kitkat
Android 4.4 KitKat Google

Samsung Electronics Co. (NASDAQ:SSNLF) is the latest manufacturer to inadvertently share information about the yet-to-be-released version Android 4.4.3 KitKat.

Samsung Developers shared details on Thursday about a fix for the “ConsumerIrManager” function, which it says is bug-ridden in Android versions lower than 4.4.3. The ConsumerIrManager controls the Infrared electromagnetic spectrum for wireless communications on devices using the Android operating system. Many Android devices, including those made by Samsung, now include Infrared Blasters, which can be used to turn a handset into a remote control, among other functions.

This could indicate that the glitch will be corrected with the implementation of Android 4.4.3, but savvy users and programmers who are still on earlier Android versions can implement the fix themselves following the steps detailed by Samsung Developers. While not confirmed by Samsung or Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), this is fairly solid evidence that the upcoming Android version is Android 4.4.3.

Android 4.4.3 KitKat: Previous Sightings

Two weeks ago, there was news that the Android 4.4.3 update might begin rolling out onto Nexus devices on May 23, but Android Geeks later reported that the update had been delayed. There are currently no details on why the Android 4.4.3 update may have been delayed or when it will actually become available.

Meanwhile, there have been a number of sightings mentioning Android 4.4.3 by name. Most recently, the software version was spotted in an AOSP change log and within an informational video for the newly launched Motorola Moto E smartphone. The system was also listed under the support details for the Edu Device Setup app on the Google Play store. Other sightings include the surfacing of several build numbers that are not associated with currently released Android operating systems.

Rumors about Android 4.4.3 first surfaced when tech website Myce discovered the build number KTU65, which it quickly connected to Android 4.4.3. Later, Italian tech website TuttoAndroid discovered the build number KUT72B, and LlabTooFeR indicated that the build was being tested by Google. Android Police also got its hands on a prospective change log for Android 4.4.3 in addition to a screen capture of Android 4.4.3 running on a Nexus 5.

Fixes Expected To Be Addressed With Android 4.4.3 KitKat

Users have been awaiting the Android 4.4.3 update since the current Android 4.4.2 version has a number of bugs, which have plagued devices since December. Nexus users appear to report the most problems with the firmware. Android 4.4.3 will reportedly address more than three dozen bugs brought on by Android 4.4.2.

Many hope to see a resolution to issues with the Nexus 5 camera: the lens’ inability to focus and a bluish tint in the presence of white light. Other glitches users hope to see resolved include Bluetooth and data connection problems as well as various battery draining issues.

One matter having to do with battery drain caused by the Nexus 5 camera is localized within the mm-qcamera-daemon system code, which allows third-party apps (like Snapchat or Skype) access to a device’s camera. The mm-qcamera-daemon process continues to run even when those apps are closed and contributes to battery drain.

So far, Google has not indicated any plans to roll out an Android 4.4.3 update.

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