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Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update Breakdown

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Google’s Android 4.4.3 KitKat update started rolling out more than two weeks ago and since then, we’ve learned more about the software update that replaced Google’s Android 4.4.2 KitKat update. Here, we take a look at all of the Android 4.4.3 KitKat details that have emerged since the update’s release earlier this month.

In the weeks leading up to Apple’s WWDC 2014 conference, the rumor mill was dominated by two major updates for iOS and Android. Rumors pointed to an iOS 8 launch on stage on June 4th. They also pointed to the arrival of a brand new Android 4.4 KitKat update for Android users in the form of Android 4.4.3 KitKat.

Interestingly enough, the two updates emerged on the same day. At its WWDC keynote, Apple debuted iOS 8, its latest iOS software update and an update that will take on Android 4.4, or something newer, when it arrives this fall. Shortly after Apple’s executives left the stage, Google started rolling out the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update.

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Android 4.4.3 KitKat is not the major update that iOS 8 will be but it’s still an important update nonetheless. The software is a bug fixer aimed at tackling major and minor Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems and it also brings several new features to the table including a new look to the dialer and some cosmetic changes to the People application.

The Android 4.4.3 KitKat update is now live but that doesn’t mean that the software has fallen off the grid. In fact, the opposite has happened. In the past two weeks, we’ve heard quite a bit more about the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update. We’ve heard about Android 4.4.3 KitKat problems and we’ve also heard about new Android 4.4.3 KitKat updates.

With that in mind, we want to take another close look at Google’s latest update and breakdown all of the key details for those on Android 4.4.3 KitKat and those still waiting for it to arrive.

Roll Out Continues

The Android 4.4.3 KitKat roll out has been a strange one to say the least. Earlier this month, Google started rolling out the update to its Nexus devices, to Motorola’s Moto E, Moto G, Moto X, and several Google Play Edition devices. And while several Google-related devices have seen the update, we’ve seen several Android 4.4.3 KitKat updates lag behind the pack.

Earlier this week, we finally saw the Nexus 7 2012 Android 4.4.3 KitKat updates become available to install. Owners of those two devices are lucky. The Nexus 7 LTE Android 4.4.3 KitKat update is still missing in action though Google says that it’s hard at work behind the scenes. It still hasn’t offered any kind of ETA for the update.

Nexus 7 LTE Review 2013 Verizon - 5

What’s more is that we haven’t seen the LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition or the Moto G Google Play Edition updates roll out. Odd considering the company pushed the updates out to the other Google Play Edition devices on the Google Play Store. Like the Nexus 7 LTE Android 4.4.3 KitKat update, release dates for these two updates remain out of reach.

Google says that the Nexus 7 LTE update is coming but the other two haven’t been confirmed. We expect them all to roll out at some point so owners should remain patient.

Android 4.4.3 KitKat Rumors

These aren’t the only devices that are expected to get Android 4.4.3 KitKat. Rumors suggest that several top Android smartphones will be getting the update at some point down the line.

Recent leaks point to a release for the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Samsung Galaxy S4 LTE-A. Rumors put the Galaxy S5 Android 4.4.3 KitKat roll out inside of the month of June though a specific release date isn’t known. The Galaxy S4 LTE-A Android 4.4.3 KitKat update will supposedly be pushing at some point in July though a release date is unknown. Samsung still hasn’t confirmed either update.

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Rumors suggested that Samsung could skip Android 4.4.2 KitKat for some devices and move straight to Android 4.4.3. If that’s going to happen, it likely won’t be for the Galaxy S3 or Galaxy Note 2. We’ve seen both updates emerge in recent weeks and every single update has been Android 4.4.2 KitKat and not Android 4.4.3. So owners should not be getting their hopes up.

We’ve also seen a credible source point to an Android 4.4.3 KitKat release for the HTC One M8 and HTC One M7. LlabTooFeR, the man behind the leaks, suggested several weeks ago that these two updates would emerge in May or June. Release dates remain out of reach but he claims that the HTC One M8 Android 4.4.3 KitKat update, at the very least, is still being tested behind the scenes.

Android 4.4.3 KitKat Problems

Several days ago, we pointed out a number of Android 4.4.3 KitKat problems plaguing owners of Google’s Nexus smartphones and tablets. Android 4.4.3 KitKat problems ranged from minor issues to major issues with battery life and exchange.

Since then, Google’s product forums have been flooded with complaints from owners of the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 5, and Nexus 10 who are dealing with issues inside of Google’s latest update.

Nexus 4 Android 4.4.3 Review Early - 1

We’re seeing users complain about issues with GPS, problems with battery life and Exchange, charging problems, battery life problems, random reboots, unresponsive displays, battery drain, and more. What we still haven’t seen though are hero level issues that require Google to act fast to repair Android 4.4.3. Hero level issues are widespread problems that affect a majority of users.

What this means is that we aren’t expected Google to issue and Android 4.4.4 KitKat update at any point in the future. So, that leaves users dealing with Android 4.4.3 KitKat problems with a few options.

If you want ot install the Nexus 4 Android 4.4.3 update make sure you give yourself time to deal with any issues.

If you want to install the Nexus 4 Android 4.4.3 update make sure you give yourself time to deal with any issues.

One, check into the Google Product Forums and ask for help. Moderators will offer help and Google employees do respond to complaints from time to time. In fact, the earliest signs of Android 4.4.3 KitKat came from this forum when Google employees confirmed several upcoming fixes for Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems.

If that doesn’t work, try booting the phone into Safe Mode. This will help users isolate any issues coming from third-party applications. Apps often struggle after Android updates and it’s worth investigating their performance. If that doesn’t work, it might be worth trying a factory reset, especially if the device is old. Often times, this will dislodge problems.

11 Comments

11 Comments

  1. Sue

    06/19/2014 at 2:14 pm

    Screw that. I have an S5 and just got 4.4.2 last week. Today, my phone overheated and drained the battery to 20 percent in 1.5 hours. I did a factory reset, and will be sticking with that for a good while.

  2. Jim

    06/19/2014 at 3:13 pm

    Sue, the issues you had with the 4.4.2 are most likely change made by Samsung. It is very common for their updates to cause many problems. The updates I got on my S2 made it slow and killed the battery life. I have heard of many people having the same problems on the S3, S4 and all of the Note series. It looks like the S5 is no different. I wouldn’t be surprised if they did it on purpose to get people to replace their phones more often to make more money. For as bad as their updates are I have a hard time believing it is unintended bugs.

  3. Aleksandar

    06/19/2014 at 3:14 pm

    My s5 already came with 442 but I think I like pass this update. On the other hand, updating my previous phone s4 from jelly bean to 442 turned out to be a huge mistake…. People should be aware that update does not mean always better things. And… Don’t fix it if it ain’t broken.. Right?

  4. Matt

    06/19/2014 at 3:58 pm

    Eric, good find! Wonder when that will go ota?

  5. Apa La

    06/19/2014 at 4:11 pm

    Will moto g get 4.4.4? I know dual sim v hasn’t even received 4.4.3 other than Brasil.

  6. Bilbo

    06/19/2014 at 8:48 pm

    The 4.4.3 update was a HUGE improvement for my Nexus 7. It’s about time!

  7. Kali Justice

    06/20/2014 at 3:41 am

    Since updating my Nexus 7 (1st gen) to 4.4.3 I have virtually no connectivity (the wifi signal literally flickers on and off when I try to connect) and everything stutters, like a series of mini freezes, especially on games. On the rare occasion I can access the internet, pages take an age to open and I haven’t got a hope of downloading anything. This update has rendered my N7 useless so I suppose it’s purely the luck of the draw whether you experience the huge improvement Bilbo reports, or the utter havoc I and hundreds of others on the fori=ums have experienced. An epic fail for Google/Android!

  8. Kali Justice

    06/20/2014 at 3:42 am

    *forums

  9. sukhdeep singh

    06/20/2014 at 7:56 am

    androld update

    • anton

      06/28/2014 at 8:08 am

      when we will get 4,4,4 for Samsung s4

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