3 New Android 4.4 KitKat Update Details for Nexus Users

Last week, Google started rolling out Android 4.4.1 KitKat to its Nexus devices including the Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and the Nexus 10. In the past few days, hours even, we’ve seen some new developments emerge and here, we take a look at new details surrounding Android 4.4.1 and Google’s latest surprise update, Android 4.4.2 KitKat.

In September, Google announced Android 4.4 KitKat, an update that would replace Android 4.3 Jelly Bean as the company’s flagship software and software that would arrive with new features for Android users and beyond. The update was unveiled at the end of October alongside the Nexus 5 and since then, we have seen the update take the Android world by storm.

Towards the end of November, we saw the update start rolling out for not only Google’s Nexus devices but also for Motorola’s Moto X, signaling the start of a massive upgrade across Android devices. We haven’t seen Android 4.4 start spreading like wild fire just yet, but thanks to confirmations and rumors, we should start seeing a number of big time upgrades take place in the next few months. Exactly which version of software devices will be getting remains to be seen, however.

Android 4.4 KitKat isn’t the only piece of new software from Google though. Last week, we saw the company release its brand new Android 4.4 KitKat update in Android 4.4.1 KitKat, an update that has started rolling out to Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 users around the globe. The update, which was announced virtually out of the blue, brings big improvements to the Nexus 5’s camera. Google focused on such in its announcement.

Since then, we’ve seen a number of developments in regard to Android 4.4.and here, we catch Nexus owners and other owners up on the latest details regarding Google’s new Android software.

Android 4.4.2

Today, rumors about an Android 4.4.2 KitKat update emerged with a noted HTC insider claiming that the HTC One Google Play Edition might be getting Android 4.4.2 KitKat and not Android 4.4.1. He said the HTC One with Sense may be getting the same treatment when it gets its upgrade too.

He did not say when the update would roll out. We took a look at our site analytics and determined that Android 4.4.2 KitKat activity had increased in recent days and that the software appeared to be on board Nexus 4, Nexus 5, and Nexus 7 devices. These listings can be spoofed so we couldn’t offer it as definitive proof only as fuel for the rumor.

Just a short time ago, we learned that the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update was indeed real and that it had started rolling out to the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 5, at the very least, today.

We’ve already seen it hit one of our Nexus 5’s and readers have sent in screenshots of the update on the Nexus 4 and the Nexus 7. It appears to be a 50MB update like the Android 4.4.1 KitKat update and it looks like it may simply replace the Android 4.4.1 KitKat update for some users. It lists the same Nexus 5 camera improvements and stability and performance fixes that Android 4.4.1 KitKat listed. It’s confusing to say the least, given that Android 4.4.1 was made available just last week.

What we do know is that Android 4.4.2 KitKat OTA roll out is going to be random and will take some time. Users who still haven’t seen the update are encouraged to check manually in the device’s settings but should avoid using a Google Framework Services trick to try and force the update. That trick has been proven to cause problems with the Google Play Store and should be avoided.

Google’s upgrade process tends to take around a week or so so those who still haven’t seen Android 4.4.2 KitKat, or Android 4.4.1 KitKat for that matter, should remain patient.

Manual Installation Available

Those who don’t want to wait for the Android 4.4.2 KitKat OTA updates to arrive will be able to sideload the software manually. As of right now, the only updates that we have discovered on Google’s servers are the Nexus 5 Android 4.4.2 KitKat update, the Nexus 4 Android 4.4.2 KitKat update and the Nexus 7 2013 Android 4.4.2 KitKat update. We’ve also found the Nexus 10 Android 4.4.2 update.

Those who consider themselves novice users or casual users should avoid this process as it can have untold effects on devices. However, those who are indeed familiar with sideloading and using the Android SDK can pull their appropriate file right now and install Android 4.4.2, presuming the device is on a stock Android 4.4.2 build.

Android 4.4.1 KitKat Changelog

Bugs have been a problem in Android 4.4 so users are likely interested in a change log for Android 4.4.1 and Android 4.4.2. A change log would detail the updates for Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 5 and Nexus 10 owners but unfortunately, we haven’t seen Google provide them. This means that users are on their own in discovering the issues on board these devices.

Here is what we have found on board Android 4.4.1, thus far:

• Nexus 5 camera improvements including: faster focusing – especially in low light, faster white balancing, the ability to pinch-zoom the viewfinder in HDR+ mode , less shutter lag. All of that was confirmed by Google and exists on board Android 4.4.1.
• Fix for speaker volume. (Nexus 5)
• Improved LED notifications. (Nexus 5)
• Improved haptic feedback. (Nexus 5)
• UI tweaks including fixes for the notification bar wherein Wi-Fi and battery are now properly placed. (Nexus 5)
• Signal issues caused by SMS. (Nexus 5)
• Fix for Exchange issue causing battery drain. (Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 5, Nexus 10)
• Addition of the transparent lock screen. (Nexus 4)

These are the biggest changes that we’ve seen in Android 4.4.1 KitKat. The software likely has other fixes on board for Nexus users but to us, those stand as the biggest improvements on board.

As for Android 4.4.2, we expect it to have the same bug fixes and enhancements on board for Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10. Sprint lists a Nexus 5 Android 4.4.2 KitKat update with the following changes for the Nexus 5:

• Fix for clearing the VM Indicator
• Fix for delivery of the VM Indicator
• Various additional software fixes
• Security enhancements

It’s not clear yet whether Android 4.4.2 KitKat has brought new bugs of its own and users should not expect to find out until the Android 4.4.2 KitKat smoke settles, a few days from now.