Android 4.4 KitKat Update Schedules: Acer, Dell, HTC, LG, Motorola, Samsung and Sony Announced Plans with New Firmware
Android device manufacturers have confirmed their plans on the official Android 4.4 KitKat update push among their devices. Acer, Dell, HTC, LG, Motorola, Samsung and Sony reveals the future of their Android gadgets.
Dell's Venue 7 and Venue 8
Dell hasn't revealed any details regarding Android 4.4 KitKat update push for Venue 7 and Venue 8 slates. Both of their slate devices are running Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean and a good chance to jump for Android 4.4 KitKat soon.
"Dell continually assesses its product portfolio in each country where it does business and not all products are available in all countries. At present Dell doesn't have a timeline on whether the Android-based tablets will be made available in Western Europe, but continues to assess the opportunity in that region," a spokesperson told ZDNet.
HTC One Series
HTC begins the rollout of Android 4.4 KitKat to the three variants of HTC One smartphones. According to the company, official Android 4.4 push updates will begin within 90 days with HTC One Google Play edition as primary recipient receiving the new firmware by the end of November 2013.
It will be followed by the Developer edition in December 2013 while the owners of original HTC One variant may expect Android 4.4 in January 2014 depending on their territory or network carrier.
"Across EMEA, HTC will work with local carriers to begin the roll-out of Android 4.4 with Sense 5.5 for the HTC One from end of January. The Google Play edition will start to receive the update earlier, starting from the end of November," statement of HTC quoted by ZDNet.
As of now, HTC remains quite about the plans for HTC One Max and One Mini on getting Android 4.4 but the company will release announcement regarding future plans.
LG G2, G Pad and Optimus
South Korean tech company, LG Electronics, hasn't announced any schedule or details regarding Android 4.4 KitKat update but certain devices such as G2, G Pad and Optimus series are likely getting the latest software.
LG Nexus 5 is currently stealing the Android spotlight due to its newest running operating system version that everyone wants to get as soon as possible. As of now, Nexus 5 will be the main priority and expected to be followed by G2 once other Nexus devices have gained the new software.
Motorola on Moto X and Droid Series
Motorola is also excited to release update of Android 4.4 KitKat for Moto X and the latest Droid series such as Droid Ultra, Droid MAXX and Droid Mini. It is expected that Motorola will release a vanilla version of Android 4.4 KitKat similar found on Nexus 5 except with specific new features and upgrades to its intuitive system.
However, Motorola announced nothing yet about the exact schedule or timeframe of the push update. Moto X owners will find their smartphone eligible according to Motorola software support Web site.
Samsung Galaxy Family
Samsung is sure quite about Android 4.4 KitKat update schedule for the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 3. But Google already confirmed their update plan for the Google Play edition of Galaxy S4 as it is treated like a Nexus smartphone.
"Samsung UK will announce rollout plans Android 4.4 in due course," statement from a Samsung spokesperson.
Both Galaxy S4 and Note 3 are eligible to get Android 4.4 KitKat as their hardware components are top-notch to run the newest and lightweight OS version. Right now, the South Korean tech giant is busy pushing out Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update for Galaxy S3 and Note 2.
Sony Xperia Series
Sony confirms Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update recipient list and plans for Android 4.4 KitKat version. Sony Xperia Z series will get firsthand of Android 4.3 in December 2013 including the Xperia SP.
Other selected devices include Xperia T, Xperia TX and Xperia V to receive Android 4.3 Jelly Bean within the same timeframe. Xperia C, Xperia L and Xperia M are not included on the official list from Sony which probably planned for the second batch of Android 4.3 recipient.
Sony Mobile plans to release the very first Android 4.4 KitKat firmware build for the Xperia series - Xperia Z, Xperia Z1, Xperia Z Ultra, Xperia ZL, Xperia ZR and Xperia Tablet Z - with probable schedule date in early 2014.
Acer's Response
Unfortunately, Acer hasn't responded yet regarding the official Android 4.4 KitKat and might be busy dealing with Android 4.2.2 and Android 4.3 updates among their devices. A spokesman of the company told ZDNet that there is no official timeline for the release of KitKat.