Android 4.4.3 has been released into the wild, check when you will get the next bit of KitKat
The Android 4.4.3 roll-out has begun in earnest, bringing a whole host of bug-fixes, patches and updates to the world’s most popular operating system. As usual though: not everybody will be privy to Android 4.4.3’s delights right away…Nexus users’ are first in line, then Moto X, G and E users.
Still at least Android KitKat adoption is rising. According to figures published by CNET, 13.6% of Android handsets are now up and running on theplatform. Jelly Bean still retains the lion’s share of users with 58.4%, while Gingerbread brings up the rear with 14.9%.
Android 4.4.3 initially began rolling out in the US but has now begun to seed out to Nexus and Moto handsets in the UK. Below is everything you need to know about your Android handset and when it’s likely to get updated to Android 4.4.3.
Android 4.4.3 Is Here! – What’s Up First?
The update is mostly here to fix a number of problems which came about in the last update for the Nexus range of handsets. There’s also a number of minor bug fixes for other handsets included alongside a brand new dialler app which we think should be coming to every phone to get the update.
Below we are going to keep you up to date with what handsets will be getting the update and when. At the moment it’s a little thin on the ground but be sure to check back to see when your handset is ready to get updated.
Nexus 4, Nexus 5 and Nexus 7
T-Mobile has begun rolling out the Android 4.4.3 update for the Nexus 4, Nexus 5 and Nexus 7. It’s only a minor update but it’ll be interesting to see what has changed. There’s an all new dialler app and a brand new contacts app which is worth the wait.
Mostly it’s just bug fixes though which will help out the performance of the entire handset. Expect an even faster camera then before and that drop out which was on some Nexus devices should be ancient history.
Nexus 5
Nexus 5 Gets Android 4.4.3 Price Cut
There never been a better time to pick up the Google Nexus 5. As the phone receives the Android 4.4.3 update you can now get it almost cheaper than it has ever been, especially in the UK. It’s now had a price cut down to £249.95 for the 16GB version in UK Carphone Warehouse stores. Back in February it was a little cheaper for a couple of days but only be a tenner or so.
If you really want to know what Android 4.4.3 is about the Nexus 5 is one of the best handsets to get fully acquainted with it. We liked it quite a bit as well giving it a solid 4.5 out of 5 in our review.
Motorola
Motorola has now begun rolling out the Android 4.4.3 update to some of its most popular handsets. If you’ve got the Moto X, Moto G or the Moto E you should be seeing the update very soon. The update is only in the US for the Moto E handset.
The Moto G and Moto X are receiving the update all around the globe though. It began to roll out on June 7 and is continuing its way around to handset. You’ll be able to get it OTA in time or you can update it manually, head into your settings to see if the update is available yet.
The update brings with it a variety of minor bug fixes and a couple of different redesigns on some applications.
All the handsets are getting the original update and some are getting individual changes. The Moto X gets an update to the camera performance making the exposure better, a more realistic flash colouring and some improved low light photos in the front camera.
There’s also the addition of a button to pause video whilst recording as well as the Motorola Alert application which sends periodic alerts to certain contacts in your book.
The Moto G is only getting the video pause button and the Motorola Alert app. Meanwhile the Moto E is just receiving the stock 4.4.3 update without any special features. There’s currently no word whether the rest of the world will be getting the update for the Moto E or if it’s just for the US. We expect it’ll be rolled out around the globe in time so keep your eyes peeled.
Google Play Editions
America rejoice! The new Android 4.4.3 update is soon to be rolling out to the Google Play Edition handsets which are only available in the US. The over the air update is coming to the HTC One, HTC One M8, Samsung Galaxy S4 and Sony Xperia Z Ultra Google Play Edition handsets.
There are currently no details on whether the LG G Pad 8.3 will be getting the update or when, we expect it to be very soon though. Google is usually pretty up together with releasing the update for its own devices.
Samsung, Sony, LG, HTC And The Rest
If you’re an Android owner but it’s not a Motorola, Nexus or Google Play Edition phone, you may have a little wait ahead of you. Motorola, Nexus and Google Play are all owned or affiliated very closely with Google so therefore get the release first and foremost.
That means everyone who owns anything from a Samsung to a HTC will have a bit longer to wait for the update.
We’ll be sure to keep this story updated with details once the updates do begin to roll out, it shouldn’t take too long for Android 4.4.3 to come tumbling down to other manufacturers so be sure to check back soon for when your phone will get the update.
CyanogenMod 11 M7 launches, Android 4.4.3 update coming July
CyanogenMod has released its CM 11 M7 “snapshot” into the wild, bringing a while load of new features to the popular custom ROM. The hacking-contingent also confirmed its M8 patch – the one based on Android 4.4.3 – will be available sometime in July.
Prior to that we have the M7 update bridging the gap. The M7 addition adds in a raft of new features and has been optimized to run better on lower amounts of RAM. Good news for those with older handsets. CyanogenMod currently supports 50 Android handsets –basically all the major ones – so if you’re in the market for something different, why not check out what it’s all about here.
Here’s the full changelog of what you can expect to find inside CM 11 M7:
- Common: Theme Chooser UI Overhaul
- Common: Calculator app redesign (courtesy Xlythe)
- Common: Performance Profiles
- Common: Improved theming performance on low memory devices (~512MB RAM or less)
- Trebuchet: Move settings to new slide-out panel
- Trebuchet: Consolidate settings for home and drawer options
- Media: Add FFMPEG support (expanded media format support)
- Bluetooth: Improved support for new car audio systems and docks
- Various small bug fixes, global and device-specific
Head on over to the next page to see the story before the update was released.
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