The fierce competition in the Internet of Things is spilling over into the software layer as operating system vendors battle for dominance in tomorrow’s interconnected world. Google is leading the charge with Android KitKat, the latest release of its mobile OS.

KitKat is pegged as a “smarter, more immersive” version of Android featuring unified communications, a built-in pedometer and the ability to hide the system interface when browsing media. Last week, Google made the platform available for download from the Google Play editions of Samsung’s Galaxy S4 and HTC One, which don’t require a prepaid plan or a month-to-month contract. HTC promised customers that every HTC One in North America will be upgraded to Android 4.4 KitKat by the end of January, but there’s no official word on when the update will become generally available for all devices.

Microsoft, Google’s arch nemesis, is seeking to gain ground against Android and iOS by merging Windows Phone with Windows RT, the version of Windows that runs on ARM devices. Only 33 percent of Windows RT and Windows Phone APIs are currently compatible, and Microsoft is aiming for 77 percent with its next “Blue” update, according to insiders. Full compatibility is expected to roll out sometime in 2015.

While the software titans are duking it out, a little-known developer called Jolla introduced a new smartphone running its open source Salifish OS. Founded by a group of former Nokia engineers, the Finnish firm is seeking to disrupt the mobile market by marrying simplicity of tile-based investigation with powerful personalization features.

A company called Coin is also looking to revolutionize personal tech with a credit-card-sized electronic wallet that can be used to purchase good, redeem gift vouchers and participate in loyalty programs.