Android 4.4.2 KitKat Release Date Is Here: More Bug Fixes, Performance Enhancements Quickly Override Android 4.4.1; OTA Files Available [DOWNLOAD]

Less than a week has passed since Google released its incremental update Android 4.4.1, and another is already hitting Nexus devices. Android 4.4.2 KitKat began rolling out onto all Nexus devices on Monday, a mere four days after Android 4.4.1 made its debut. The update is also coming to the Sprint-powered Nexus 5, which reportedly skipped Android 4.4.1 due to various bugs.

Android 4.4.1 brought to devices a number of camera-related updates and other fixes, but Android 4.4.2 is a stability update, which will further address a number of bugs that affected the original Android 4.4 KitKat build.

Since Android 4.4.1 was the standard for just four days, many Nexus devices hadn't even had the chance to update to the first incremental upgrade. Various screen captures detailing the purpose of the Android 4.4.2 update indicate that devices that did not receive Android 4.4.1 may get the features associated with that update. The system details on some devices say Android 4.4.2 “improves performance and stability and fixes bugs,” while the details on other devices (the Sprint Nexus 5 in particular) say Android 4.4.2 “improves the Nexus 5 camera” and “includes other bug fixes and performance improvements.” It seems likely some devices will update directly as there are already OTA files available for updating to Android 4.2.2 from Android 4.4.

Users have noted a number of bug fixes that came with Android 4.4.1, including a fix for the speaker volume, improved LED notifications and haptic feedback, UI tweaks, signal issues caused by SMS for the Nexus 5; a fix for Exchange issue causing battery drain for the all Nexus devices; and the addition of the transparent lock screen for the Nexus 4. For the Sprint Nexus 5, which never received Android 4.4.2, improvements include a fix for clearing the VM Indicator, a fix for delivery of the VM Indicator, various additional software fixes, and security enhancements. It appears the majority of devices currently updating to Android 4.4.2 are devices that had previously updated to Android 4.4.1.

The Android 4.4.2, KOT49H build is available over the air and will roll out onto supported Nexus devices in stages. The Android 4.4.2 OTA sideload files are also available for download for all devices but should be implemented only by those familiar with Android Debug Bridge. Average users may want to simply wait for Android 4.4.2 to arrive on their device over the air, and can check for the update manually by accessing Settings > About phone > System Update.

The following files update from Android 4.4.1 (KOT49E) to Android 4.4.2 (KOT49H)

Android 4.4.2 KitKat OTA file for Nexus 5

Android 4.4.2 KitKat OTA file for Nexus 4

Android 4.4.2 KitKat OTA file for Nexus 7 (2013) Wi-Fi

Android 4.4.2 KitKat OTA file for Nexus 10

The following files update from Android 4.4 (KRT16S) to Android 4.4.2 (KOT49H)

Android 4.4.2 KitKat OTA file for Nexus 7 (2013) Wi-Fi

Android 4.4.2 KitKat OTA file for Nexus 7 (2012) Wi-Fi

Android 4.4.2 KitKat OTA file for Nexus 7 (2013) LTE

Has your Nexus device received the Android 4.4.2 KitKat update? Let us know in the comments below.

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