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Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7 Android 4.4.3 KitKat Release Imminent

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A well known leakster and credible source says that the KTU84F build that Sprint announced a couple days ago is likely the final Android 4.4.3 KitKat update build and that it will not only be heading to Nexus devices soon (Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10, Nexus 5), but that it will be landing for Google Play Edition devices as well.

Weeks ago, LlabtooFeR, an HTC ROM developer and known HTC insider proclaimed that Google was working on an Android 4.4.3 KitKat update and that it would be rolling out to solve a camera issue. He did not elaborate much on the update but did say that he believed the release was close and that it would land for the HTC One Google Play Edition.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve seen a number of Android 4.4.3 KitKat details emerge, corroborating LlabTooFeR’s claims. First, we saw the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update leak in testing for the Nexus 5 and the Nexus 7, all but confirming an arrival for those two devices and the rest of Google’s Nexus stable. Google very rarely limits Android updates to just one or two Nexus devices.

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

Shortly after that, we saw a great number of Android 4.4.3 KitKat update details leak to the surface. We learned that the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update would be a major bug fixer for Nexus devices including the Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 and that it would also roll out for Google’s Google Play Edition devices and the Moto X.

Over the weekend, Sprint announced that a new Android build would start rolling out for its Nexus 5. The build, KTU84F, was not labeled as Android 4.4.3 KitKat but many, including Gotta Be Mobile, believed it to be an Android 4.4.3 KitKat update from Google.

Yesterday, a Sprint customer service representative, in response to a question from a user, confirmed that the update is indeed Android 4.4.3 and that its updates are “rolled out in increments and can take some time to be received.”

Today, LlabTooFeR backed up her claim with new information that suggests that a roll out is imminent for Nexus users and perhaps Google Play Edition owners as well.

Nexus 5 Problem

According to his information, KTU84F is likely the final version of Google’s Android 4.4.3 KitKat. He also says that the update will be landing for Google’s Nexus devices and its Google Play Edition devices “soon.” In other words, his information jives with what we saw Sprint detail to its Nexus 5 users yesterday.

The carrier says that the update will be landing for the Nexus 5 users between April 14th and April 21st. The update, which will be distributed by Google, will likely roll out in stages which means that it could take a week or more to hit every Sprint Nexus 5 user. This is standard Google protocol and it’s how all Nexus Android updates proceed.

It’s still not clear when Google’s big Android 4.4.3 KitKat push will take place, it usually rolls out Nexus Android updates at the same time, but we imagine that Sprint’s Nexus 5 will get the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update around the same time as other Nexus 5 variants, the Nexus 7, Nexus 4, and the Nexus 10.

Google Play Edition devices typically get the update after Google’s Nexus devices which means that Moto G, LG G Pad 8.3, HTC One, HTC One M8, Samsung Galaxy S4, and Sony Xperia Z Ultra GPe owners will likely have to wait a few days before they get updated to Google’s Android 4.4.3 KitKat software.

It’s still not clear if non-Nexus and non-GPe devices will get the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update. If they do, the release will likely be months off in the distance.

Android 4.4.3 KitKat is expected to be an enormous bug fix update for Nexus users, featuring more than three dozen bug fixes for Android 4.4.2 problems. Nexus users have been complaining about Android 4.4.2 KitKat issues since November and the problems have continued to pile up since its release.

While the official change log remains unknown, a recent leak detailed many of the fixes that will be coming on board Google’s latest Android 4.4 KitKat update.

Nexus-4-575x465

The unofficial change log suggests that it will come with a fix for unstable data connections, improved camera focus, a fix for random reboot issues, a fix for missed call LED problems, VPN fixes, and much more. The Android 4.4.3 KitKat update isn’t expected to bring any new features to the table which means that Nexus users will likely have to wait for Google’s next Android update for those.

Google’s Nexus Android update is rumored to be Android 4.5. The new Android update is rumored to be coming in July, after Google I/O, alongside a brand new Nexus devices, rumored to be a larger Nexus 8. The Nexus 8 is thought to be a replacement for the Nexus 7 and feature high-end hardware and quite possibly, new software as well.

Android 4.5 details remain scarce though we should start hearing more rumors about a new Android update as we inch closer to the summer.

2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Ronnie D.

    04/16/2014 at 5:06 pm

    Thanks for the update on “the” update Adam! Fortunately,i haven’t experienced not one issue on my N5 (knock on wood) but I’ve only had mine for about a month! And trust and believe that I have been putting it threw it’s paces since Day One…so I’m going to be a little bit hesitant installing 4.4.3…like the saying goes, “if it works,don’t f__k with it” right? :)

  2. Rudy

    04/16/2014 at 11:24 pm

    I think Google has somewhat confirmed the 4.4.3 update… check out this link

    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.edu.nfcprogrammer

    In the what’s new section of this app, it clear states “Support for Android 4.4.3” This clearly means that the update will be pushed anytime now…. :)

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