Android 4.4 KitKat Update Rundown: Which Devices Will Receive The New OS In 2014?

Android 4.4 KitKat has already made its rounds on a number of devices including the Nexus line, the Google Play Edition line, the Moto X and Moto G, the Droid line and the HTC One unlocked and Developers models; but several devices have yet to receive the latest Android update. A number of manufacturers have already announced plans to update their most popular devices to Android 4.4 by the end of January. Android 4.4 update rumors are also circulating for less transparent manufacturers. Here’s a rundown of Android 4.4 KitKat updates expected in 2014.

HTC

HTC has proven to be one of the most transparent manufacturers in recent times. Not only has HTC kept consumers up to date with its earlier Android 4.4 updates, which include the HTC One Google Play Edition, Developers Edition, and Unlocked model, the company is also keeping us in the know on its plans for HTC One models that have not yet updated. HTC has confirmed that all U.S. carrier models of the HTC One should update to Android 4.4 by the end of January. Recently, the Taiwanese manufacturer released an infographic detailing the Android OS update process, which shows that the HTC One is currently at the integration phase of development. During this phase HTC is adding its own branded software to Android 4.4, as are carriers adding their own branded software. Once completed, Android 4.4 will move on to the test/certification phase, after which carrier rollouts will begin. It is well known that holdups in carrier certifications are often the cause of update delays, but HTC insists U.S. carriers will update on time. Currently, we have a little over three weeks to see if the manufacturer keeps its promise.

HTC has confirmed a number of other devices for the Android 4.4 update. The HTC Droid DNA is expected to update to Android 4.4 sometime within the first quarter of the year, which means the new OS could come anywhere between January and March. Not much else is known about the Droid DNA update at the moment.

The HTC One Max and HTC One Mini are also confirmed for Android 4.4 updates, but HTC has not revealed an exact update timeline for these devices. According to Canadian carrier, Rogers, the HTC One Mini will begin to receive Android 4.4 on its network by the end of February. Additionally, tech informant @LlabTooFeR claims that the HTC One Mini and several other models in the One line will update to Android 4.4 between January and February.

LG

LG has largely remained quiet about its Android 4.4 update plans; however, a number of rollout rumors have circulated since the release of the OS. French carrier SFR originally announced that the LG G2 would update to Android 4.4 in November or December, but plans were quickly changed to an early 2014 rollout, likely January.

In late December it appeared that Android 4.4 was rolling out onto LG G2 handsets in South Korea, but the release turned out to be an impromptu soak test, Korean media outlets reported. Only about 5 percent of Korean LG G2 owners received the update, and were not made aware of the rollout beforehand. LG is reportedly pleased with the result of its sampling update, and reports indicate that South Korean LG G2 models will receive the actual Android 4.4 update sometime next week. Android 4.4 updates for the LG G2 in Canada are expected to take place late in the first quarter, which indicates a rollout around March. There is currently no word on Android 4.4 updates for U.S. models.

Motorola

Motorola has long confirmed on its customer-care page, which of its devices will be receiving the Android 4.4 KitKat update. As said, the DROID Ultra, DROID MAXX, DROID Mini as well Moto X and Moto G updated to Android 4.4 in 2013. Now that we are in 2014, devices remaining to update include the Motorola Atrix HD, Motorola Droid Razr HD, Motorola Droid Razr Maxx HD, Motorola Droid Razr M (Developer Edition), and Motorola Electrify M. No specific Android 4.4 update details have been released by Motorola or by carriers; however, we are sure to learn more once rollouts near.

Samsung

Android 4.4 updates for Samsung devices are currently the most uncertain as the Korean manufacturer has not revealed any rollout plans for its devices. The Galaxy S4 Google Play Edition is the only Samsung device presently running Android 4.4, and even that update was sent out rather stealthily by Samsung.

Rumors now circulate mainly around the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3, for which update timelines have leaked. According to the timeline leaked by iTechAddict, the devices will update in January. Similarly, French carrier SFR announced that it may begin Android 4.4 rollouts for the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3 in late January, while tech website SamMobile claims that Android 4.4 system testing for the Galaxy Note 3 began in November. Again, as Samsung has not confirmed any Android 4.4 update plans for its devices, none of these dates are definite.

Also found in the iTechAddict leak is a March-April update timeline for the Samsung Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2. Another leak suggests that several mid-range and low-end Samsung Galaxy devices are being tested for the Android 4.4 update, including the Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy S3 Mini, Galaxy Ace 3, Galaxy S Advance, Galaxy Ace 2, Galaxy Core, Galaxy Fame, and Galaxy Fresh.

Sony

Sony is in the process of Android updates with the manufacturer having rolled out Android 4.3 Jelly Bean onto some of its higher-end devices recently. Some of these devices, which include the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z Ultra and Xperia Z1 have been confirmed by Sony for Android 4.4 updates. The Japanese manufacturer; however, has not revealed any specific rollout dates.

What do you think of the current Android 4.4 KitKat update schedule? Let us know in the comments section below.

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