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Nexus 7, Nexus 4, Nexus 5 Android 4.4.3 Update Desperately Needed

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The Nexus 7, Nexus 4, Nexus 10, and Nexus 5 Android 4.4.2 KitKat update rolled out in November, bringing fixes and even camera enhancements to Nexus 5 users. Since then, Google has made a lot of promises but it has yet to deliver a new Nexus 7, Nexus 4, Nexus 10 and Nexus 5 Android 4.4.3 update to address these pertinent issues.

One of the perks of Google’s Nexus program is that the devices under its umbrella are the first to major Android updates. Case in point, last November, the Nexus 7, Nexus 4, and Nexus 10 were the first to receive Android 4.4 KitKat, a brand new update that replaced Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. A few weeks later those devices, along with the Nexus 5, were the first to Android 4.4.2 KitKat, a more stable version of the software that brought some much needed camera tweaks to the Nexus 5.

However, as we’ve pointed out many times in the past, Android updates for Nexus devices are often buggy and Android 4.4.2 KitKat has been no different.

Nexus 7 LTE Review 2013 Verizon - 7

Since November, many Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 10, and Nexus 7 users have been dealing with an assortment of Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems that impact their daily use. Some issues are minor, others like a Nexus 5 battery drain bug are much bigger. Google has promised fixes for many of these issues but the company has yet to issue a new Android 4.4 KitKat update, just about four months after the release of the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update.

Google still hasn’t confirmed an Android 4.4.3 update for arrival though we believe that one is desperately needed. Other Nexus owners will probably agree and here are a few reasons why.

Nexus 5 Problems

For months, Nexus 5 users have been experiencing difficulties with Android 4.4.2 KitKat. Two problems in particular are cause for an Android 4.4.3 KitKat bug fix update.

The first, a nasty bug that is reportedly draining Nexus 5 battery life. Over the past several months, users have complained about bad Nexus 5 battery life, eventually nailing down a problem with apps accessing the camera and a process not quitting. Evidently, the issue causes the Nexus 5, and some other Android devices including the Galaxy Note 3, to get warm and run through battery in hours according to complaints.

Google claims that a fix for the Nexus 5’s problems is on the way though the company declined to say exactly when, or how, the fix would be delivered to owners. Same goes for the other nasty issue.

Google is testing fixes fora big Nexus 5 problem that impacts battery life.

Google is testing fixes for a big Nexus 5 problem that impacts battery life.

According to Android Police, the Nexus 5 will randomly stop responding to incoming calls or text messages. AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint Nexus 5 users are all reporting the problem. Those unfamiliar with the issue can see it in action in the video below.

Obviously, these two things are essential to any smartphone and thus, this is a bug that needs to be solved in the immediate future. It appears that a fix could be inbound on an upcoming update but again, neither Google nor LG will commit to a version or a date.

Of course, those aren’t the only issues that are plaguing Nexus owners at the moment.

Android 4.4 KitKat Problems

We’ve pointed out a collection of Android 4.4.2 KitKat bugs that are plaguing users of Google’s other Nexus devices. We’re also still seeing a ton of complaints on Google’s product forums.

Android Police also shed some light on two of the larger problems impacting Android 4.4 KitKat users as a whole. The site points out a critical issue with NFC inside Android 4.4.2 KitKat wherein the service simply stops working for Nexus users after installing Android 4.4. NFC is the service that allows users to make mobile payments and share files without any wires.

The issue apparently affects the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 5, and the Nexus 10 and it’s found in all versions of Android 4.4 KitKat including Android 4.4.2. Google is evidently aware of the issue and once again alludes to a fix in the future. It does not spell out any time frame or any specifics about the update.

Nexus-4-575x465

The site also points to a bug inside Android 4.4.2 KitKat that kills services in the background once an application is stopped. As the site points out, the bug is problematic for applications and widgets that rely on pulling data from the internet.

Google says that a fix for the is on the way but in the meantime, Nexus users would be wise to keep as many applications in the Recent apps screen as possible. Swiping away applications increases the risk of the bug occurring.

Nexus Users Deserve Better

Nexus 5 Android 4.4.2 photos - 2

Google’s Nexus brand is no longer just for Android enthusiasts and developers. No, Google’s Nexus devices are marketed to the common consumer and thus, they deserve to be treated like flagship, mainstream smartphones.

It’s OK to take time working on bug fix updates, software is complicated. At the very least though, Google should keep its customers informed in the same way that companies like HTC and Samsung keep their users informed about fixes and updates. Promises fixes inside future updates, over and over again, simply isn’t enough.

Rumors point to an Android 4.5 update arriving in July but Nexus owners should not have to wait that long for their next bug fix update. Relief needs to come much sooner that, in an Android 4.4.3 KitKat update, or otherwise.

13 Comments

13 Comments

  1. dweilbacher

    03/11/2014 at 5:09 pm

    We have 3 of the Nexus 5 phones (Tmobile), and I can confirm the missed calls/missed Text issue. All 3 phones are dealing with it and it is deal breaker. If a fix does not come soon, these phones are gone.

    We read that turning off LTE might help the problem, so we are trying this for a while. But given that Tmobile is upping the LTE data from half a Gig to 1 Gig this month, we are not happy with this solution. And not even sure it works.

  2. vinay8484

    03/12/2014 at 12:12 am

    I am facing issue like.. Heating device, Battery issue, Camera can’t open issue.. I would like to request Google to do replacement all devices which distributed in first slot.

  3. cooley

    03/12/2014 at 2:08 am

    All i can say is that while android certainly has its shortcomings at least it doesn’t treat its customers like shit, the way apple does, price, drm, connectors, etc

  4. Vijay Kumar

    03/12/2014 at 5:44 am

    battery issue for nexus 5 is really causing problems. With minimal use the battery drains 10% every hour. Request google to sort out the issue ASAP.

  5. Tony Morgan

    03/12/2014 at 9:52 am

    Even I am also facing the same problem with my Nexus 5 like battery gets drained soon by accessing the apps that function with the help of camera. Due to this reason I recently purchased a wireless charger for it to keep it fully charged. I think Google should take effective initiatives in order to sort out this major problem soon.

  6. mable

    03/13/2014 at 12:57 am

    I bought a new Nexus 5 phone on March 8 2014. Installed third party apps like whatsapp, Skype , kik etc.. The first day itself camera started to give error pop up saying “Camera stopped working unexpectedly”. I tried uninstalling Skype but the issue persists.

    Can Google provide an explanation to this? I understand this is a software issue. But neither the service center nor the retailer is ready to provide any useful solution to this . Is it like no one is responsible for this issue in cases of software issues?

  7. George Leon

    03/14/2014 at 6:37 am

    Why are you asking Google for answers in a “gotta be mobile” blog? You do know that Google has a customer service department, bug report pages & community forums, right? What, you think Google employees are reading every click-bait blog on Nexus devices or 4.4?

  8. T. Eugene Blackburn (anon.)

    03/15/2014 at 12:21 pm

    It is only out of frustration that I post anything here. I have made numerous posts to Google message boards. I have emailed and called Google customer support. No luck. Support keeps making the same simple suggestions over and over that do not work. They refuse to acknowledge a serious problem and can only tell me to reset the device to factory settings which does nothing. My first gen nexus 7 will not charge through the usb. The usb is not even recognized on my computer so that I can transfer files. The only reason it is still useable at all is because I went to the expense of getting a charging base that charges off of the pins on the side. Everything worked fine before Kitkat.

  9. Sara

    03/18/2014 at 1:48 pm

    Golge does NOT reply to questions regarding any of these issues, whatsoever. I tried for about 3 months, before I gave up and started using an Iphone. My Nexus 4, which was only 2 months old, is sitting useless in a drawer at home, until Google decided to give a s&*^$ about their customers and fix the bugs.

  10. Sara

    03/18/2014 at 1:50 pm

    *Google

  11. JR

    03/19/2014 at 4:33 pm

    Thank you for pointing out the following: “Google’s Nexus devices are marketed to the common consumer and thus, they deserve to be treated like flagship, mainstream smartphones.
    It’s OK to take time working on bug fix updates, software is complicated. Promises fixes inside future updates, over and over again, simply isn’t enough.”

    I really like the Nexus 5 and may purchase it still, but I’m watching to see how Google handles the fix for the battery and camera issue. Indeed, nothing is perfect, but I don’t want “buggy” or endless waiting for a software fix. I was leaning towards the Nexus 5, but, as others have noted here, if it isn’t working or it’s leading towards frustration, why bother. C’mon Google!

  12. lonzz

    03/20/2014 at 9:27 pm

    Heating up is a big disappointment… Even if a simply open some small size game, the device becomes hot. Google must do something about it soon or we all shift to other smart phones. In my friend circle 5 of them bought phones…but none of them had guts to buy nexus 5 after seeing my problems. I don’t know whether it is LG’s incapabilities to make first class smart phones or google trying to act smarter than iPhone but fails…. I was a iPhone user n I have switch back yo apple now…

  13. Cord

    03/27/2014 at 8:01 am

    Battery drain is making life frustrating and always having to charge it…painful. I think i am going to look into getting Sony Z2 or LG Pro with the better battery and less buggy Google or KitKat stuff.

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