Android KitKat Successor Tipped in Leaked Screenshots Revealing Flat UI

Just a day ahead of Google's much awaited I/O 2014 event; we have been treated with two screenshots that are said to have been taken from Android's 'L' build - what is being called the next major release of the mobile and tablet operating system.

The two screenshots have been spotted in Google's Chromium Issue Tracker, which in the past has been a source of numerous unintentional leaks. However, the screenshots have since been pulled down, further fuelling speculation about the imminent release of Android 4.4 KitKat's successor.

The screenshots were first reported by Android Police, which cites Reddit user Doopl. One of the leaked screenshots showed the Google account login dialog that was a complete departure from the company's current design elements, while another screenshot showed new Chrome design elements.

Further, an 'L' placeholder icon was seen on handset's status bar alongside a bell icon which the report suggests is for muting or partially muting notifications. The report also points out that the screenshots have a resolution of 768x1280 pixels, indicating that they might have come from a Nexus 4.

An earlier report tipped how Google is planning a major Android update, dubbed Project Hera, that is expected to bring a unified user interface across Google's mobile devices (including Chrome OS). Google is also planning a makeover of its Android app icons to make them similar to Web app icons. The new style is reportedly being internally referred to as 'Moonshine'.

For Google's annual developers' conference, I/O, scheduled for June 25 and 26, we expect an official announcement regarding Android Wear's release. Reports have been tipping that Google might also introduce its in-car system at I/O and take on Apple's CarPlay in the process.

A recent report also suggested that Google might debut its new health-focused platform that would offer the ability to collect data from connected devices including wearable devices and apps.

Reports had also indicated that Google's next Nexus tablet could be introduced with Android's newer version and KitKat's successor, expected to be given version number 4.5.