Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update: Several Clues And Sightings Indicate A Release Is Imminent

The Android 4.4.3 KatKat update has not yet begun to hit devices; however, there are several indications that a rollout may be near.

Most recently, an Android 4.4.3 build was discovered within a Bluetooth SIG certification filing for the Xperia Z Ultra Google Play Edition. According to the filing, the device was running the software version “KTU72.S1.3013,” a build which is already associated with Android 4.4.3.

edu — Edu Device Setup app and update change log. Screencap/Play Store

Another recent sighting was discovered on Google’s Play Store; the update change log for the Edu Device Setup app lists “support for Android 4.4.3 and non-Nexus tablets” among the enhancements its lately firmware brings. While most evidence of Android 4.4.3 has been in the form of not-yet-released builds, this is one of the few instances were Android 4.4.3 is identified by name.

Days ago, Sprint announced plans to update the Nexus 5 to the Android version KTU84F, which would enable Sprint Spark bands 26 and 41 and would include various Android update, between April 14 and 21. However, there have been no reports of such an update hitting the Sprint Nexus 5. Sprint employees have reportedly confirmed that the KTU84F build is Android 4.4.3, on the carrier’s support forum as well as on Reddit. Tech informant LlabTooFeR also believes the KTU84F build is Android 4.4.3 and should be hitting Nexus and Google Play Edition devices soon.

‏Prior to Sprint’s announcement, reports indicated that Android 4.4.3 development had moved into its “dogfooding” phase, meaning it is rolling out to Google employees outside of the Android team. Devices currently included in dogfooding rollout are the Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 2012, Nexus 7 2013, and Nexus 10; Google Play Edition devices and the Moto X are also expected to rollout for Google employees.

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 capture of Android 4.4.3 running on a Nexus 5.

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 issues with the firmware. Android 4.4.3 will reportedly address over 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 issue having to with battery brain 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 rollout an Android 4.4.3 update.

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