brand phone and was wondering what the differences are between all the brands ie. htc, LG, samsung, sanyo etc.2. I currently have the evo4g LTE and it seems like it has hit its life expectancy as far as updates are concerned. Any rumors if/when a new evo will be released? If the evo line is dead, what would be a suitable replacement?3. I've read about stock google phones like the nexus line and am wondering where they can be purchased. If i'm correct these phones arent front loaded with unwanted apps and glitz/glamour like a phone purchased from sprint, att and verizon. I'm guessing though that if I purchase a Nexus phone, it wont be discounted like if I buy from a major carrier? I bought my evo4gLTE new when it came out from 99 bucks with a few discounts. 4. Ive read that KITKAT is the new version of android coming soon. Any inside info on what makes it different than jellybean? What phones are coming loaded with kitkat?Sorry for the long post!Kevin

 

[SiempreTuna]

1. I have only used the HTC "evo" line since switching to android. I have never used a different brand phone and was wondering what the differences are between all the brands ie. htc, LG, samsung, sanyo etc.

The most noticeable differences are the overlay - e.g. HTC Sense - and things like styling and build quality. These are largely subjective as what I like, you may not

IMHO, most higher end phone are pretty good these days and there's really not that much to choose between them - you might prefer a better camera so prefer the HTC One or you might like eye tracking and be drawn to the S4.

When you get to the lower end - the Android landfill end - they're probably a lot more variable.

2. I currently have the evo4g LTE and it seems like it has hit its life expectancy as far as updates are concerned. Any rumors if/when a new evo will be released? If the evo line is dead, what would be a suitable replacement?

Not entirely sure about the evo, but if you like HTC, the One is awesome - the best 'droid out there at the minute for me, though the Samsung S4 substantially outsells it.

3. I've read about stock google phones like the nexus line and am wondering where they can be purchased

The Play Store.

Go to Google in your browser (probably easier on a PC) and hit the Play tab on the top menu bar and go to devices. The Nexus 4 (due to be replaced next month) has just been reduced and - where it's still available - it is an unbelievably good bargain.

If i'm correct these phones arent front loaded with unwanted apps and glitz/glamour like a phone purchased from sprint, att and verizon. I'm guessing though that if I purchase a Nexus phone, it wont be discounted like if I buy from a major carrier?

True, however the Nexus 4 - even at the original price - was ridiculously cheap for what is still a high end phone.

4. Ive read that KITKAT is the new version of android coming soon. Any inside info on what makes it different than jellybean?

Only rumours, however it's unlikely to be too exciting as Google have moved to releasing the eye-catching stuff as app updates (there is a thread on this forum somewhere that discusses this) rather than as part of the OS because OS updates were taking so long to get to people.

What phones are coming loaded with kitkat?

I imagine the Nexus 5 - which we all expect to be announced at the KitKat release - will come with it pre-loaded, but it will be available on other Nexus devices within days of it's released - hours if you're lucky

From what I hear, it will also be available pretty quickly afterwards on the various Google Play Editions of phones that some manufacturers have released.