Must read Android: top 12 stories this week

This week, the veil lifted on the Nexus 5, Android 4.4 KitKat leaked, we got confirmation that curved phones are coming soon, the Note 3 launched amidst controversy, Google downplayed Android malware, and the benchmark debacle erupted.

These are the essential stories, the summary of an entire week in just a few phrases. It’s must read Android.

Leaky Nexus

As Google readies the next pure Android device, more leaks whet our appetite for everything Nexus. From alleged specs to an actual image in the wild, this week we got it all.

• Nexus 5 reportedly photographed in the wild
• More Nexus 5 specs discovered in leaked Android 4.4 KitKat build
• Nexus 5 Android 4.4 log file findings: USB OTG support, more Android stock apps coming to Play Store
• Nexus 5 to feature a MEMS camera? Probably not

Some KitKat to go with that Nexus

A new phone goes with a new dessert. Android 4.4 KitKat starred in a photo shoot this week, revealing new features, design tweaks, and other intriguing details.

• Purported Android 4.4 KitKat screenshots and new features revealed (image gallery)

Note 3 lands, region lock still not clear

We were hoping that the region lock debacle was behind us. Well, it isn’t. If you’re okay with that, the Note 3 is a great phone that just became available at a bunch of carriers.

• Samsung Galaxy Note 3 review
• Galaxy Note 3 region lock is an issue after all, Android 4.4 update may lock older Galaxy handsets

Curved phones are coming

Like curves? Then you’ll be happy to hear that Samsung and LG are preparing phones with curved screens, due to launch in the next weeks.

• Samsung’s curved phone may be first in new series, not a Note variant – rumor
• LG confirmed to release a curved phone soon, dubbed G Flex (Updated with specs)

The benchmarks debacle

Oh my, benchmarks are in the news again for all the wrong reasons. Samsung and several other manufacturers got caught red handed. Trust no one.

• Galaxy Note 3 benchmark performance artificially boosted by Samsung, new report proves
• Report: several major Android makers cheat in benchmarks

Google speaks up on malware

You know those reports that come out every month warning about yet another nasty piece of Android malware? They are greatly exaggerated, says Google, with data to prove it.

• Google data shows threat of Android malware is massively overblown

What’s the biggest story in Android this week? Tell us in the comments