Gadgetory

the Google Nexus 5 is one of the coolest kids on the block right now especially since it comes with the KitKat version of Android out of the box but just because you have an older phone doesn't mean you can't get the look and feel of KitKat right now I'm Donald Bell and today I'm gonna show you how to put a little KitKat in your Ice Cream Sandwich now the first thing you'll notice about KitKat is the clean look of the new homescreen launcher compared to the look of Android 4.1 on the samsung galaxy note 2 it's a huge change and one that I am ready for thankfully the xda-developers forum has the apk files you'll need to install this new launcher you can find the link to the form on the original CNET post for this video or in our interactive player the launcher comes as a zip archive containing three apk files my advice is to download these to your computer for now now while those download make sure that your phone is ready to use these files first you'll need to be running Android 4.1 or later you can check that by going under settings and then clicking the about device option next you'll need to make sure that your phone is able to install software from unknown sources back out into the settings menu select security and check the box for unknown sources now let me take a minute right now to say that you should always back up your phone whenever you're gonna get to tinkering like this worst case scenario if this thing gets bricked I don't want you emailing me with sob stories of losing your precious pictures of your newborn baby back it up my conscience is clear alright now going back to your computer open the zip file you've downloaded and you should see three separate apk files my advice is to send each one of these in a separate email to yourself using an account that you can check on your phone once you've done that refresh your email on your phone and you should see the three apk files as individual attachments the first one to install is pre-built GMs core tap it install it and hit done next install the velvet apk then hit done finally install the Google home apk and then hit open with luck you should see the introduction to the new Google launcher now a couple things to note here first to change the wallpaper configure home screens or add widgets now you're going to tap and hold on the home screen you also see a settings option here that is specific to Google now if it's not already activated this is a good time to do it once it's on swiping all the way to the right will reveal your Google now cards and that's all there is to it head over to how to cnet.com and you can find even more tutorials on KitKat including how to install the new keyboard on your older phone or even just where to download the new wallpaper for that Android 2.3 tablet I told you not to buy on Donal Bell or seeing that breaking off a piece of that kid