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CyanogenMod 11 M1 release arrives early for (most) Nexus phones and tablets
Having just wrapped up development on its Android Jelly Bean-based 10.2 software, the CyanogenMod team is already pushing out a "Milestone 1" release of the upcoming Android 4.4 KitKat-based version 11. How can this happen so quickly? For now, CyanogenMod 11 M1 is only available for "actively AOSP-supported Nexus devices", which it expects to have few device-specific issues on, since their hardware code is provided by Google. That means it will be accepting bug reports from those devices right away, and have already been tested to make sure they work properly. If you're already bored of the stock Google-provided KitKat experience on your Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7 (all versions) or Nexus 10, downloads of the new software are available here for you to test out. Android users on other platforms (including the Galaxy Nexus Google apparently felt it had to leave behind) will soon see nightly releases roll out as usual, however a rapidly changing codebase and possible device-specific bugs means they won't be able to submit bug reports right away.
KitKat claims 1.1 percent of Android device share a month after launch
KitKat may be the new kid on the Android block, but it's already faring quite well. Google's latest OS dashboard reveals that 1.1 percent of active Android devices are running the new platform roughly a month after it became available. Not that its arrival is slowing down Jelly Bean's growth, mind you. The older software now represents 54.5 percent of all Android use, thanks in part to a two-point surge in devices running Android 4.3. However well Jelly Bean is doing, we expect KitKat adoption to rise quickly -- both the Nexus 5 and the first official KitKat upgrades have only been around for a few weeks at most, and there are more updates on the way.
LG Canada says G2 will get Android 4.4 KitKat by March
LG G2 owners may have to wait a while to get the Android 4.4 KitKat software that their Nexus 5-toting counterparts already enjoy. A spokesperson for the company's Canadian branch informs MobileSyrup that the G2 should get its KitKat upgrade late in the first quarter of 2014 -- in other words, March. While that will disappoint early adopters, LG does note that every local carrier will receive the update at about the same time. Whether or not Americans will see the new OS any sooner is another matter. We've asked the company about its US upgrade schedule, and we'll let you know if it can provide some details.
HTC One developer and unlocked models start receiving Android 4.4 KitKat in the US
If you were bold enough to buy a Developer Edition HTC One or its unlocked sibling, today is your lucky day. HTC's US division has announced that it's rolling out an Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade to both One variants, weeks ahead of the expected update for carrier-locked models. Sense 5.5 should also be a part of the package. While the KitKat upgrade isn't reaching these units as quickly as it did for the Google Play Edition, it's safe to say that many One owners will have another reason to celebrate this Thanksgiving weekend.
KitKat arrives on Nexus One via feeble custom ROM
If you're still rocking a Nexus One, but are jealous of all the new devices running KitKat, you're in luck. The folks on the XDA Developer's forums have hacked together a custom Android 4.4 ROM for the three year-old device. Unsurprisingly, the patched-up build has some issues; namely, it's susceptible to a known bootloop error and lacks screenshot functionality. The camera doesn't work quite right either, but hey -- it's KitKat! On your Nexus One! In your face, Ice Cream Sandwich!
Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play edition scores Android 4.4 KitKat update
If you own a Samsung Galaxy S4 Google Play edition, you can now put down your pitchfork and stop dripping with envy. Apparently, Android KitKat is also gracing not only the Sense-less version of HTC's One today, but also the non-TouchWiz device. When the phone getting Android 4.4 in its purest form, you can look forward to all the features the updated platform promises, including a better camera app and longer battery life. The update should soon be available for download via Settings -- if it's yet to arrive, that is -- those who own a version of the Galaxy S4 with all of Samsung's software tweaks will have to sit tight a while longer.
HTC One Google Edition handsets now getting official Android 4.4 KitKat updates
Earlier today, HTC posted the Android 4.4 KitKat kernel source and framework files for the HTC One Google Play Edition, which usually means an official OTA update is imminent. Sure enough, a user on XDA Developers has now reported that he's received the update the safe way, over-the-air. That means you'll soon see the more streamlined interface if you're rocking the Sense-less device, though some waiting may be required if the rollout is staggered. Other benefits you'll notice will be a better camera app with its own shortcut, improved battery life and more speed overall. Meanwhile, owners of the regular HTC One should get KitKat skinned with Sense in January, at least in the US and UK. If you went for the Google Play Edition, you can check your settings for the update or, if you're feeling brave, download it at the "More Coverage" link after the break. Update: Voice activated search using "OK, Google" from the homescreen is only available on the Nexus 5 with the Google Experience launcher. The post has been updated to reflect that.
Android engineer explains why you shouldn't force over-the-air Nexus KitKat updates
Got a Nexus phone but can't wait for the over-the-air update process to deliver the latest and greatest operating system to your handset? Simple, clear the service framework data and commence mashing the update key. Not so fast, hotshot, says Google's Dan Morrill, who has taken to Reddit to advise users against the approach. On the thread, the engineer has said that wiping the data will invalidate your push notifications in a variety of minor, yet annoying ways. While this process won't brick your smartphone, Morrill advises that if you want to save yourself some annoyance, you use adb sideload to avoid the messiness altogether.
Android 4.4 KitKat arrives on Nexus 4 handsets
Last week, Google announced that KitKat would arrive on the Nexus 4 and data-packing Nexus 7 models "soon." Well, it appears that around seven days was the wait time as Android 4.4 is rolling out to last year's Nexus handsets -- a day after Verizon starting pushing the update to the Moto X. We've seen multiple reports of the update's arrival with the promise of improved performance and a wealth of new features in tow. Keep an eye on those notifications, as the latest version of Google's mobile OS should be on it's way to your Nexus 5 predecessor.
HTC One to receive KitKat upgrade in North America and UK by late January
HTC promised that One owners would get Android 4.4 KitKat within 90 days of the OS' announcement, and it's now detailing when specific countries will get their turn. The company's North American and UK branches both say that they will start upgrading Ones to KitKat by late January, or right at the tail end of the 90-day window. There isn't any word regarding the upgrade schedules in other large countries. However, Droid DNA fans won't be left out -- HTC says they should get KitKat by the end of first quarter, or no later than March.
Moto X for Verizon starts getting Android 4.4 KitKat (update: T-Mobile, AT&T too)
Motorola promised that it would be one of the first to roll out the Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade to its smartphones, and it's making good on its word. The Google-owned company has announced that Moto X users on Verizon are getting the OS update beginning today. Most of the improvements are those inherent to KitKat itself, such as new Gallery editing features and the smarter phone dialer. However, Motorola has significantly improved its custom camera app -- you can now drag your finger to control both the exposure and focus points. Details for Moto X upgrades on other carriers are coming "very soon," the phone maker says. Whether or not you're part of this first wave, you can check out the KitKat upgrade release notes at the source link. Update (11/21): The Motorola blog post has been updated today, indicating KitKat is rolling out for the Moto X on T-Mobile as well. Update 2 (11/22): Now it's AT&T's turn, apparently when Moto said news on other carriers was coming soon, it meant it.
Daily Roundup: PlayStation 4 test drive, Moto G unveiled, Jawbone Up24 and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Android 4.4 KitKat heading to Nexus 7 and 10 starting today
Google has just announced that Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 owners will wait no longer for their upgrade to Android 4.4, as the OTA update is starting today. To be clear, however, the new code is only rolling to WiFi-only 7-inch slates, so folks owning tablets with mobile data will have to wait. Naturally, we still have no word on when the the rest of the Nexi (save the Galaxy Nexus, of course) will be getting KitKat, but at least some folks are getting the newest version of Android. Update: According to Google's post on Google+, the Nexus 4 and mobile data-equipped Nexus 7 models should get the update "soon."
Google brings KitKat keyboard, Hangouts with SMS to Play Store
Google has put a huge emphasis on bringing many of its branded Android apps and services to the Play Store for more users to enjoy without requiring a pure Android device, and two more of them are beginning to roll out today. First up is the new Hangouts app with integrated SMS that the company promised last week, since Google fortunately appears to have overdelivered on the "coming weeks" timeframe. In addition to the much-hyped SMS and MMS integration, it also adds support for animated GIFs, device status (such as your current mood) and the ability to share your location in your conversations. Additionally, the app for the stock Android keyboard has received an update to version 2.0, which bestows upon it many of the enhancements Nexus 5 users have already experienced; the downside is that Emoji, one of the biggest features added to the KitKat keyboard, will only be available to users with the new OS installed on their device. This admittedly won't do many people much good at the moment, but at least it'll be there waiting for you once more smartphones and tablets get the new version of Android. There are still some benefits to getting the new keyboard if you're still on Jelly Bean, such as space-aware gesture typing, rationalized punctuation that varies with your particular screen size (whether it be a smartphone or tablet) and more. We've got the download links below if your'e ready to update.
Sony confirms five devices will get Android 4.4 KitKat upgrade, 4.3 to roll out to ten next month
After taking a week to crunch the numbers, look at the data points and put together some fancy pie charts (we assume), Sony's finally ready to reveal its initial firmware upgrade plans. Five devices in the lineup made the cut to receive Android 4.4 KitKat at a to-be-determined future date, and ten in total are slated to get Android 4.3 Jelly Bean starting next month. Among the devices listed to get KitKat are the Xperia Z, Z1, Z Ultra and Tablet Z, though they'll receive 4.3 first alongside five other smartphones (including a trio of handsets that will jump a version from 4.1 to 4.3). While the rollout is set to begin next month, phones on different carriers or in different parts of the world may not get the upgrade right away. Sony doesn't appear to have closed the door on the remote possibility of other models getting updated, but as usual, we don't have high expectations of that happening. We've included the full list of eligible devices below.
'ART' experiment in Android KitKat improves battery life and speeds up apps
Efforts have been made to speed up the Dalvik runtime that underscores most Android apps, but sometimes the best fix is a replacement. Google's working on it, albeit experimentally. Baked into Android 4.4 is ART, a new runtime option that aims to redesign how Android interprets application code. The specifics are pretty granular if you're not a developer, but it's hard to argue with results: early tests show that ART could cut execution time in half for many applications. This means apps will launch and run faster, react quicker and demand less of your device's processor - potentially improving battery life. The trade-off? Installing applications might take a little longer and they will probably take up a bit more storage space. Sounds like a worthy exchange to us.
Google will soon display your Google+ photo when you call an Android phone
Google's desire to integrate social features into its mobile OS will soon see it use Google+ profile photos to identify Android callers. The new feature comes as an update to the new caller ID service in Android 4.4 KitKat, allowing the company to automatically match phone numbers from incoming and outgoing calls with names and profile photos associated with a registered account. Google staffer Attila Bodis notes that the feature will be enabled in "early 2014" but can only display names and profile photos if the user has verified their phone number and has discovery switched on. While the idea is to bring a sense of familiarity to phone calls, not everyone will see the merit of sending a headshot to people they call -- so Google is offering a way to opt out. Simply head on over to this link, untick the checkbox and all of your Android-toting friends will no longer be able to see your beautiful face (unless, of course, they add it themselves).
Engadget Mobile Podcast 195 - 11.1.13
We hope you didn't wear out your sweet tooth this Halloween, because our host Brad Molen is joined by Android and Me's Taylor Wimberly for a big bite of Android 4.4 KitKat. A new Google OS wouldn't mean as much without a new reference device rollout, so we dive into the details of the Nexus 5 handset, as well. While lots of early adopters are eagerly waiting by the mailbox for their Google delivery, Brad humbly admits to already having scored both the black and white versions to take for spin. Not only that, but Taylor is a bona fide Ara Scout and discusses the potential of Project Ara's modular phone concept. So rest up your sugar-soaked selves and ease into a fresh edition of the Engadget Mobile Podcast via the streaming links below. Hosts: Brad Molen Guest: Taylor Wimberly Producer: Jon Turi Music: Tycho - Coastal Brake (Ghostly International) Hear the podcast:
Motorola phones updating to Android 4.4 KitKat include Moto X, newer Droids
Now that Google's latest mobile OS is officially rolling out, the folks over at Motorola are letting end users know which phones will see Android 4.4 KitKat, and which ones won't. As AndroidCentral points out, digging through the upgrade tool reveals pretty much what you'd expect: all Moto X variants are on the list, as well as the company's recent Droid Mini, Ultra and Maxx devices. Statuses for the Droid Razr HD, Razr Maxx HD and Razr M are left fuzzily tagged "future plan coming soon" while the Droid Bionic, Razr Maxx and Droid 4 are all confirmed staying on Android 4.1.2. VP of Product Management Punit Soni posts on Google+ that Motorola will keep updating the website as plans get more detailed (and hopefully get release dates, or at least windows).
Nexus 5 launcher and apps ripped from factory image, available for download
Can't wait for your freshly ordered Nexus 5 to show up? This might grab your attention: the Android community has already ripped a handful of the phone's apps from Google's official factory image. Droid-Life has collected the essential applications (calendar, clock, email, camera hangouts, and others), but the full Nexus 5 experience requires Google Play Services, Google Home (the new launcher) and the revamped Google Search, specifically. As always, side-load with caution -- these apps were built specifically for the Nexus 5, and there's no telling how they'll affect a device running Sense or CyanogenMod. It may not be a full upgrade to KitKat, but it could be enough to tide over the impatient. Feeling brave? Check out the list of available apps at the source link below.