UPDATED 13:10 EDT / MARCH 20 2014

The skinny on Android 4.4 KitKat roll out : Samsung + Sony share plans

android kitkatGoogle released Android 4.4 KitKat on Halloween 2013, and the first device to run the updated OS is its own Nexus 5 handset.  Despite being out for months, not many Android devices have been updated to KitKat for varying reasons.

First, some Android smartphones aren’t compatible with the platform, as it needs more RAM.  Another reason is that participating manufacturers and network carriers aren’t done tweaking KitKat, adding their touches, delaying release availability for end users.

But the next in line to get KitKat are the Google Play edition of the Samsung Galaxy S4, and the HTC One.

Fandroids began to doubt whether they will be getting the update unless they purchase a new phone that already runs on the new platform, but a silver lining has appeared as OEMs and network carriers updated consumers as to when to expect the newest version of Android’s OS. Here’s the latest:

Motorola

Android 4.4.2 has started rolling out to AT&T Moto X smartphones in the US yesterday.  The update fixes bugs and features some changes, such as added support for printing photos, Google Docs, GMail messages, and other content via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and hosted services like Google Cloud Print and HP ePrinters; fast-draining battery bug fixed; fixed data synchronization delays; and data connectivity issues when travelling outside the US.

Samsung

Samsung users are getting confused as to whether the Galaxy S3 and the Galaxy Note 2 will be getting KitKat.  Some regions stated that the S3 and Note 2 will get the update, while others stated that only the Note 2 will receive it.  This has something to do with the hardware of the S3.

In the US and select countries, the S3 comes with a 2GB RAM, while in others like Poland and Saudi Arabia, it only has 1GB of RAM.  It is said that KitKat needs 2GB of RAM, which the Note 2 has.  Samsung hasn’t made an official statement as to which of their older devices will get the update, but it is likely that S3s with 1GB of RAM will not get the update, while Note 2 will get the update.

Sony

The Japanese phone maker is gradually rolling out KitKat for Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z1 Compact.  The software update features a new user interface that resembles that of the PlayStation 4’s, a tweaked Status Bar and Quick Settings, its entire native app portfolio has been updated to the latest versions, its media apps now have Sony Entertainment Network cloud service integration, the availability of Xperia Themes so you can change up your device’s look whenever you want.  Sony also stated that it will roll out KitKat for  Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z, and Xperia ZR by mid-Q2.  The update will also be made available for Xperia T2 Ultra, Xperia E1 and Xperia M2, but Sony has not given any timeline for when consumers can expect it to roll out.

LG

Back in December, LG G2 owners in South Korea started receiving the KitKat update, which came with improved battery efficiency and Google Cloud Printer support.

Though South Koreans got their fix, the rest of the world has yet to see KitKat roll out to their LG G2s.  In January, an LG G2 user on Facebook asked LG Italia when the update will be available for international users, and the company stated that the update will be available by the end of March 2014.

In February, AT&T released the over-the-air update to its LG G2 subscribers which comes with an enhanced Knock feature.  And now, GSMArena claims that the international update is now available for download.  LG has yet to confirm if the international update is indeed available.

photo credit: AtitaSoft Technologies via photopin cc

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