Connect with us

Android

Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update Breakdown (Round Two)

Published

on

In June, Google finally rolled out its highly anticipated Android 4.4.3 KitKat update, a bug fixer aimed at solving Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems. Since then, we’ve seen new Android 4.4.3 KitKat details emerge and here, we want to take a look at the most important things to know about the operating system that was recently trumped by Android 4.4.4 KitKat.

Back in late March, we heard a rumor suggest that Google had an Android 4.4.3 KitKat update up its sleeve. The update, rumors said, would be a bug fix update for Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems that emerged in the months after its release. After weeks of teasers and torture, Google finally released the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update to the world, bringing fixes and some new features to Nexus users and beyond.

android_kitkat-575x383

In the days after its arrival, Android 4.4.3 KitKat landed for users outside of Google’s core group. In addition to Nexus 7, Nexus 4, Nexus 5, and Nexus 10 Android 4.4.3 KitKat updates, we saw the update roll out to Google Play Edition devices and a handful of other devices including the Moto X, Moto E and the Moto G.

And then, just like that, Google replaced Android 4.4.3 KitKat with Android 4.4.4 KitKat, a brand new Android update that comes with some security enhancements on board.

Despite the arrival of Android 4.4.4 KitKat, Android 4.4.3 KitKat remains very relevant and here, we want to take a look at the most important things Android users need to know, right now, about Android 4.4.3 KitKat.

Android 4.4.3 KitKat Still Rolling Out

Android 4.4.4 KitKat is live but that doesn’t mean that the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update has gone away. In fact, the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update roll out is still ongoing and today, the update finally became available to some Nexus 7 users.

Nexus-7-LTE-Review-2013-Verizon-3

Finally, after several weeks of waiting, the Nexus 7 LTE Android 4.4.3 KitKat update roll out is in full swing. Earlier today, the Verizon Nexus 7 LTE Android 4.4.3 files were discovered allowing users to manually install the update instead of waiting for the OTA to arrive. It appears that the OTA roll out has begun as well though it appears to be rolling out extremely slow, in true Google fashion.

This was the only remaining Android 4.4.3 KitKat update for Nexus devices, something that should come as a surprise to no one given that every other Nexus device is currently sitting on Android 4.4.4 KitKat and have been since late June.

Android 4.4.3 Rumors

Prior to the arrival of Android 4.4.3 KitKat, we heard that the Samsung Galaxy S5 would be getting the update in June, that the Galaxy S4 LTE-A would be getting the update in July and that the HTC One M7 and HTC One M8, the regular models, would be getting the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update in the month of June. Here’s an update on those rumors.

We still haven’t heard anything about Samsung’s plans for Android 4.4.3 KitKat though we do know that the Galaxy S5 Android 4.4.3 KitKat update failed to roll out in June. It could be that the company simply had to go back to the drawing board after the unexpected arrival of Android 4.4.4 KitKat, it could be something else. We’re not sure.

HTC One-Best-Cheap-Phone-June 2014

It’s clear that Samsung did have plans for both of these devices and thus, it’s possible that we’ll see Android 4.4.3 KitKat or Android 4.4.4 KitKat push out in the future. Safe bets should be on Android 4.4.4.

As for the HTC One M7 and HTC One M8, well, noted leakster LlabTooFeR believes that there is a chance that Android 4.4.3 KitKat or Android 4.4.4 KitKat will roll out in July or August, specific dates unknown. HTC’s Mo Versi has confirmed Android 4.4.4 KitKat for the HTC One M7 in the United States but details are slim at the moment.

Both companies could be on a similar path as Droid Ultra, Droid MAXX and Droid Mini users. Motorola was originally scheduled to roll out Android 4.4.3 KitKat before it was forced to delay the update to work on Android 4.4.4 KitKat.

Android 4.4.4 KitKat

At this point, nobody should be expecting Android 4.4.3 KitKat. Instead, Android users should be expecting Android 4.4.4 KitKat. Google worked fast to upgrade its devices to the latest software and with the arrival of Android 4.4.4 KitKat updates for the Sony Xperia Z1, Xperia Z1 Compact and Xperia Z Ultra, it’s clear that Android 4.4.4 KitKat is probably the route that most manufacturers are going to take post-Android 4.4.2 KitKat. In other words, Android 4.4.3 KitKat is on its last legs.

Goodnight, sweet prince.

Android 4.4.3 Problems Continue

Nexus users still on Android 4.4.3 KitKat continue to complain about Android 4.4.3 KitKat problems. Nexus users are complaining about broken Wi-Fi and bugged face recognition, Bluetooth issues, battery drain, data issues on the Nexus 5, camera problems, and more. Problem is, Android 4.4.4 KitKat isn’t much different than Android 4.4.3 KitKat.

Most users should install Android 4.4.4 KitKat on the Nexus 4.

Most users should install Android 4.4.4 KitKat on the Nexus 4.

In fact, we’ve seen a number of complaints about Android 4.4.4 KitKat as well and many of the issues have been carried over from Android 4.4.4 KitKat. So while we think Android 4.4.4 KitKat is worth the install due to its security patches, it’s probably not going to be the savior bug fix update that Nexus users are looking for.

Now, as we’ve pointed out, there are a few things to try. First, users will want to try booting the device into safe mode in order to isolate issues with third-party apps. Third-party apps have a tendency to cause problems after an update. If that doesn’t work, and there are no temporary fixes to be had, it might be worth performing a full factory reset. Just make sure to back up files before doing so.

What’s Next?

Users on Android 4.4.2 KitKat are probably going to be getting Android 4.4.4 KitKat. Those on Android 4.4.3 KitKat will likely be getting Android 4.4.4 KitKat down the road and those on Android 4.4.4 KitKat are probably going to be doing some waiting.

Android-L

While Google could potentially roll out a brand new Android 4.4.5 KitKat update to ward off Android 4.4.4 KitKat problems, we could also see it wait to deliver fixes. Android L is expected to debut later this year and as we’ve pointed out, it should have a number of fixes on board, including a crucial one for Nexus 5 owners.

5 Comments

5 Comments

  1. DedForMilun

    07/03/2014 at 12:08 pm

    Since I started with my online business, I earn $62 every 15 minutes. It sounds unbelievable but you won’t forgive yourself if you don’t check it out. The site I use https://0rz.tw/QtUw0

    • EFG123

      07/04/2014 at 9:41 am

      You must be sucking dick on camera. COngrats

  2. Lorri Stellhorn

    07/03/2014 at 2:52 pm

    I am wondering why I just got Kitkat 4.4.2 pushed to my Galaxy S3 yesterday (7/2) and my boyfriend got it pushed to his Galaxy S4 today (7/3) from Verizon. We have both declined the install at this point, hoping we can avoid the problems 4.4.2 brings, but we are now stuck with ongoing prompts to install. Your article doesn’t mention anything about still getting 4.4.2 “upgrades”. Can we skip 4.4.2 and get 4.4.4 Kitkat?

    • Kristopher

      07/05/2014 at 7:22 am

      You’ll need to install 4.4.2 to get any other update if you’re carrier locked. Once you install 4.4.2, you will be prompted to install a later version if it is available.

  3. Nat

    07/06/2014 at 8:18 am

    I have a Motorola Razor M. from Verizon. I was forced to upgrade to kitkat 4.4.2 on May 18th. This is a horrible operating system. No one should be forced to have this. They took Swype away, the keyboard interface is bare bones and hard to maneuver, when I’m on WiFi and I open an app it disconnects WiFi and forces me to use my data. This stupid OS along with Google Search now kills my battery in 8 hours. I can’t use voice features with my Bluetooth. I’ve never wanted an iPhone, but thanks to Google I’m looking into my first Apple purchase. Anything to get away from Google apps and OS’s.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.