When will my Android phone get KitKat?
For Android fans who don't have a Nexus 5, when they'll get KitKat is a serious and angst-inducing question. Some handset manufacturers like Samsung and HTC have already promised the update for their flagship devices, but others haven't been so forthcoming. Here's what we know so far; we'll keep updating this post as we get more KitKat news.
When will your phone break off a piece of that delicious KitKat?
The Nexus line
I'll start with the most controversial topic. The good news is that Google expects that the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 devices will get their respective updates "in the coming weeks."
I'll start with the most controversial topic. The good news is that Google expects that the Nexus 4, Nexus 7, and Nexus 10 devices will get their respective updates "in the coming weeks."
Now, here's the bad news. Samsung Galaxy Nexus owners are rightly peeved that they won't get Android 4.4. One reason is that the developer of the smartphone's processor, Texas Instruments, is no longer in the mobile CPU business and can't help upgrade the handset. It's a bummer, and for what it's worth, more than 15,000 people have signed an online petition hoping to change the situation.
Samsung
All we know is that the Samsung Galaxy S4 is in line for the KitKat update, also "in the coming weeks."
All we know is that the Samsung Galaxy S4 is in line for the KitKat update, also "in the coming weeks."
HTC
HTC was the first OEM to publicly flesh out plans for Android 4.4. Indeed, Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC America, confirmed that the company will step on the gas to get the latest version of Android out to its flagship One line.
HTC was the first OEM to publicly flesh out plans for Android 4.4. Indeed, Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC America, confirmed that the company will step on the gas to get the latest version of Android out to its flagship One line.
Things should get under way quickly with the HTC One Google Play Edition landing the update within the first two weeks of November. Then, all variants of the HTC One should follow within 90 days or less. The HTC One Mini and HTC One Max will follow.
Motorola
Moto posted a teaser blog on Halloween that only said it would have more news to share soon. In the interim, Motorola device owners can navigate to the company's support Web site to see if their phone or tablet is due to receive KitKat. They just won't get a date on when it will arrive.
Moto posted a teaser blog on Halloween that only said it would have more news to share soon. In the interim, Motorola device owners can navigate to the company's support Web site to see if their phone or tablet is due to receive KitKat. They just won't get a date on when it will arrive.
Thus far, the only models on the list are the Moto X and the 2013 line (Droid Ultra, Droid Maxx, and Droid Mini) of Droid smartphones. Considering Motorola's tendency to use Texas Instruments in the past, we might look for a "what will, what won't" blog post before long.
Sony
Sony expects to update a number of its 2013 Xperia line with Android 4.4 KitKat, starting with the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z Ultra, and Xperia Z1.
Sony expects to update a number of its 2013 Xperia line with Android 4.4 KitKat, starting with the Xperia Z, Xperia ZL, Xperia Tablet Z, Xperia Z Ultra, and Xperia Z1.
Before these devices see KitKat, however, Sony will push out 4.3 Jelly Bean updates. Starting in December, the exact timing for each phone will vary by market and carrier. Keeping all of this in mind, it will likely be early 2014 before any of them get a taste of the chocolatey update.
LG
Given that LG is the hardware maker behind the Nexus 5, I hope that the KitKat love will reach more models beyond the G2. Though a leaked document from French carrier SFR mentions only a December time frame for the G2, perhaps it's a sign that other models will be close behind.
Given that LG is the hardware maker behind the Nexus 5, I hope that the KitKat love will reach more models beyond the G2. Though a leaked document from French carrier SFR mentions only a December time frame for the G2, perhaps it's a sign that other models will be close behind.
There's always rooting and ROMs
Regardless of which smartphone or tablet you have, there's always the possibility of taking things into your own hands. A number of custom ROMs have already emerged in the few days following the release of the Android 4.4 SDK.
Regardless of which smartphone or tablet you have, there's always the possibility of taking things into your own hands. A number of custom ROMs have already emerged in the few days following the release of the Android 4.4 SDK.
Rooting your device could be helpful for folks who find their beloved Android on the cutting-room floor. What's more, it's a viable option for those who don't feel like waiting for OEMs and carriers to make announcements.
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