Google has finally unveiled its much-touted Android 4.4 KitKat it teased us so much with, so here's the new OS in all its glory.

As expected, the new and improved Android 4.4 KitKat made its grand debut alongside the latest smartphone from Google and LG, the Nexus 5.

Google did a terrible job at keeping the Nexus 5 a secret, but as far as the new Android version goes, KitKat does leave some room for surprise. While it's not the hefty update some might have expected, the new OS brings a few neat features, including a revamped interface, new messaging features thanks to an updated Hangouts app, and much more. Moreover, if Google has it its way, Android 4.4 KitKat may help battle Android fragmentation.

Called ID improvements

The new Android 4.4 KitKat comes with an overhauled dialer application, which adds new functionality to the dialer interface and also delivers a new form of Caller ID.

The interface got new search functionality (finally), allowing users to type in the first letters of the name they're looking for and the dialer will automatically bring it up, without requiring to access Contacts. Some manufacturers such as Samsung have been offering this functionality for a good while through their personalized user interfaces (UIs), and it was about time Android got it too.

The Caller ID changes, meanwhile, are more interesting. With Android 4.4 KitKat, if you have an incoming phone call from an unknown number, the OS will automatically display the location information so that you could get a better idea of who might be calling.

UI Revamp

In the new Android 4.4 KitKat, the interface makes far better use of the screen real estate by introducing full-screen support, which comes particularly in handy for apps such as Google Music and Books. Google has also made the navigation bar translucent in the new Android version, which means that your wallpaper will no longer show a colored menu bar that may or may not be suitable for your theme. These interface changes, however, will only be visible to Nexus devices or Developer Editions. Otherwise, the device manufacturer will put its own UI on top.

Google Wallet without NFC

Android 4.4 KitKat enables Google Wallet without requiring a carrier's approval and without needing NFC, as it stores all payment information right within the OS. This should make things easier for many devices.

The Settings panel will allow users to easily manage their credit card information and pay for items anywhere NFC and Google Wallet is supported, as well as send money to other people without paying transaction fees. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have ganged up to use Isis as the default NFC payment platform, but Google now allows users to take advantage of its Wallet offerings from within the OS, without carrier ties.

Google Now

With Android 4.4 KitKat, the company has added Google Now to the Home screen, so it's front and center to make everything easier. Users will be able to enjoy the Google Now service simply by swiping from left to right to get quick access. Moreover, saying "OK, Google" while on the home screen will automatically launch Google Now.

KitKat for older devices

Google is still trying to fight Android fragmentation and KitKat is an important step in the right direction. The company has implemented Project Svelte, a new concept designed to make the latest OS run smoothly even on older or low-end devices with a minimum 512MB of RAM. Aging hardware is always stuck with some older OS version, but things may be looking up with the new Android 4.4 KitKat.

The latest version of Android uses 16 percent less memory than Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and some of its new features allow developers to disable any functionality that may use up more memory than necessary. While this doesn't guarantee that any old device will get to taste the KitKat goodies, it does mean that developers could make apps for low-end devices as well.

Google Hangouts

The company has also updated its Hangouts app a few days ago, now allowing users to send SMS, MMS, and chat messages from a single application. If this ability sounds familiar to some, it's probably because Apple has launched its Messages app a year ago in iOS 6, encompassing all of the above.

These are just a few of the changes Android 4.4 KitKat brings to the table. For a more detailed overview, check out Google's site at this link.