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Nexus 7 Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update Finally Available

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Google’s Android 4.4.3 KitKat update is still rolling out to Nexus users despite the fact that the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update has been replaced by a newer Android 4.4.4 KitKat update.

In the buildup to early June, Android 4.4.3 KitKat rumors were rampant thanks to a number of leaks that detailed the devices that would be getting the update and the features that would be on board the replacement for Android 4.4.2 KitKat. Android 4.4.3 KitKat, which started rolling out on June 4th, was and is a bug fix update aimed at solving the many Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems.

It also, surprisingly, came with some minor changes to the dialer and to the People application. The changes are cosmetic and the real focus of the update was on fixing Android 4.4 KitKat issues.

Almost immediately, Google started pushing out the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update and its fixes to Nexus users. Many Nexus 7, Nexus 4, Nexus 10, and Nexus 5 users got the update within days of the initial release as did owners of several Google Play Edition devices. However, one well known Google device got left behind.

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The Nexus 7 LTE, the Nexus 7 that was released late in 2013, lagged behind the rest of the pack. While Google promised an Android 4.4.3 KitKat update for the LTE version of the Nexus 7, it did not outline any specific timing for Nexus 7 users. Finally, in late June, Google posted the Nexus 7 LTE Android 4.4.3 KitKat factory images and binaries to the AOSP, a sign that a roll out was close. And while some users are still waiting for the update, it appears that the Android 4.4.3 update is now available for some users.

Not only has the Verizon version of the Nexus 7 LTE Android 4.4.3 KitKat update finally been found lurking on Google’s servers, we’ve heard that the update has landed for some Nexus 7 LTE owners in recent days. The roll out appears to be slow, typical of Google, but it’s clear now that the Nexus 7 LTE is finally getting Android 4.4.3 KitKat.

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Verizon Nexus 7 LTE users that are currently running stock Android 4.4.2 KitKat and know how to sideload software can use this file to install the Nexus 5 Android 4.4.3 KitKat update and all of its fixes right now. Those that don’t know how to sideload can take a look at our guide from last year. Just substitute today’s update for last year’s.

While this is great news, the Nexus 7 LTE Android 4.4.3 KitKat update is already old. In late June, Google also started rolling out its new Android 4.4.4 KitKat update, an update that delivers security patches to Nexus users. The update is available for a number of devices including the Nexus 7, Nexus 4, Nexus 10, Nexus 5, Sony Xperia Z1, and several Google Play Edition devices but it’s still not available for the Nexus 7 LTE and it’s not clear when the update might roll out.

Given that every single other Nexus smartphone and tablet has already received the bump up to Android 4.4.4 KitKat, it’s clear that the Nexus 7 LTE will get the Android 4.4.4 KitKat update at some point down the road, it’s only just a matter of when.

Nexus 7 LTE Review 2013 Verizon - 5

Android 4.4.4 KitKat represents the latest update to KitKat but it doesn’t represent the latest Android update for Google’s stable of tablets and smartphones. That honor belongs to Android L, the company’s latest and greatest Android update, and an update that will replace Android 4.4 KitKat with a number of new features later on this year.

The Android L update is rumored for arrival sometime between October and December and it’s confirmed for several devices including the Nexus 5, Nexus 7, HTC One M8 and the HTC One M7. From the look of things, it could be coming to the Nexus 4 and the Nexus 10, two of Google’s older Nexus devices, as well.

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Alba

    07/06/2014 at 2:48 am

    Finally it’s here. Once I fully charged my Phablet on wireless charging pad I will definitely consider updating 4.4.3 version on my Nexus 7. Thanks for sharing the info.

  2. john shaw

    07/06/2014 at 3:29 pm

    I have a rooted nexus 7 and i just delete all the new update 4.4.x? and stay on 4.3..can anyone tell me what the new update actually does..I like to keep the option to use browsers other than dolphin etc..will google ever add anything useful like USB Dac support or OTG charging instead of doing silly things like deleting something as fundamental as flash for pete’s sake.

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