Many manufacturers are working on their Android 4.4 KitKat firmware for release in early 2014. Several developers are also busy rolling out custom ROMs in record time. See the list of the most recent aftermarket firmware developments.

CyanogenMod11 Unofficial ROMs

CyanogenMod11 is working on nightlies released for a couple of high-end devices but the CM source codes are also available for developers to create their own custom builds. Android 4.4 KitKat was released with the "Project Svelte" feature, allowing compatibility with many devices even those with as small as 512 MB of RAM. Developers have tried their hands on a few mid-range to low-end Samsung devices, including Galaxy Fit, Galaxy Ace, Galaxy Gio and Galaxy Mini.

While Galaxy Gio, Galaxy Mini and Galaxy Fit have 278 MB, 384 MB and 280 MB of RAM respectively, Galaxy Ace is the only smartphone to feature 512 MB of RAM. This boasts of the extraordinary range of the Project Svelte, although Samsung will unlikely provide Android 4.4 KitKat to devices over 2 years.

You can download the unofficial CyanogenMod 11 builds for each device below. Remember that these unofficial builds can be unstable regardless of your device's specs. The warranties will be voided and backing up your data is recommended.

Download unofficial CyanogenMod 11 for Samsung Galaxy Ace here.

Download unofficial CyanogenMod 11 for Samsung Galaxy Fit here.

Download unofficial CyanogenMod 11 for Samsung Galaxy Mini here.

Download unofficial CyanogenMod 11 for Samsung Galaxy Gio here.

Meanwhile. AKOP announced that Android 4.4 nightlies are available to the following devices: Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 2013, Nexus 10, Galaxy S3 (Verizon, ATT, USC, TMO), Galaxy Nexus, HTC One (Sprint, ATT, TMO, Intl, Verizon), Galaxy S4, Galaxy Note 2 (ATT, LTE-Intl, TMO), Xperia t, Xperia V, Xperia Z, ZL.

Download AKOP KitKat for the above-mentioned devices here.

Android AOSPA4+ ROM is also released for Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10 and the Galaxy Nexus. Features like Pie, Halo and Hybrid engine are still unavailable but may change in the near future. Features include an advanced power menu, built-in SuperSu, improved volume buttons, notification LED controls, global immersive mode toggle, actionable date/time status bar, diable full screen, quick keyguard unlock, basic file browser and recent/clear all. App privacy controls, screenshot delete notification, optional lock screen transparency, optional quick settings 2.0 and battery icons. Factory reset is required for users updating from Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, stock Android 4.4 KitKat or other ROMs.

Download Paranoid Android AOSPA4+ ROM for the above-mentioned devices here.

Download compatible GApps files here.

The Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update also causes some problems for Samsung Galaxy S3 users and now a custom ROM that will bring Android 4.4 KitKat to their device might be what they need. It seems stable except for a dodgy video playback and non-working camera. The Galaxy S3 GT-i9300 international model is required as other models for this flash will be problematic. See the steps here