Update: Android 4.4.3 KitKat Rolling Out for Google Nexus 5, 7 Today (June 3, 2014)
Google's Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update is said to be under development for a variety of mobile devices, despite the fact that many U.S. carriers including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint have not completed rolling out the latest Android 4.4.2 KitKat Update.
There exists the possibility that many mobile service providers will simply scrap the Android 4.4.2 KitKat Update altogether, and roll out the Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update instead. The Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update is generally believed to be a simple fix-for-bugs instead of a major software upgrade.
Still users will be very keen on getting the Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update, which is said to be the last of the Android 4.4 KitKat updates. Google is rumored to be currently working on the equally mysterious Android 4.5. At this time, no nickname has been confirmed for this fabled prototype software. This has not stopped the hyperactive rumor mill, however, from coming up with the nickname "Lollipop" -- even though other nicknames have been proposed as well. Naturally, Google will have the final say over the Android 4.5 nickname.
Google keeps the whimsical tradition of naming its Android versions after sweet-edibles. Previous Android incarnations were respectively called Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, and Jelly Bean. The current Android version is known as KitKat.
Along with all the major smartphone manufacturers, the Mountain View-based tech giant has remained mum about the current status of the Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update. The only information that can be gleaned so far concerns rumors that the Android 4.4.3 is undergoing testing and implementation on a variety of current and next-gen mobile devices.
Here is a recap of what has been rumored so far:
Samsung Galaxy s5 and Galaxy s4
Chinese-language site AnTuTu reported that Samsung was running the Android 4.4.3 KitKat software on a mystery device with the model number "SM-G906A." The report implied that device model "SM-G906A" was the Samsung Galaxy s5. There is some validity to this claim as the specs listed for "SM-G906A" is exactly the same as the Samsung Galaxy s5. Though "SM-G906A" can be anything, it is more than likey that the device is in fact the Samsung Galaxy s5.
If true, this information indicates that Samsung may be scrapping the Android 4.4.2 KitKat rollout entirely -- in favor of rolling out the Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update on all its major mobile devices.
Three weeks ago, SamMobile released an internal Samsung document that seems to support this theory. The Galaxy s4 Mini, Galaxy Note 2, and Galaxy Note 3 Neo was also included in the lineup of devices that will be getting the Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update. The validity of the document cannot be confirmed, even though it has a Samsung letterhead placed at the top. Until recently, there was not much information regarding whether the Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update was going to available with the older Samsung Galaxy s4.
This changed last weekend on Sunday, when SamMobile released yet another alleged internal document from Samsung. This time, the leak provided two memos that listed Galaxy s5 and Galaxy s4 as being tested with the Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update. The estimated roll out date for the new Android update was listed as 'not available'. Once again, this information cannot be confirmed even though both documents have the Samsung watermark.
Nexus 4, 5, 7, 10
Ironically, Google may be cancelling the Android 4.4.3 for its own Nexus 4, 5, 7, and 10 -- according to the latest theory was proposed by Alex Dumitru over at Android Geeks this week, Tuesday. Dumitru pointed out that "it's possible that Google decided to cancel the Android 4.4.3 update and integrate everything directly in [Android 4.5] Lollipop in order to make it easier for phone makers and carriers."
Just two weeks ago, Android Geeks had claimed insider knowledge that Google was rolling out the Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update for the Nexus 4, 5, 7 and 10 by May 23. Two days before the rumored roll out date, Android Geeks reported that the roll out date would be delayed. By May 27, the Android fansite concluded that Google would be cancelling the Android 4.4.3 roll out.
Back in April, an incident occurred over at Sprint when the mobile service provider mistyped an announcement -- leading users to believe that the Android 4.4.3 KitKat had been released with the Google Nexus 5. The typo was quickly corrected.
Other than these developments, no further information has emerged. Whether Google will bring the Android 4.4.3 KitKat Update to the Nexus series remains uncertain. Unless indicated otherwise, it is very likely Google will skip straight to rolling out the Android 4.5 on its own smartphone lineup.
