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New Nexus 7 Android 4.4.4 KitKat Update Now Available

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After an lengthy delay, the final Nexus Android 4.4.4 KitKat update is now available as the Nexus 7 LTE Android 4.4.4 KitKat update has been released for those that wish to update manually.

At the beginning of June, Google released two new brand new Android 4.4 KitKat updates. First, it was the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update, a massive bug fixer. A few days later, the company pushed out its Android 4.4.4 KitKat update. Both were, and still are, bug fixers aimed at squashing major Android 4.4.2 KitKat problems.

Google’s stable of Nexus devices were among the first to get both Android 4.4.3 KitKat and its replacement, Android 4.4.4 KitKat. However one Nexus Android 4.4.4 KitKat update eluded some owners of the Nexus 7.

While the Nexus 7 Android 4.4.3 KitKat update landed for the Nexus 7 LTE, Google did not release an Android 4.4.4 KitKat update for the device. And in the weeks after the Android 4.4.4 KitKat release in mid-June, it did nothing to clarify the situation for those that bought into the cellular data version of its current Nexus 7 tablet.

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Today, we finally got our answer. After months of silence, Google has released a new Nexus 7 Android 4.4.4 KitKat update. That update? The Nexus 7 LTE Android 4.4.4 KitKat update. It’s not rolling out Over-the-Air right now but it is available to install. Those capable of installing software updates manually can find the factory images and the binaries for this new Nexus 7 Android 4.4.4 KitKat update on Google’s website.

Novice users that aren’t familiar with the manual install process are encouraged to wait for an Over-the-Air arrival. Google hasn’t announced an OTA update though it’s possible that one will arrive in the not-so-distant future. Typically, OTAs push out within a few hours, days or at worst, weeks after the arrival on Google’s website.

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We’re not sure what’s on board just yet though we imagine that the Nexus 7 LTE Android 4.4.4 KitKat update comes with the OpenSSL fix that rolled out to other Nexus smartphones and tablets months ago.

The Nexus 7 LTE is the last Nexus device to get Android 4.4.4 KitKat and the arrival comes weeks ahead of Google’s rumored Android L release for Nexus devices and Android devices from select manufacturers.

Android L, the update that will replace Android 4.4 KitKat sometime this year, is rumored for arrival in October or November alongside a Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 tablet from HTC. The two devices are rumored to be coming within the next few weeks which means that older Nexus devices like the Nexus 7 LTE should be in line to get the Android L update in the near future.

So far, Google’s confirmed the Android L release for the Nexus 5 and the Nexus 7 2013 though we suspect that it could arrive for the Nexus 4 and perhaps others as well. Google’s well known for its 18 month rule regarding software updates though it looks like it might soften its stance with its Android L update release.

Nexus devices won’t be the only devices getting Android L. Motorola’s confirmed a Moto X Android L update though it’s not clear where it will be getting the software. Motorola devices are typically at the front of the pack so it could be that it gets it soon after Google’s Nexus tablets and smartphones.

HTC’s confirmed Android L updates within 90 days of the public release. So far, the company’s confirmed updates for the HTC One M7 and HTC One M8. Other devices remain out of reach at this point.

Finally, the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Note 4 are rumored to be getting the Android L update in November or December though that timing remains flimsy and could change depending on the testing process.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Sara

    11/26/2014 at 10:24 pm

    My Nexus 7 is so slow that I want to throw it against a wall. It has been this slow since I updated it to the 4.4.4 version. Now every app I try to use takes for ever to open, takes for ever to maneuver around, and then shortly upon opening the app states it is not responding. Chrome, Facebook, gmail, games, you name it and it will soon say “not responding”.
    Did I mention how slow everything is? It’s so slow I want to grab my Nexus 7 by the corner in between my thumb and index finger and fling it to the ground with as much force as my arm can muster and with as much snap as my wrist can accomplish.

    I want this update removed so bad!!!! Before I actually destroy my Nexus 7 out of frustration.

    How do I have it removed?????

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