Nexus Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update Roll Out Continues

Google’s Android 4.4.3 KitKat update continues to roll out to Nexus users despite the fact that Android 4.4.4 KitKat, a new Android 4.4 KitKat update, is now available to owners of the Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 10, and select versions of the Nexus 7.

Earlier this month, Google started rolling out Android 4.4.3 KitKat, its highly anticipated replacement for Android 4.4.2 KitKat. Android 4.4.3 KitKat, a bug fix updated, aims to tackle many of the Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems that surfaced after the update’s arrival at the tail end of the last year. The update also comes with a new dialer and some changes to the People application.

Almost right away, Google started pushing the update out for owners of the Nexus 5, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, Nexus 4, and an assortment of non-Nexus devices including Google Play variants, the Moto X, Moto E, and Moto G. And while the update became available off the bat to many Nexus users, some users have been waiting for several weeks for their upgrade up from Android 4.4.2 KitKat.

For whatever reason, Google lagged on the Nexus 7 LTE Android 4.4.3 KitKat update. However, late yesterday, the Nexus 7 LTE Android 4.4.3 KitKat factory images and binaries were posted to Google’s AOSP meaning the update is now available to those that wish to sideload the software ahead of the inevitable OTA update.

From what we can tell, the update is exactly the same as the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update that landed for the Wi-Fi only and 3G version of the Nexus 7 2012 several days ago. That means that it’s chock full of bug fixes aimed at improving the overall experience found on Google’s current version of the Android operating system.

It’s still not clear when the OTA for the Nexus 7 LTE Android 4.4.3 KitKat update will start but we usually see it happen a few hours after the factory images and binaries are posted. So, those that aren’t comfortable with sideloading the software should remain patient and wait for the software to emerge in the hours, or days ahead. Google’s OTA updates typically take a week or so to roll out once they begin.

The Nexus 7 LTE Android 4.4.3 update rolls out on the heels of Google’s Android 4.4.4 KitKat update. Android 4.4.4 KitKat recently rolled out to the company’s Nexus lineup including the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 10, and Nexus 7. The update is small and it brings security updates to these devices. The update is not yet available for the Nexus 7 LTE though it’s possible that we could see the update roll out at some point in the next few weeks as the company works behind the scenes.

It’s still not clear if Android 4.4.4 KitKat will roll out beyond Google’s Nexus smartphones and tablets. Android 4.4.3 KitKat updates are rumored for the Galaxy S5, Galaxy S4 LTE-A, the HTC One M8, and the HTC One M7. The Galaxy S5 Android 4.4.3 KitKat is rumored to be coming out sometime in June while the Galaxy S4 LTE-A is rumored for July. Specific dates remain out of reach for the moment.

It’s not clear what HTC and Samsung might tack onto their Android 4.4.3 or Android 4.4.4 KitKat updates. Manufacturers typically add on their own enhancements and fixes for their respective UIs so there is a chance that the companies will make some changes to TouchWiz and Sense with the next KitKat update.

Android 4.4.3 and Android 4.4.4 KitKat are still fresh but that hasn’t stopped Google from showcasing its next Android update. The company took the stage at its Google I/O developer conference and debuted Android ‘L’, its next version of Android that will be out later on this year. The company did not provide a specific release date but it’s expected to be out ahead of the holiday shopping season.