Nexus 7, Nexus 5, Nexus 4 Android 4.4.3 KitKat Release Inches Closer

The Android 4.4.3 KitKat update release date is inching closer and it appears that the brand new Android 4.4 KitKat update could land for Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 10, and Nexus 7 users sometime in the next few weeks.

Back in September, shortly before the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c arrived on stage, Google announced Android 4.4 KitKat, its brand new Android update. The company did not confirm any of the details, leaving those and an Android 4.4 KitKat update for a later date.

That date arrived on Halloween when Google showed off Android 4.4 KitKat and the Nexus 5 for the first time. A few short days later and Google deployed the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 Android 4.4 KitKat updates, updates that replaced Android 4.3 and delivered the changes that Google had introduced just a few days earlier.

Shortly after Android 4.4 KitKat’s arrival, Google announced another Android 4.4 KitKat update. The company confirmed that it was set to deliver Android 4.4.1, an update aimed at improving the Nexus 5’s camera. The update deployed but was soon replaced by the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update for Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10. Nexus users have been using Android 4.4.2 KitKat since November and while the experience is solid for some people, others have been frustrated with the amount of issues.

For weeks, Nexus users have been complaining about Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems. Nexus users have been complaining about an assortment of problems including battery drain, Bluetooth issues and an issue where 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.

Google has promised a number of fixes for these issues but the company has refused to disclose how or when it will deliver remedies for Android 4.4.2 problems. Fortunately, thanks to rumors, we know that it will likely be Android 4.4.3 KitKat that arrives to replace the aging Android 4.4.2 KitKat update. And thanks to Android Police, we now have a better idea about when the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update will arrive.

The publication claims that the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update has entered the “dogfooding” stage which means that the update has shifted into internal testing outside of Google’s Android team. This doesn’t mean that an update is imminent but it does mean that the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update has inched closer to release.

It claims that the update will be arriving in the “coming weeks” but that no specific date is known. Google typically does not issue release dates ahead of its roll outs which means that Nexus users are likely going to be flying in the dark on the way to Android 4.4.3 KitKat’s release. Google is known for releasing updates during the working week which means that an arrival on the weekend is unlikely.

Per usual, the release date depends on how the testing process goes. If testing goes well, then we could see Android 4.4.3 KitKat emerge for Nexus owners in the near future.

The report also all but confirms the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update for a number of devices outside of the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7. Those two updates saw their updates leak several days ago but until now, we hadn’t heard about other devices.

It appears that Google is gearing up for a massive roll out. The Nexus 4, 10, Nexus 7 2012, Nexus 7 2013, and Nexus 5 are all slated to get Android 4.4.3 KitKat, something that should come as no surprise given that Android 4.4.3 KitKat updates are affecting all Nexus devices rather than a select few.

It also suggests that Google is planning updates for its Google Play Edition devices and the Moto X. An early rumor suggested that Google was preparing an Android 4.4.3 KitKat update for its HTC One and this all but confirms that. It appears that releases for the Google Play Editions and the Moto X will follow the Nexus releases. This is standard protocol as Nexus updates tend to roll out first.

As for the update itself, it appears that it will indeed be a massive bug fix update for Nexus users and beyond. What this means is that Android 4.4.3 KitKat will likely not come with any significant changes to Android 4.4 KitKat’s feature set.

Android 4.4.3 KitKat should be the update that Nexus owners have been waiting for since November. Rumors suggest that it will come with dozens of fixes. The unofficial change log suggests that it will come with a fix for unstable data connections, improved camera focus (this is probably what LlabTooFeR was referring to), a fix for random reboot issues, a fix for missed call LED problems, VPN fixes, and much more.

The update will likely fix many of the problems that came with the arrival of Android 4.4.3 KitKat but there is a good chance that Android 4.4.3 KitKat will deliver some problems of its own. New Nexus Android update almost always do.