The folks at XDA Developers know that Android fans can’t wait any longer to feast on Google’s latest OS release, so XDA user worldwide has extracted the launcher from Android 4.4 and posted it for anyone to download. Stripped from the Nexus 5, the Android 4.4 KitKat Launcher brings the home screen and app drawer from KitKat to devices running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and up. You can even use touchless search from the home screen by saying “Okay, Google Now”. Here’s how to get your device skinned with the brand new KitKat look and feel.
1. Enable third-party app installation
- By checking the Unknown Sources box under Security in Settings.
2. Download the 25MB Android 4.4 KitKat Launcher package:
- It’s a Zip file, so you’ll have to extract the three APKs on your computer and copy them to your device. You can also download the package on your phone and extract the APKs using third-party apps such as Unzip.
3. Install the files
on your phone in this order:
- PreBuiltGMSCore.apk
- Velvet.apk
- GoogleHome.apk
4. Open the launcher Now.
Now you have the cool new Android 4.4 KitKat Launcher experience on your Android devices. You get a fresh new interface that gives you access to your wallpaper, widgets and settings with just a long tap, and other great features. Enjoy.
