3 New Android 4.4 KitKat Update Details Emerge

The initial Android 4.4.2 KitKat update roll outs are winding down but in the past 24 hours, we’ve seen a number of developments emerge in regard to Google’s latest Android 4.4 KitKat update. From a new way to manually install the update, to a brand new update, to an HTC One Android 4.4.2 KitKat update, there is a lot going on.

Earlier this month, after a bit of speculation, Google began rolling out an Android 4.4.1 KitKat update, an update that promised major changes to the Nexus 5 camera and bug fixes for all Nexus users including those with the Nexus 7, Nexus 5, Nexus 4, and Nexus 10. That update was quickly followed up by a new Android 4.4.2 KitKat update, an update that started to flow for Nexus users last week and an update that has started to spread to other devices in the day since.

Android 4.4.2 KitKat, like Android 4.4.1, is aimed at improving the overall Android 4.4 KitKat experience on devices currently running Google’s new Android software. There are numerous bug fixes enclosed but, as we have pointed out, Android 4.4.2 KitKat itself seems to have brought some problems to users as well. Those issues will more than likely get ironed out at a later date but for now, Android 4.4.2 KitKat remains the update that is in focus.

The update has also started rolling out for the HTC One Google Play Edition, Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition and the new LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition over the past few days, bringing fixes to those who have invested in Google’s non-Nexus Google Play variants. All three updates are still rolling out to users and will likely continue doing so over the next few days.

In the past 24 hours, we have seen a number of new Android 4.4.2 KitKat update details emerge, details that help to fill in some of the blanks that Google has provided.

LG G Pad 8.3 Android 4.4.2 Update

The LG G Pad 8.3 Android 4.4.2 KitKat update started rolling out at the tail end of last week though its user base hadn’t seen a way to manually install the update via sideloading. Today, the update has appeared on Google’s servers, which means that those who are in command of the Android SDK and have the ability to use the ‘adb sideload’ command can now install the update right now.

Users who aren’t familiar with the process will simply want to wait for the Over-the-Air update to arrive. Google’s updates typically take a week or so to roll out so some owners of the new 8-inch slate may be waiting a few more days for Google to push the update to the device. The update is massive, checking in at well over 400MB, but it’s not clear exactly what is on board.

Sony Xperia Z Ultra GPe Update Rolling Out

The Sony Xperia Z Ultra Google Play Edition arrived alongside the LG G Pad 8.3 and like it, it was initially running Android 4.4 KitKat. Users were reporting various issues with the software including the inability to uninstall applications but thanks to a new Android 4.4.2 KitKat update that is rolling out right now, that issue and some others, appear to have been squished.

Like the LG G Pad 8.3 Android 4.4.2 KitKat update, the Xperia Z Ultra GPe update will be rolling out slowly over the next week or so. Those who wish to install it early, ahead of the OTA, will want to be on the look out for the update lurking on Google’s servers. Once found, users will be able to sideload the software on board their new, massive smartphone.

HTC One Android 4.4.2 KitKat Update Confirmed

Finally, the last Android 4.4.2 KitKat detail is confirmation of an HTC One Android 4.4.2 KitKat update for carrier versions of the HTC One. That means that the update that arrives for U.S. carriers in January, with Sense 5.5 on board, will be Android 4.4.2 KitKat. HTC has confirmed this notion today and says that it will skip the original Android 4.4 update and Android 4.4.1.

@KJ7409 @JasonMacHTC We’ll proceed directly to 4.4.2 for Carrier versions.

— Mo (@moversi) December 17, 2013

What this means for HTC One owners is unclear but they can take solace in the fact that the device will likely be getting the latest version of Google’s software, unless of course, Android 4.4.3 KitKat rolls out in the imminent future. Google hasn’t announce an Android 4.4.3 KitKat update and likely won’t given the company’s history of not announcing incremental software updates.