Nexus 4, Nexus 7, Nexus 10: 5 Things to 'Expect' and 6 Things 'Not to Expect' with Android 4.4 KitKat Update
Android 4.4 KitKat is the newest Android version and expected to be pushed soon on Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10. However, there are certain things owners can expect and shouldn't expect once the official firmware is out to their devices.
What Things Owners Should Expect
1. Sure Release for Nexus Devices
Google didn't announce any specific release date but Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 are all eligible to get Android 4.4 KitKat. Android 4.2.2 and Android 4.3 Jelly Bean versions landed instantly on Nexus 4 then later reached Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 which was followed by other Android devices. But the existence of Google Play edition smartphones such as HTC One and Galaxy S4 are likely to delay release for Nexus devices.
2. Same Release Date
It is likely that Google will push Android 4.4 KitKat update on Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 at the same day. Google made this traditional move before and there is no point why change it now. Nexus devices have one trait others don't have - exclusive Android updates.
3. With or Without Notifications
Android 4.4 may reach Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 devices with or without any possible notifications and owners should constantly check their devices every day. Google doesn't need to set any schedule since they already confirmed which Nexus are receiving it and the new OS is official.
4. Gradual Update Push
Google may release the new software gradually to avoid crowding users on downloading it and this staggered push may depend on network carriers or territory. In most cases, gradual updates can last for a week or a month long before completely reaching all Nexus devices.
5. Update Issues
New software upgrades may also mean new issues or bugs delivered and it could happen on Nexus 4, Nexus 7 or Nexus 10. Android 4.4 KitKat on Nexus 5 is smooth and solid since it is the first device to run it but do not expect so smooth approach with other Nexus devices.
Things Owners Shouldn't Expect
1. December to January Push Dates
Since there is no exact date from Google, Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade for Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 may happen after November 2013 at the same time of the holidays or as a pre-Black Friday event. If any announcement has been made, you can expect it after one or two weeks later.
2. Not So Exclusive with Nexus Anymore
Google Play edition HTC One is expected to get Android 4.4 KitKat within 15 days after HTC America announced it. Google Play smartphones are considered as Nexus phone and they are more powerful than Nexus 4 which one reason why there are more prioritised.
3. Speedy Updates from Carriers
Owners of Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tied to a network carrier shouldn't expect speedy updates due to possible delays of the rollout. Network carriers set their own schedule with updates which may go favourable or unfavourable to their customers.
4. Predictable Rollout Pattern
Android 4.4 KitKat push may not go out using a specific pattern due to several factors such as territory and network carrier. Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 users should expect random update releases on their devices.
5. Automatic Updates Isn't Easy
Since random update push can be expected, the easiest way to get it ahead of other owners is doing a manual installation. Google always post the official firmware version of every Nexus devices and for those who wants Android 4.4, download it and manually flash it directly on the device.
6. Not All May Work
It is uncertain if every single function found in Nexus 5 running Android 4.4 KitKat will appear on the firmware version released for Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10. According to the Android 4.4 KitKat Web site, low-power audio playback and accurate touch response are currently exclusive on Nexus 5 which boasts the capable hardware requirements.