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Android 4.4.2 KitKat Update: 5 Things You Need to Know

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Google’s Android 4.4.2 KitKat update, an update that has been pushing out since November, is still a very relevant update more than six months after its initial release. And with updates pushing out and details still swirling, we want to take an updated look at the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update.

Last September, Google surprised a lot of people when, out of the blue, it announced an Android 4.4 KitKat update. The update, which arrived in November to replace Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, was and still is an incremental update aimed at bring small, but powerful improvements to those touting Android 4.3 Jelly Bean and below.

Since November, the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update has been rolling out in full force. It has landed for Samsung’s Galaxy devices including the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 3. It has landed for devices like the HTC One, LG G2, and Moto X. And it’s also the software that companies have used to launch new devices, devices like the Samsung Galaxy S5 Active.

Android 4.4.2 KitKat is getting older but that doesn’t mean that its ceased to exist. On the contrary, the Android 4.4.2 KitKat is still very much a presence on the Android landscape as it continues to push out to new devices and continues to cause problem for select Android users.

With all of that in mind, we want to take another look at Google’s Android 4.4.2 KitKat update and breakdown all of its latest details. Here now is a look at the seven most important things Android users need to know about Google’s aging Android 4.4.2 KitKat upgrade.

Android 4.4.2 KitKat is Old News

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Consider this a public service announcement: The Android 4.4.2 KitKat update is old news. In June, Google finally released a massive bug fix update in the form of Android 4.4.3 KitKat. The update squashed many Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems.

Days later, Google pushed out Android 4.4.4 KitKat, a new update and one that added an additional security fix for an OpenSSL vulnerability. As a reminder and for those do not know, Android 4.4.4 KitKat is the current, publicly version of Android. It is not, however, the most current version of the software.

That distinction goes to Android L, the update that was announced at Google I/O 2014 and the update that is available in the form of a developer preview on both the Nexus 5 and Nexus 7. The update, which will be released later this year, features a number of changes including tweaks to the UI, better battery life and more.

Point is, if you’re on Android 4.4.2, you’re two updates behind. And if you include Android L, three updates behind.

Samsung is Still Pushing Android 4.4.2 KitKat Updates

Samsung-Galaxy-S5-vs-Galaxy-S4-vs-Galaxy-S3-Display-Hero-2-620x380

Despite the presence of Android 4.4.3 KitKat and Android 4.4.4 KitKat, companies continue to push out Android 4.4.2 KitKat updates. Samsung is one of the companies that is continuing its Android 4.4.2 KitKat push.

The company is currently rolling out Android 4.4.2 KitKat updates to its Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4, and several other variants and devices including the Galaxy Mega, Galaxy S4 mini, and Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom. The Galaxy S4 Zoom Android 4.4.2 KitKat update rolled out earlier this week and delivers the same incremental features that we’ve seen land for a number of other Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

At this point, Samsung seems content with finishing up its Android 4.4.2 KitKat deployment before moving on to something else, either Android 4.4.3, Android 4.4.4 KitKat or perhaps Android L.

Sony & HTC As Well

BlinkFeed offers a new experience for HTC Sense 6.

BlinkFeed offers a new experience for HTC Sense 6.

HTC and Sony have recently pushed out Android 4.4.2 KitKat updates as well. Sony is currently rolling out Android 4.4.2 KitKat to the Xperia T2 Ultra. The update is absolutely massive. Here is the change log:

  • Google’s Android 4.4; KitKat as standard – bringing performance & UI optimisation…
  • We’ve added our tweaked Status Bar and Quick Settings… now more intuitive and customisable (and pretty easy on the eye)… cleaned up to ensure you only get the notifications you really need
  • If you’ve got a Sony PlayStation 4, you might recognize our new user interface – we’ve added the same sleek launch animation and livewallpaper across the lock and home screens
  • We’re also uplifting Sony’s entire native app portfolio to the latest versions – bringing tweaked / improved / current experiences for (to name but a few): Messaging, MyXperia, Smart Connect, Small apps, TrackID, TrackID TV, Sony Select, Smart Social Camera and…
  • Sony’s Media apps: WALKMAN, Album and Movies, with Sony Entertainment Network cloud service integration* – a more converged and full Sony entertainment experience – Sony Entertainment Network & PlayMemories integration with a more intuitive UI, better download speeds, and more!
  • And proving pretty popular, now totaling over 2 million downloads (!) – our unique custom interface experience: “Xperia Themes”, with downloadable UI packs from Sony Select – skin up to 280 assets across your Xperia smartphone with a variety of styles…
  • Compatibility with our SmartWear Experience; SmartBand SWR10 and Lifelog app – enabling you to record social, physical and entertainment activities and have them all visualised in a beautiful interface… reminisce at that past, make the best of the present and plan for the future.

The company says that it will be rolling out Android 4.4 for the Xperia E1 and the Xperia M2 though it’s not clear if it will push out Android 4.4.2 KitKat or one of the newer updates. Sony recently started pushing Android 4.4.4 KitKat for the Xperia Z1, Xperia Z1 Compact and the Xperia Z1 Ultra so it’s possible that these updates could be Android 4.4.4.

As for HTC, it appears that the HTC One Mini has been updated with HTC’s Sense 6 to go along with Android 4.4.2 KitKat. It’s not clear where the update is rolling out but typically HTC starts in Taiwan, its home base, before shifting gears to other parts of the world. The company’s roll outs can take several months to complete.

Android 4.4.2 KitKat Problems & Fixes

Samsung Galaxy S5 vs Galaxy S3 vs Galaxy S4 - Cameras

Android 4.4.2 KitKat was riddled with problems. They were the catalyst for the company’s massive Android 4.4.3 KitKat and Android 4.4.4 KitKat updates that pushed out last month.

Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems continue to linger on a number of devices including Samsung’s popular Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S3, and Galaxy S4 models. Galaxy S5 users are also complaining about a number of Android 4.4.2 KitKat issues.

To those that have yet to receive Android 4.4.2: Before you upgrade to Android 4.4.2, make sure that you have everything in order. Apps need to be updated and if you’ve customized your device with a ROM, be sure to take a look at comments from the appropriate development community before installing. These updates have a tendency to wreck havoc on rooted and customized devices.

If you’re coming to Android 4.4.2 KitKat from Android 4.3, there’s a good chance that you’ll see some Android 4.3 Jelly Bean problems get worked out by the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update. But remember, Android 4.4.2 KitKat has some problems of its own. Something to keep in mind before taking the plunge the second you get the update.

If you do run into issues, we have some resources for you to check out. Android Central forums is a solid place with a great community. If you’re on a specific carrier, you might want to head to its device forums. For instance, AT&T’s Android forums can be found here. Moderators and users will do their best to help you, provided you’re able to explain the issue in detail.

It’s also worth booting up your device in Safe Mode. Safe Mode will disable third-party applications and allow you to single out apps that are behaving badly in Android 4.4.2.

Some Devices Might Stay on Android 4.4.2 KitKat

Samsung Galaxy S5 vs Galaxy S4 vs Galaxy S3 -  Build Quality

Finally, while there is a very good chance that some of these Android 4.4.2 KitKat powered devices will get upgraded beyond Android 4.4.2 KitKat, there are some other devices that may not see any other upgrades past Android 4.4.2.

If you’re using an HTC or Samsung device that’s older than two years old or is closing in on the two year mark, there is a good chance that you will not move beyond Android 4.4.2 KitKat. HTC and Samsung typically offer updates for around 24 months before pulling support. Bigger name devices typically get better support than devices with a big name.

Devices like the Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 currently sit in a gray area. The Galaxy S3 is now two years old and only some devices got Android 4.4.2. There is a very good chance that it will get left behind. As for the Galaxy Note 2, it turns two in September so it’s not clear if it will get anything past its Android 4.4.2 KitKat update, an update that is rolling out extremely slowly.

Manufacturers and carriers likely won’t have answers to your questions so you’ll just need to take a wait and see approach as we push deeper into the year.

34 Comments

34 Comments

  1. Willer707

    07/18/2014 at 4:18 pm

    5 Things You Need to Know? What were they. This article needs better lay out. TLR.

    • Richard Bartlett

      08/01/2014 at 7:04 am

      Amen

    • Carey

      07/25/2015 at 2:18 pm

      I agree. Also try writing using fewer words. You took forever to make a point that should take a short sentence. And I learned nothing about the update itself.

    • Donna Turner

      10/10/2015 at 10:39 am

      Exactly what I was wondering lol

  2. Charles Adams

    07/18/2014 at 6:14 pm

    If I wrote this it would be” 1 Thing I Want to Know” I have the SGH-T999 variant of the Galaxy S3 from T-Mobile it is the last of the major carriers to yet be updated to kit kat. And the sad thing is I can not get a straight answer from Samsung or T Mobile on when this update will happen. When minor carriers like Virgin mobile oft Boost. Put out an update before T Mobile this shows T Mobiles lack of concern to make sure their customer are taken care of.

  3. Martel

    07/18/2014 at 9:20 pm

    I found all give thinga and more.

    This dialed right into my G note2 issues.
    Good article.

    Thank you

  4. hitasoft

    07/18/2014 at 10:58 pm

    Your post is very interesting and Informative.Thanks for the good post.Keep up this good work.

  5. wtf12345

    07/19/2014 at 2:34 pm

    Does this guy have an editor or is English not his first language? He repeated the same thing in about 5 different paragraphs

  6. Ralphie 42257

    07/19/2014 at 2:42 pm

    It addresses 4.4.2-3 and 4
    Bothers me to be one of the devices that stay on 4.4.2 because there have been alot of problems with 4.4.2.

    After reading this I think I will look for a newer operating system

  7. Narender singh

    07/21/2014 at 1:20 am

    how can I upgrade my karbonsmart A9 plus which is 4.0.4 android version to latest kitkat

  8. pavan

    07/23/2014 at 12:53 am

    I m using sony xperia c.. I want to upgrade to kitKat

  9. sharat kumar bhargava

    10/25/2014 at 9:51 am

    Want to purchase branded android 4.4.4kitkat with max lenth 5″ display will be 4,7″with good batery backup.

  10. Lolololol

    12/25/2014 at 2:35 am

    Hello,I’m using huawei honor 6,I’m having several problem….I installed apps like five night at Freddy but after 2 days…I can’t play it anymore…I checked the at android/data and android/obb,All his data and Bob are gone.what happened and I’m using kit Kat 4.4.2

  11. Lolololol

    12/25/2014 at 2:36 am

    I mean obb

  12. mymindsblank

    03/21/2015 at 2:28 am

    Will there be a 4.4.4 upgrade for the verizon galaxy note ll

  13. Rick

    07/17/2015 at 12:05 pm

    Whu hasn’t my Galaxy Mega not updated from 4.4.2 yet?

  14. tim daubert

    08/01/2015 at 7:22 pm

    Hi. I just bought a tablet for a back up. It is running kitkat 4.2. How do I run a update and do I need to ? Any help please

  15. Melissa Bigelow

    08/10/2015 at 10:13 pm

    Hi I just bought a Android 4.4.2 -(iRock9-didsl add Core)tablet. It keeps updating. It didn’t come with a manual or any info on manafacture. Can someone help?

  16. travis

    08/17/2015 at 1:05 am

    Post update from 4.4.2 on galaxy note ii to 4.4.4 please?!?!

  17. pauline

    08/18/2015 at 3:22 am

    Am using android 4.4.2 but can’t install whatsp

  18. flashharri

    09/29/2015 at 4:16 am

    Is she doing updates on kitkat :)

  19. charity

    11/02/2015 at 2:40 am

    I need to know how to make calls using android 4.4.2 version yet it has no space for sim cards

  20. charity

    11/02/2015 at 3:29 am

    how can i use mobile internet without a sim card???

  21. DASNY RUSSELL

    12/27/2015 at 8:27 pm

    I have htc one x pj83100 jellybean 4.1.1 can it update to 4.4.2?

  22. NewsView

    01/07/2016 at 1:42 pm

    I don’t think any devices that have the hardware capacity to run an Android OS newer than KitKat should be abandoned by manufacturers, and here’s why:

    KitKat didn’t fully support app-to-SD functionality. Google made the decision at one point to drop app-to-SD support and while that angered many developers and forced them to rethink their decision — and re-enable app-to-SD functionality in subsequent updates — the reality is that consumers who own devices with limited internal memory are stuck with little or no app-to-SD functionality, short of rooting their devices (which isn’t for everybody and may brick a device).

    Samsung, Acer and others who have left customers stranded on KitKat are perpetuating the confusion that KitKat caused. Consumers that are running into memory errors are likely to assume, even now, that they can purchase a not-so-cheap microSD card to solve the problem. Then they are rudely awakened to the fact that aside from music, media, photos and documents they can’t free up limited internal memory because apps won’t move over to the SD card.

    Because of the widespread confusion and frustration KitKat caused, I don’t think manufacturers should follow their normal policy of pushing out one (or no) updates and then abandoning the device. Android users both before and after KitKat can push an obsolete device as long as they wish, but many KitKat users can’t and they are forced with the unreasonable option of voiding their warranty and possibly bricking their devices trying to come up with a workaround OR they simply must discard apps, if not their entire device, and start over again. Because of the aberration that was KitKat and it’s handicapped app-to-SD functionality, manufacturers ought to issue a courtesy update to move the impacted users off of KitKat. Google saw fit to reverse course on their app-to-SD prohibition and Android device manufacturers ought to follow suit rather than leave consumers with what are essentially crippled devices.

  23. tshepo

    03/01/2016 at 12:45 pm

    I updeted to 4.4.2 and im having problems.
    My device is very slow n it now heating up

  24. vic fishet

    03/09/2016 at 3:51 am

    I have a samsung galaxy tab3 running android 4.4.2 and it contiually scans for wifi making it practically useless anybody know how i can resolve this problem samsung suggested a factory reset which didnt seem very practical to me

  25. nitu

    03/10/2016 at 1:42 am

    i had installed fb initially, due to some reason i uninstalled it, but now when i m installing it a error message is shown as “can’t be installed due to some problem”(error -11). please can u suggest me what to do?

  26. Jeannie21

    03/10/2016 at 9:24 pm

    I agree with NewsView , it’s annoying that when I make calls , etc that the other person on the other side say that vibration hurts there ears it’s so LOUD . Every 5 minutes . Why these phone company have a fix better this happens. This will be my last Android . Class action lawsuit for this noise. I use my cell for my patients and they can’t stand hearing this what an embarrassment. We all need to get together suit them all. We all pay to much money for terrible service with updates .

  27. Saugata Chowdhury

    04/28/2016 at 1:35 am

    using PANASONIC ELUGA I in this version;recently somehow downloaded ubi mini browser accidentaly,after that it disturbing phone very badly.I unistalled it repeatedly but it getting reinstalled automaticaly & also causing serious issues like downloading forcefuly unwanted apps .Pls give me some idea how to stop this nuisance.

  28. msgill

    07/04/2016 at 4:27 am

    I have sky vega IM 890 L with 4.4.2. Is it possible to upgrade android 5. seen on web some people have same cell with android 5. Will appreciate help in this direction. Thanks.Gill

    • Jo

      11/06/2017 at 2:15 pm

      This 4.4.2 is worthless…t will only do phone calls…disgusting…..will not purchase again..

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