Hasta La Gadget!

Ever since Google announced Android 4.4 KitKat, Android users have been itching to know when the update is going to drop for their particular devices. Some OEMs have detailed their roadmaps, at least for their flagship devices. HTC has offered additional details about the update roadmap for this year’s flagship, the HTC One, as well as the Droid DNA. Rest assured, the Taiwanese manufacturer has every intention to release KitKat for both of these devices, but its going to take some time.

The company revealed these details through its official HTC USA Twitter account. On Android 4.4 KitKat for Droid DNA, HTC says that the update is going to be released by the end of Q1, 2014, so that’s basically a four month timeframe which is “pending certification from your carrier.” What this means is that carrier testing of the update might delay its release beyond the timeframe, it can’t be said for sure, but it certainly is a possibility. HTC One owners on Verizon have yet to receive the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update, the compay says that the update for compatibility will happen this week and Android 4.3 itself will come in December. It was quick to point out that the delay in Android 4.3 release isn’t going to delay the delivery of Android 4.4 KitKat with HTC Sense 5.5, which is scheduled to drop by the end of January, 2014.

HTC Details Android 4.4 Update Roadmap For HTC One And Droid DNA original content from Ubergizmo.

Most Moto X customers are likely waiting patiently for Android 4.4 KitKat update to drop. Google has already released the update for its Nexus devices, whereas other OEMs are expected to follow suit soon. Given Motorola’s relationship with Google, its wholly owned by the latter, one might expect Motorola’s recent devices to receive the update sooner rather than later. While it has already been said that Android 4.4 for Moto X is going to be released in the coming weeks, it seems that Verizon tends to push out the update within a few weeks as well. Apparently Big Red has started soak test process for Android 4.4 Moto X update.

“Soak test” is basically a fancy term for beta test, a few users are selected by Verizon and Motorola who receive the update prior to everyone else and report back to the companies if they find any bugs or issues. A leaked screenshot point toward the possibility that the soak tests being conducted are indeed for the Android 4.4 Moto X update, which brings KitKat goodness to Motorola’s flagship. No word has been received as yet if the other carriers that offer the Moto X have begun their own processes as yet to test out Android 4.4 prior to its release. Soak tests usually take a few weeks, after which we should hopefully see a release. No official release timeframe is available at this point in time. [Image via AndroidPolice]

Verizon Begins Soak Test Process For Moto X Android 4.4 Update [Rumor] original content from Ubergizmo.

It was just two days back when we brought you word that Android 4.4 KitKat has rolled out for the Nexus 7 tablet, although it is meant for the Wi-Fi only model. Apparently, the manual update packages for the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 were said to have been released yesterday too, with the promise of Android 4.4 KitKat for the Nexus 4 and the Wi-Fi + 3G/LTE enabled model of the Nexus 7 would arrive in due time. There has been no Android 4.4 KitKat OTA update in sight so far, but Google has already rolled out the factory images of Android 4.4 KitKat for the respective devices.

Of course, this would translate to your willingness in doing away with all the data on your tablet and start right from the beginning. The factory images which are made available are meant for the Nexus 4, 2012 Nexus 7 (Wi-Fi + 3G), and 2013 Nexus 7 (Wi-Fi + LTE). The Nexus 10 still lacks a factory image, but considering how the OTA is on its way for that particular tablet, it would not be too much of a hassle to wait a little bit longer. Do bear in mind that should one flash one’s device back to stock, there is more margin for error as Murphy waits to strike. A manual update would have less hassle to work with.

Android 4.4 Factory Images For Nexus 4, Nexus 7 Revealed original content from Ubergizmo.

Google’s latest Android 4.4 update is in the process of being rolled out, it will be initially released for compatible existing Nexus devices over the next few weeks. OEMs have yet to reveal when they’ll be releasing Android 4.4 KitKat for their devices, Samsung has apparently begun testing the update for Galaxy Note 3. Until the official release happens, Android enthusiasts longing to get a taste of KitKat can turn toward version 4.4 custom ROMs based on AOSP. Today, a Sony Xperia Z Android 4.4 custom ROM has been released, it is a stable build with very few bugs.

All main functions of the Xperia Z such as GPS, telephone, texts, Wi-Fi, camera and more are working in this ROM. The developer notes two glitches, one with manual selection of a mobile network, where the “Please wait…” dialog stays even after the Xperia Z is registered on a network. Tapping the home button makes the dialog vanish, so its a simple fix. Calendar sync with Google is another glitch that might be faced on a fresh installation, rebooting the device two times is described as a fix to get the Calendar syncing again. The compatible Google apps package comes bundled with this ROM, so you won’t have to search for it once you’ve flashed it. Flashing custom ROMs is tricky if you’ve never done it before, so proceed only if you know exactly what you’re doing. The Android 4.4 custom ROM for Sony Xperia Z can be downloaded from here.

Xperia Z Android 4.4 Custom ROM Released original content from Ubergizmo.

Last week Google finally revealed that the Android 4.4 KitKat update is going to be rolled out in the near future. It has already released the Nexus 5, which is the first smartphone to run KitKat out of the box. Several existing Nexus devices will no doubt be the first ones to receive the update in the coming weeks, unfortunately, Galaxy Nexus has been left out. Google has confirmed that the Galaxy Nexus isn’t going to receive an official Android 4.4 update, a decision which has irked many Galaxy Nexus users. An online petition has been started to urge Google to reconsider, and it has gained a lot of traction.

As of this writing, the petition started by Max Duckwitz from Germany has amassed more than 14,900 signatures. Google’s justification to drop support for Galaxy Nexus is that the smartphone is over its 18 month support time, but many Galaxy Nexus owners believe otherwise. They believe that the smartphone should be supported regardless of the fact that its nearly two years old. Duckwitz says that all of the signatures and comments will be printed and sent to Android chief Sundar Pichai along with a short letter and the text of the petition. It can not be said for sure if Google will reconsider, but those who want a taste of KitKat have a couple of alternatives available. Several developers have already created custom Android 4.4 ROMs for the Galaxy Nexus, which seem to be working fine, barring a few bugs.

Petition Urges Google To Reconsider Android 4.4 For Galaxy Nexus original content from Ubergizmo.